Former US Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Iran is in an advantageous position in the war, citing its negotiating stance and control of the Strait of Hormuz. In an interview with ABC News reported on August 10, 2026, Esper, who served during the first Trump administration, said Iranian leaders appear confident about the leverage they have gained.

Esper said Iran’s new conditions for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and restoring shipping to its pre-war status demonstrate that confidence. He said the conditions show Iranian leaders believe they are in a favorable position and are winning, adding that, in his assessment, they are in fact winning.

He also said the new conditions indicate Iran has become bolder and more confident about its position in the world. According to Esper, Tehran is demonstrating power in the region through proxy forces. He additionally discussed reduced US stockpiles of some munitions during the Iran war. The Trump administration is trying to reduce the impact of those shortages by increasing production, he said, while noting that some weapons take a long time to manufacture.