Former U.S. Defense Secretary and CIA Director Leon Panetta warns that the United States is in “deep trouble” with its involvement in the Iran war. In comments reported by The Hill, Panetta compares the prospect of a long, open-ended conflict to the United States’ experience in Vietnam. He argues that “history tells us that forever wars do not end well,” framing his warning as caution about the long-term costs and outcomes of protracted military engagement. The reporting also notes that Panetta served as defense secretary and later as CIA director during the Obama administration, speaking to CNN in the interview in which the remarks were made. Across the available sources, the key common elements are Panetta’s assessment of the U.S. position—described as “deep trouble”—and his comparison to past U.S. conflicts to emphasize the risks of indefinite warfare. No additional policy proposals, specific operational details, or new factual claims about Iran or U.S. actions accompany the summarized reporting.