Former US Defense Secretary Gen. James Mattis warned that a potential American military withdrawal from the Middle East could have serious consequences, saying the lack of a clear strategy toward Iran may put international shipping security at risk.

Speaking at the global energy conference CERAWeek, Mattis said Tehran could exploit the situation to impose “de facto control” or transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz.

He described the current situation as “complex,” noting that there are few good options available.

Mattis also criticized the policies of President Donald Trump’s administration, arguing that airstrikes and target selection cannot replace a coherent political strategy, and describing current US and Israeli objectives toward Iran as “unclear.”

From a technical standpoint, he said protecting shipping in the Gulf would be a logistical nightmare for the US Navy, given Iran’s long coastline and its ability to target vessels using relatively simple but effective means.