Panetta Questions Last-Minute Pullback on Iran Strikes

Former Secretary of Defense and CIA Director Leon Panetta on Friday questioned President Donald Trump's last-minute decision to call off military strikes, but added he would prefer diplomacy and taking steps to strengthen U.S. presence in the Persian Gulf region.

"Frankly, if you're going to make a strike, at least in my experience, you ought to proceed with the strike, as opposed to suddenly having your planes in the air and having to pull them back," Panetta told NBC's "Today." "That could result in even greater miscalculations."

However, he recommended boosting U.S. strength in the region and further diplomatic negotiations over military strikes over a drone.

"I don't think with a drone that it warrants a direct military strike," said Panetta. "I do think that we need to strengthen our position in the Middle East. I would probably bring a second carrier into the Middle East in order to increase our firepower. Secondly, (I would) make it very clear to the Iranians that we will defend our forces there."

Panetta said he'd also make sure that the Strait of Hormuz remains open, making that a "red line" and added that the United States must establish some kind of diplomatic strategy and to "at least' begin the process of negotiations.

Panetta added that he's not sure what the "end game" is between the United States and Iran.

"Iran, obviously, is producing these attacks," said Panetta. "I assume they're trying to get the world to pressure the United States to back down. At the same time, the United States is trying to pressure Iran into going to the negotiating table. It's not clear what the end game is from both sides. That makes it even more dangerous."

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