Former Israeli Air Force Chief Warns Trump’s Military Leverage Is Weakening Over Strait of Hormuz Dispute

Retired Israeli Air Force Commander Eitan Ben Eliyahu warned in a 103fm radio interview on August 6, 2026, that former U.S. President Donald Trump’s military leverage in the Middle East is diminishing, particularly regarding the ongoing dispute over control of the Strait of Hormuz. Ben Eliyahu explained that no formal agreement has yet been reached between the involved parties. While there is a tentative understanding that Iran will control entry into the strait, control over the exit remains unclear. Additionally, Iran demands a transit fee of about 7%, Oman demands around 3%, and the United States insists on no payments at all.

Ben Eliyahu suggested that Iran’s approach is misunderstood by Trump, noting that the Iranian mindset and strategy are complex and not fully grasped even by Israeli officials. He clarified that Iran’s plan involves bypassing American influence by negotiating directly with Oman, thereby exploiting a loophole in international law that prohibits unilateral control. This strategy effectively sidelines the U.S., which Ben Eliyahu described as a significant concession or loss of leverage for Trump.

The former commander emphasized that Iran’s willingness to endure extreme hardship and continue fighting until the last soldier weakens the effectiveness of military force as leverage. He questioned when the right moment to stop or concede would be, given Iran’s near-limitless capacity for attrition. Ben Eliyahu also highlighted the challenge of defending not only Israel but also other Gulf states like Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Oman, Egypt, and Turkey, noting that dispersing defense systems across such a wide area dilutes their effectiveness.

He warned that the number of missiles Iran can launch is relatively small compared to the vast number of interceptors the U.S. and Israel would need to deploy across the Middle East. This shortage creates a dangerous vulnerability, likening the situation to a country suddenly left defenseless against missile attacks. The interview underscored the strategic complexity and growing risks in the region amid unresolved tensions over the Strait of Hormuz and U.S.-Iran relations.