Asks about the state of play in Iran given the most intense day of strikes yet, contradicting the President's earlier claim of being 'practically out of targets'.
Joe Mathieu
Mark Esper
Iran is a big country with capabilities spread out; it will take time to service all targets, and some may need to be hit again. The Navy needs more time to degrade Iranian capabilities before safely escorting ships.
Asks what it will take operationally for naval escorts through the Strait of Hormuz.
Tyler Kendall
Mark Esper
Escorting through the Strait is a very difficult operation due to its narrow points and Iran's 47 years of experience controlling it. Threats include missiles, patrol craft, mine layers, fishing boats laying mines, and drones.
Asks if the remaining targets are more about drones, referencing the Energy Secretary's timeline of end-of-month for escort readiness.
Joe Mathieu
Mark Esper
Confirms drones and mines are the more complicated factors. Destroying visible ships is the easy part. Drones flying from unknown locations and unseen mines pose a significant deterrent to commercial shippers.
Asks about the cost curve of Iran's cheap drones versus US defense and if there's a tipping point that forces a reevaluation of weapons deployment.
Tyler Kendall
Mark Esper
We fight with the war machine we have. Iran built asymmetric capabilities, including old but effective mines and modern drones. The cost equation is against the US (e.g., a $3M Patriot missile vs. a $40k drone). The challenge is changing that dynamic.