The Conversation with Dasha Burns Trump is ‘stuck in a stalemate’ in Iran (with Leon Panetta)
5 snips
May 8, 2026 
Leon Panetta, former Defense Secretary and CIA director with decades in national security, breaks down U.S. policy toward Iran, Israel, and global alliances. He warns unclear objectives and a closed Strait of Hormuz risk a prolonged stalemate. He critiques negotiating tactics, military decisions, leadership changes at the Pentagon, and U.S. support for Ukraine.
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Plan To Protect Wide Area Around The Strait Of Hormuz
- Do prepare military and diplomatic contingency plans to keep the Strait of Hormuz open, including protecting a wide maritime area and being ready to deploy forces.
- Panetta specifies protecting roughly 50 miles each side and about 100 miles inland, which could require boots on the ground.
Regime Change Failure Empowered Iran's Hardliners
- Panetta says the failed regime-change aim strengthened hardliners and the IRGC, making Iran more confident and less likely to blink in negotiations.
- He points out U.S. backing off and the ceasefire signal gave Tehran the impression it's winning the political contest.
Nuclear Deal Requires Detailed Inspections Not Quick Promises
- Panetta argues meaningful nuclear verification requires intrusive IAEA inspections and accounting for buried enriched fuel and any covert enrichment sites.
- He doubts current talks show the sustained, detailed negotiating effort that produced the 2015 deal.