Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on the Iran War

Wed Apr 22 2026 at 12:00 pm to 01:00 pm UTC-07:00

The Commonwealth Club | San Francisco

Inforum at the Commonwealth Club
Publisher/HostInforum at the Commonwealth Club
Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta on the Iran War
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Join Commonwealth Club World Affairs for an in-depth conversation with one of America’s most seasoned national security voices.
About this Event

Former Secretary of Defense Leon Panetta says he was surprised that the Trump administration apparently had no plan to deal with the closure of the Strait of Hormuz before launching strikes on Iran in late February. “I think that basically is a failure of planning for what would be an obvious consequence of a war in the Middle East,” Panetta told CNN’s Wolf Blitzer.

With hundreds dead, millions more displaced, billions spent, and oil prices surging, many are asking: Was this war avoidable? How might it end? And will America’s traditional allies continue to rebuff President Trump’s calls for help? Panetta, who served as defense secretary and CIA director in the Obama administration, will address those questions—and what it all means for the future of the Middle East and for American politics at home.

Join Commonwealth Club World Affairs for an in-depth conversation with one of America’s most seasoned national security voices.

Notes

Attendees subject to search. No large bags or backpacks.

This program has 2 types of tickets available: in-person and online-only. Please pre-register to receive a link to the live-stream event.

If you have symptoms of illness (coughing, fever, etc.), we ask that you either stay home or wear a mask. Our front desk has complimentary masks for members and guests who would like one.

Panetta photo courtesy of the speaker.

Commonwealth Club World Affairs is a public forum. Any views expressed in our programs are those of the speakers and not of Commonwealth Club World Affairs.

All ticket sales are final and nonrefundable.

Speakers

Leon E. Panetta, Chairman, The Panetta Institute for Public Policy; Former Secretary of Defense

Moderator: TBA

11:15 a.m. doors open & check-in
12–1 p.m. program
(all times Pacific Time)

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Event Venue & Nearby Stays

The Commonwealth Club, 110 The Embarcadero, San Francisco, United States

Tickets

USD 32.45

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