Show Notes
The renewed cycle of U.S. and Iranian air strikes has replaced the earlier phases of the confrontation, which began with the U.S. bombing campaign from late February to early April and was followed by the U.S. naval blockade from mid-April to mid-June.
The central question now is whether the Trump administration can compel Tehran to allow commercial shipping to pass through the Strait of Hormuz without requiring the Iranian regime’s permission.
Iran has categorically rejected that proposition, insisting that all vessels transiting the Strait must do so with Tehran’s explicit approval. Is there any realistic prospect that Iran will back down? Or does Washington have a credible military strategy capable of changing the Islamic Republic’s position?
Guests are Stephen Walt, Professor of International Relations at Harvard University, and Joshua Landis, Professor of Middle East Studies at the University of Oklahoma.
More from Switzerland with Tom Switzer
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Trump has called for Zelensky to be replaced and struck a diesel deal with Moscow weeks out from the midterms. John Mearsheimer and Aaron Maté on what this says about Washington’s commitment to Ukraine -- and on Iran’s attempt to regain the initiative as Gulf attacks send oil prices sharply higher.