The Rachman Review Iran war: What does Tehran want and will it get it?
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Apr 16, 2026 
Suzanne Maloney, director of Brookings’ Foreign Policy program and Iran specialist, outlines Tehran’s aims to survive and strengthen its deterrent. She discusses Iran’s negotiating limits, use of the Strait of Hormuz as leverage, the role of time and sanctions, and how regional and global powers might shape a long, stop-start path toward a settlement.
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Nuclear Enrichment Is A Central Negotiating Red Line
- Nuclear parity remains a core Iranian red line: they won't give up enrichment permanently but may pause temporarily.
- The U.S. seeks permanent cessation while Iran offers limited extensions; disposition of dispersed highly enriched uranium is a critical sticking point.
Strait Control Gives Iran Disproportionate Leverage
- Control of the Strait of Hormuz is Iran's most powerful leverage and hardest bargaining chip to surrender.
- Tehran's closure/tolling of the strait has forced global economic pain, giving Iran time and bargaining power in talks.
Negotiate A Practical Transit Fee For Hormuz
- Consider creative temporary arrangements to reopen Hormuz, such as modest transit fees earmarked for reconstruction.
- Proposals must avoid extreme extortion figures and could follow a tailored international framework similar to Montreux-style guarantees.