CNN Panel Debate Highlights U.S. Struggle to Reopen Strait of Hormuz Amid Iran Tensions

Wed, 08 Apr 2026 21:29:00 +0200

On April 8, 2026, CNN's 'NewsNight' host Abby Phillip pressed conservative panelists Scott Jennings and Chris Madel on the unresolved closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion centered on U.S. President Donald Trump's threat to bomb Iranian civilian infrastructure if the strait was not reopened by Tuesday evening, a move that could have constituted war crimes under international law. Despite Phillip emphasizing that Iran still controls the strait, Jennings and Madel maintained that the war was justified, with Madel claiming Iran lacked the military capacity to enforce the closure. Phillip countered that Iran has effectively used mines and drones to control the strait, prompting the panelists to make inconsistent statements. Jennings argued the strait was closed because Iran chose to 'harass' vessels, inadvertently confirming U.S. failure to reopen it by force. Phillip highlighted that Trump had simultaneously claimed the U.S. could handle the situation independently, questioning