Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Scott Ritter: Trump Calls Putin for Iran War Off-Ramp
Mar 11, 2026
Scott Ritter, former US Marine intelligence officer and UN weapons inspector, offers sharp geopolitical analysis. He discusses Trump’s call to Putin and the diplomatic dynamics around an Iran off-ramp. He explains Russian strategic restraint, bargaining leverage involving Ukraine, and why military options in the Gulf are impractical.
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Russia Uses Diplomacy As Strategic Leverage
- Russia keeps the diplomatic door open to gain strategic leverage rather than react precipitously militarily.
- Scott Ritter cites Russia refusing retaliatory strikes on UK-made missiles to profit from sanctions relief and shape negotiations.
Phone Call Put US Dependent On Russian Leverage
- The Trump–Putin phone call put the US in a position of needing Russian help on energy and Iran, giving Russia bargaining power on Ukraine terms.
- Ritter argues Russia could link pressure on Iran to US concessions over Ukraine, framing talks as 'Alaska plus'.
Avoid Short Term Retaliation That Empowers The Enemy
- Do not let emotional satisfaction drive military retaliation; patience can yield greater strategic gains.
- Ritter advises Russia to avoid empowering Zelensky by allowing Ukraine and Western partners to self-weaken politically.