Iran’s IRIB News Agency has reported that Mark Esper, who served as U.S. President Donald Trump’s Secretary of Defense during his first term, said that Iran currently holds the upper hand in the ongoing negotiations and the broader regional situation.
In an interview with ABC News, Esper stated that developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s negotiating conditions suggest that the country’s leaders are confident in their position and in the leverage they possess during the talks.
He added that Iran believes it is in a position of strength, and that the current situation reflects this. According to Esper, Iran continues to demonstrate its influence and power in the region through its allied groups, and its stance has become more assertive than before.
Esper also pointed to shortages in U.S. munitions, saying that the Trump administration is attempting to address the issue by increasing production. However, he noted that manufacturing certain weapons, such as Patriot missiles, requires a considerable amount of time.