The Foreign Affairs Interview How Weak Is Iran?
15 snips
Jun 26, 2025 
In a fascinating discussion, Eric Edelman, a seasoned U.S. foreign policy expert, alongside Middle East specialists Suzanne Maloney and Andrew Miller, dissect Iran's nuclear ambitions and the repercussions of recent military actions. They explore the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations, including domestic pressures and strategic military considerations. Key topics include the effectiveness of strikes on Iran's nuclear infrastructure, implications for Israel's policies, and the evolving power dynamics within Iran. Their insights shed light on a rapidly changing geopolitical landscape.
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Iran's Limited Military Response
- Iran's missile strikes were largely performative and meant to maintain domestic morale rather than inflict serious damage.
- The regime lacks viable military escalation options and faces internal strategic limitations.
Bomb Damage Assessment Complexity
- Early reports on the effectiveness of strikes are often unreliable and require time and multiple intelligence sources for accurate assessment.
- Historically, military strikes underestimated their long-term impact on nuclear programs.
Iran's Nuclear Program Resilience
- Iran retains the knowledge to quickly reconstitute a nuclear program despite setbacks, posing ongoing regional risks.
- Military force alone cannot fully prevent nuclear breakout, necessitating a mix of diplomacy and force.