The Monocle Daily What would talks between the US and Iran look like?
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Feb 2, 2026 Simon Brook, journalist and communications consultant offering international affairs analysis. Negar Anger, former US State Department and NSC adviser now a geopolitics fellow. They discuss rising US‑Iran tensions and opening communication channels. Military postures, diplomatic aims and Europe’s options come up. They also touch on summit diplomacy, political theatre, and the possible role of AI in foreign policy.
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US Is Gauging, Not Deciding
- The US posture near Iran blends military pressure with a readiness to explore diplomacy depending on results.
- Negar Anger says Washington is "gauging" options rather than choosing an immediate path to war or talks.
Pressure As A Strategic Tool
- Sustained pressure can be a strategy to keep Tehran off balance and unable to plan long term.
- Simon Brook compares this to tactics used by Russia against Ukraine to create persistent uncertainty.
Red Lines Risk Political Backfire
- Red-line moments carry political risks when a leader declares action but then hesitates.
- Negar Anger cites Obama's Syria moment as a cautionary example for present-day signalling.
