Newshour US President says he's still talking to Iran
Mar 30, 2026
Michael Eisenstadt, director of the Military and Security Studies Program and military/security expert, discusses non-occupational tactics to pressure Iran's oil exports. He explores legal and moral limits of striking energy infrastructure. The conversation also examines escalation risks and how Iran’s calculus has shifted after recent setbacks.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Reversible Naval Measures Can Pressure Iran
- Michael Eisenstadt highlights reversible pressure tactics like mining approaches and distant blockades as alternatives to occupation.
- Mining Haiphong Harbor reduced traffic by 85% historically, showing non-destructive methods can strongly deter exports.
Targeted Strikes Balance Legality And Pressure
- Destruction of desalination and energy plants carries legal and humanitarian risks, while some oil infrastructure tied to the Revolutionary Guard may be legitimate targets.
- Eisenstadt suggests targeted, temporary strikes to signal capability without fully crippling the industry.
Reducing Existential Rhetoric Lowers Escalation Risk
- Escalation ladders risk runaway conflict but past US-Iran interactions show miscalculations were often managed.
- Eisenstadt says removal of existential-threat rhetoric from the table reduces Iran's willingness to accept high risk.