Trending Now - Trump Criticized for Handling of Iran Crisis by Experts

WHO:

Donald Trump, President of the United States

Leon Panetta, former US Defence Secretary and CIA Director

Karen von Hippel, former senior adviser in the Department of State’s bureau on counter-terrorism

Mojtaba Khamenei, successor to Iran’s supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei

Steve Reed, UK Communities Secretary

WHAT:

Trump initiated a war with Iran on February 28th, 2026, following a surprise strike by Israel that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

Thirteen US service members and over 1,400 Iranians have been killed in the conflict.

Trump threatened to "obliterate" Iranian power plants if the Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours.

Trump stated he does not plan to put US boots on the ground in Iran but is sending thousands of Marines to the Middle East.

Panetta criticized Trump for sending mixed signals regarding the war's objectives and timeline.

Panetta described the situation as a crisis of Trump's own making, emphasizing the vulnerability of the Strait of Hormuz.

WHERE:

Strait of Hormuz, a critical waterway for global oil trade

Iran, specifically mentioning the location of the conflict and the impact on Iranian leadership

WHEN:

War with Iran began on February 28th, 2026

Panetta's comments were made on March 22nd, 2026

Trump’s ultimatum regarding the Strait of Hormuz was issued on March 22nd, 2026

WHY:

The conflict was initiated following the assassination of Iran’s supreme leader, with the intention of achieving military objectives.

Panetta suggested that the war was expected to end quickly, which did not occur, leading to rising oil prices and economic concerns.

HOW:

Trump’s administration is sending thousands of Marines to the Middle East as part of military operations.

Panetta advised that military action may be necessary to open the Strait of Hormuz and neutralize Iranian defenses.

(UPDATED March 22, 2026 21:17 UTC)

Today, President Trump issued an ultimatum to Iran, threatening to "obliterate" their power plants if the critical Strait of Hormuz is not reopened within 48 hours, following the start of the war on February 28 after Israel's surprise strike that killed Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. The conflict has already claimed the lives of thirteen US service members and over 1,400 Iranians, with Trump sending thousands of Marines to the Middle East while stating he does not plan to deploy ground troops in Iran. Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta criticized Trump's mixed signals about the war's objectives and timeline, describing the situation as a crisis of Trump's own making that has led to rising oil prices and economic concerns.