Retired generals break down Iran war strategy after week 4
March 28, 2026
CNN
The Strait of Hormuz has been effectively closed by Iran for almost four weeks – throwing global oil markets into chaos – and there is no clear end in sight. US President Donald Trump has touted diplomatic efforts to end Iran's blockade, while also moving to deploy thousands more troops to the Middle East and looking into possible US Navy escorts for oil tankers.
Iran has been laying traps and moving military personnel and air defenses to Kharg Island in preparation for a possible US operation to take control of the island, according to people familiar with US intelligence reporting. Talks between the United States and Iran are ongoing – though both sides are describing things very differently. Here's a roundup of retired US generals analyzing the fourth week of the Iran war. 0:00 Maj Gen Randy Manner on 4 possible operation options in Iran 4:43 Brig Gen Anderson on a miscalculation of the Iranians' will to fight 8:27 Lt Gen Mark Schwartz on the 82nd Airborne's potential operation 10:11 Col Cedric Leighton identifies Iran nuclear sites, power plants 13:43 Maj Gen Randy Manner on the 82nd: Practical, or symbolic? 16:32 CNN national security analyst on Iran negotiating with JD Vance 19:52 Maj Gen Randy Manner on the critical Gulf infrastructure Iran could still hit 21:22 Maj Gen Randy Manner reacts to Hegseth's 'We negotiate with bombs' Watch more CNN here: https://cnn.it/4kh5RPe #Iran #Trump #News
CNN
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