Trump's former Secretary of Defense warned that the US cannot rely on aerial bombardment to win the war against Iran; it must pressure Iran through a comprehensive economic blockade and force it to open the Strait of Hormuz. On Wednesday, the US launched another round of attacks against Iran. Trump said that air strikes will be stepped up in the next few weeks to force Iran to sign an agreement. However, Trump's first term Secretary of Defense Mark Esper said in an interview that an air strike strategy alone cannot change Iran's position and demands to control the straits. “Even if we resume large-scale bombing like we did a few months ago and continue for a while, I don't think this move will make a substantial difference.” Esper said. In an interview on Wednesday, he said, “There are only two ways to pressure Iran: one is an all-out military attack, and the other is to completely suppress its lifeline economically.” In the panel discussion, he added that if the economic blockade is to be effective, it requires sufficient time, long-term commitment, and continuous policy implementation, and it is also inseparable from the international community's cooperation; the cost that the US will have to pay in the short term is the rise in domestic gasoline prices.

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