Mark Esper
other
Mark Thomas Esper is an American politician and manufacturing executive who served as the 27th United States secretary of defense from 2019 to 2020. A member of the Republican Party, he had previously served as the 23rd U.S. secretary of the Army from November 2017 to July 2019.
Standing...
Stories...
Aug 10, 2026
Center
Former Defense Secretary Mark Esper said Iran feels emboldened as Hormuz negotiations continue.
Centrists read his warning as a needed reality check on Tehran's leverage, but worry it builds pressure for a wider military confrontation.
Jul 28, 2026
Far Right
Former US Secretary of Defense admitted even in the best Iran war scenario the US would be worse off.
Cited as evidence of US weakness and the futility of military threats against Iran.