Michael Doran, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East at the Hudson Institute, along with other experts, debate Iran's global threat, its nuclear ambitions, the impact of Iran's proxies in the Middle East, and Biden's Iran diplomacy in a thought-provoking discussion. Topics include offensive measures against Iran, Israel's survival in the face of a nuclear Iran, Iran's behavior challenging the global order, and its regional impact through proxy wars.
Biden's Iran diplomacy has failed, leading to Iran's increased influence in the region and closer proximity to nuclear weapons.
Debaters have varying opinions on whether Iran threatens the global order, with some pointing to its disruptive actions and alliances, while others consider it a regional power with limited global influence.
Deep dives
Biden's Iran diplomacy has failed
The debaters argue that Biden's Iran diplomacy has failed, with Iran becoming more influential in the region and closer to obtaining nuclear weapons. They point to the increased threat Iran poses to the US, its allies, and the global order.
Living with a Nuclear Iran
The debaters disagree on whether Israel can live with a nuclear Iran. Some argue that Israel would be able to survive with its own nuclear arsenal and deterrence capabilities, while others express concern about the potential threat and instability posed by a nuclear-armed Iran.
Iran's Challenge to the Global Order
The debaters have differing views on whether Iran poses a challenge to the global order. Some see Iran's involvement in regional conflicts, support for proxies, and alliance with Russia and China as disruptive to the global order. Others believe that Iran is primarily a regional power with limited global influence.
Lessons from History and Current Challenges
The debaters discuss the relevance of historical lessons, such as the Iran-Iraq War, in understanding Iran's behavior and crafting effective strategies. They also highlight the importance of learning from past mistakes, the need for diplomacy, and the complexities of addressing Iran's ideological and opportunistic actions.
Iran’s regional role has changed post-October 7, but is Iran a bigger global threat than we think? In partnership with the Council on Foreign Relations, National Security Council and State Department veterans will debate in our Unresolved format Biden’s Iran diplomacy, Iran's use of proxies in the Middle East, its nuclear ambitions, and whether Iran now poses a threat to the global order.
Michael Doran, Senior Fellow and Director of the Center for Peace and Security in the Middle East at the Hudson Institute
Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center
Ray Takeyh, Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations
Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates