The Iran Podcast Will Trump make peace with Tehran?
Mar 25, 2026
Ross Harrison, senior fellow at the Middle East Institute and author focused on Iranian strategy, joins to unpack US-Iran tensions. He and Negar Mortazavi dissect White House rhetoric versus back-channel talks. They compare Trump’s past diplomacy, critique maximum pressure limits, and explore Iran’s asymmetric battlefield moves and escalation calculus.
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Public Rhetoric Hides Private Negotiations
- Negotiations are happening as public posturing while real talks likely occur behind the scenes.
- Ross Harrison says negotiators often don't speak publicly and battlefield moves can serve as bargaining in lieu of formal talks.
North Korea Template Fails With Iran
- Trump models his Iran approach on his North Korea playbook but Iran reacts differently.
- Negar Mortazavi notes Iran's maximum pressure produced maximum resistance and battlefield escalation rather than capitulation.
Avoid Hitting Power Plants To Prevent Vertical Escalation
- Anticipate asymmetric Iranian responses if the U.S. attacks critical infrastructure.
- Ross Harrison warns attacks on power plants could prompt cyber, terrorism, or other vertical escalations affecting more fronts.
