Leon Panetta: Even Though We May Escort a Few Ships, ‘the Fundamental Closure of the Strait of Hormuz Is Still a Reality’

EXCERPT:

PANETTA: “I think it is good news that the United States has been able to escort some ships through the Straits of Hormuz because, frankly, one of the fundamental issues here is the closure of the Straits of Hormuz. That's what's impacting on the price of fuel. That's what's impacting on our inflation, the cost of living. And it really is leverage on the part of Iran to be able to threaten the Straits of Hormuz. As long as they have that capability with their missiles and drones, I'm afraid that even though we may escort a few ships, the fundamental closure of the Straits of Hormuz is still a reality.”