2028 hopeful Buttigieg torches Trump over Iran war: 'Unfit to be commander in chief'

WASHINGTON, DC: Former US Transportation Secretary Pete Buttigieg on Sunday, March 15, criticized the Trump administration’s handling of the conflict with Iran, describing the situation as “amateur hour” and accusing officials of launching military action without sufficient planning.

Speaking during an interview on CNN, Buttigieg said that the administration had failed to adequately prepare for possible responses from Iran, including disruptions in key shipping routes.

His remarks came as tensions in the region continued to affect global energy markets and maritime traffic. The criticism also reflected the broader debate in Washington over how the conflict was being managed.

Pete Buttigieg criticizes planning and messaging around the conflict

Buttigieg said the administration had not fully prepared for the potential consequences of its military actions against Iran.

“He went off and launched a war without planning, without being ready for even some of the most basic things,” Buttigieg said, referring to President Trump.

The former cabinet official specifically pointed to the possibility that Iran might disrupt shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, a key global energy route, as an example of a risk that should have been anticipated.

He also referenced comments by Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth about the situation in the strait. 

“Secretary Hegseth went so far as to say that the Strait of Hormuz is open, other than the fact that there would be fire against vehicles transiting the strait. This is clearly amateur hour at the Pentagon and in the White House, and again, the price is being paid by all of us,” Buttigieg said.

Buttigieg also criticized the administration’s communication and political messaging during the conflict.

He said that the White House’s social media team had shared videos portraying Iranian strikes in a manner similar to video games, which he argued was inappropriate given the seriousness of the conflict.

In addition, he pointed to a fundraising email distributed by Trump’s political operation that included images from a dignified transfer ceremony for US service members killed during the conflict.

Such ceremonies typically involve the return of fallen troops’ remains to the United States with military honors.

“Any politician who does that has no business leading American troops in the war. If the president is willing to raise campaign funds over the bodies of America’s war dead, he is unfit to be the commander in chief,” Buttigieg added.

US officials discuss international support to secure Hormuz

US Ambassador to the United Nations Mike Waltz said discussions were underway with other countries about helping reopen the Strait of Hormuz after Trump suggested allies could join the United States in sending naval forces to secure the route.

Speaking on CNN’s 'State of the Union', Waltz said “the conversations are ongoing,” adding that the United States would “certainly welcome, encourage and even demand their participation to help their own economies.”

Officials in several of those countries have not confirmed plans to deploy naval assets to the region.

A spokesperson for the Chinese Embassy in Washington said the country was calling for an immediate end to hostilities and stressed that “all parties have the responsibility to ensure stable and unimpeded energy supply.”