Daniel Davis Deep Dive Prof. Seyed Marandi: War w/Iran Will Be CATASTROPHIC FOR EVERYONE
Feb 11, 2026
Prof. Seyed Marandi, a University of Tehran professor and former nuclear negotiator, offers firsthand perspective on Iran’s nuclear policy and regional strategy. He discusses the 2015 deal, domestic political splits over negotiations, and why military strikes would be ineffective. He also explores Iran’s asymmetric military preparations and the severe global risks of escalation.
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Personal Memory From Iran–Iraq War
- Marandi recounts being gassed in the Iran–Iraq War and Ayatollah Khomeini refusing chemical weapons.
- He uses this history to argue Iran rejected WMDs on moral and political grounds.
Why Iran Avoided Nuclear Weapons
- Marandi contends Iran has technological capability for nuclear weapons but chose not to build them.
- He argues regional proliferation risk and moral reasons deter Iran from pursuing a bomb.
Pressure Accelerated Iran's Nuclear Capabilities
- Marandi says U.S. attacks accelerated Iran's nuclear advance and deeper concealment.
- He warns Iran's enriched uranium production and underground facilities are harder to detect now.