Mattis warns quick Iran victory could hand Hormuz to Tehran

Former Defense Secretary Jim Mattis warned at CERAweek that ending the Iran conflict now would effectively cede the Strait of Hormuz to Tehran, risking that Iran taxes every passing ship. The White House has paused strikes for five days after weeks of attacks, with Iran’s retaliation leaving Hormuz effectively closed and oil prices volatile around $90. Analysts say a durable peace remains unlikely given deep divergences, and while some industry figures floated a permanent U.S. presence in Hormuz, Mattis emphasized that air power alone won’t topple a regime.