Daniel Davis Deep Dive Iran Conflict COUNTDOWN / Lt Col Daniel Davis & Jim Jatras
Feb 9, 2026
Jim Jatras, former U.S. diplomat and GOP foreign policy adviser, offers candid takes on U.S.-Iran tensions. They probe U.S. military posture, negotiating leverage, and Iran's possible responses. The conversation weighs regime-change aims versus limited goals, regional airspace politics, and risks of broader confrontation involving Russia and China.
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Attrition Is A Plausible Iranian Strategy
- Jatras compares Iranian strategy to the Houthis: absorb attacks, retaliate, and outlast opponents.
- He warns the U.S. and Israel may feel compelled to escalate massively rather than accept a prolonged attrition contest.
Regime Change Mindset Blocks Deals
- Jatras argues powerful U.S. actors seek regime change in Tehran, making genuine compromise unlikely.
- He says negotiating with adversaries who aim to destroy you is effectively impossible.
Expect Limited Regional Participation
- Regional states will signal support for the U.S. while avoiding direct participation to limit Iranian blowback.
- Jatras suggests expect host nations to protect their own assets and try to avoid becoming targets.