The Houthis Have Entered the Chat - Week 5 (Iran War) | EYES ON GEOPOLITICS

Mar 30, 2026

Jonathan (Jon) Hackett, former special operations practitioner and author, offers sharp analysis of irregular warfare and Iran-related operations. He discusses the effect of combined strikes on Iranian capabilities. He examines risks of escalation, planning gaps in decision-making, and what a Kharg Island or Strait of Hormuz operation might involve. He highlights logistics, mobilization, and regional multi-front pressures.

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INSIGHT

Military Success Without A Political Off-Ramp

The U.S. and Israel have likely achieved many immediate military objectives but lack a clear political off-ramp.
Jonathan Hackett and Mick Mulroy argue declaring objectives met and pausing strikes would improve negotiation leverage over the Strait and allies' cooperation.

INSIGHT

Negotiations Tested By Ongoing Strikes

Iranian negotiators will test U.S. good faith by demanding extreme concessions while both sides keep fighting.
Mick Mulroy notes 11,000 strikes and targeting of dual-use infrastructure will make Iranians skeptical of negotiation sincerity.

ADVICE

Restart NSC Planning And Present Clear Contingencies

Re-establish the NSC coordination process and present contingency analyses to policymakers.
Jonathan Hackett recommends packaging military options with pros/cons so decision makers see risks like casualty estimates and logistics implications before choosing a path.

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