The current conflict in the Middle East resulted in a loss for the U.S. because the Strait of Hormuz only closed after the war began.

“IF THIS WAR BECOMES ABOUT OPENING THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ, WE HAVE ALREADY LOST BECAUSE THE STRAIT OF ONLY CLOSED BECAUSE WE STARTED THE WAR.”

The U.S. failed to improve its position by initiating this war, which has instead strengthened and entrenched the Iranian leadership.

“WE ARE A LONG WAY FROM BEING IN A BETTER POSITION THAN WHERE WE WERE BEFORE WE STRUCK. IN JANUARY, IRAN WAS PROBABLY THE WEAKEST IT HAD BEEN AS A RESULT OF SANCTIONS AND THE RISE UP OF THEIR OWN POPULATION IN YEARS. NOW WE HAVE A MORE ENTRENCHED, DANGEROUS LEADERSHIP”

The President has not effectively explained the rationale or the objectives for the current military operations in the region.

“ARE WE TRYING TO TAKE OVER KHARG ISLAND? I WOULD TRY TO GET SHIPS THROUGH THE STRAIT OF HORMUZ? MAKING THAT CASE NOT ONLY TO CONGRESS BUT INEFFECTIVE THE AMERICAN PEOPLE IS VALID AND IMPORTANT AND THE PRESIDENT SEEMS UNWILLING TO DO SO.”