Mark Esper on the Risks of Securing the Strait of Hormuz

Thought Leader: Mark Esper

March 13, 2026

C-SPAN’s Ceasefire — Former Defense Secretaries Mark Esper (R) and Leon Panetta (D) on the possibility that the U.S. could control the crucial Strait of Hormuz shipping route during conflict with Iran: “You have mines, you have drones, you have ship-to-sea missiles to deal with,” Esper said. “I imagine they’re not entirely confident they could deal with all those threats at this point in time.”

The Honorable Mark Esper served as U.S. Secretary of Defense and Secretary of the Army, with decades of leadership across government, business, and the military. A West Point Distinguished Graduate and author of A Sacred Oath, he now works in venture capital and private equity. Esper brings audiences informed perspectives on global security, leadership, and strategic decision-making. To bring Mark Esper to your next speaking event, contact WWSG.

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