Inside Politics with Hugh Linehan Is regime change in Iran a realistic possibility?
Mar 2, 2026
Denis Staunton, Beijing correspondent for The Irish Times and author of the Global Briefing newsletter, provides sharp analysis of Iran and the wider Middle East. He discusses America's unmatched military power and the shift to decapitation tactics. He traces how Iran lost regional influence, maps possible post‑war scenarios, and examines why China and Europe have stayed largely passive.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
US Shift To Quick High-Tech Decapitation Strikes
- The US now prefers short, high-tech decapitation strikes over large-scale ground wars to achieve political objectives.
- Denis Staunton contrasts this with the Powell Doctrine and cites recent US/Israeli strikes and Venezuela operation as examples.
How Iran Lost Regional Hegemony
- Iran's regional influence has sharply declined due to setbacks: degraded proxies, Assad's weakening, sanctions, and domestic protests.
- Staunton links post-October 7 Israeli campaigns and sanctions to Hezbollah/Hamas degradation and Iran's economic collapse.
Iran Targets Gulf Economic Lifelines
- Gulf states sought neutrality but Iran's retaliatory strikes targeted Gulf economic and transport infrastructure.
- Staunton notes Dubai and Doha airport disruptions plus threats to oil routes raising insurance and shipping withdrawals like Maersk.