Call Me Back - with Dan Senor Is the war going well? - a debate between Dan Shapiro and Mark Dubowitz
83 snips
Apr 13, 2026 
Mark Dubowitz, sanctions expert and FDD CEO, argues for pressure to degrade Iran’s capabilities. Dan Shapiro, former U.S. ambassador to Israel and seasoned diplomat, stresses alliances and avoiding open-ended regime change. They trade sharp views on the Hormuz blockade, military gains versus political will, defining success, escalation versus containment, and what stopping now would mean for U.S. strategy and partners.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Confused Strategic Objectives Led To Improvisation
- The war's strategy has been confused from the start, mixing goals like regime change, nukes, and reopening Hormuz without a clear prioritized plan.
- Dan Shapiro argues Islamabad talks couldn't resolve all demands and the Hormuz blockade made objectives more improvised.
Six Stages And Three Clocks Define Progress
- Mark Dubowitz frames progress as six degrading stages: nuclear, missiles, leadership, economy, Hormuz leverage, and regime survival.
- He sees serious but non-terminal damage so far and treats American political will as a ticking clock.
Iran's Asymmetric Leverage Through Hormuz And Strikes
- Iran demonstrated precise capabilities to strike U.S. bases and threaten Hormuz, showing asymmetric levers despite military weakness.
- Dan Shapiro says Hormuz closure is a new and impactful tactic that forces global economic pressure.