Fareed Zakaria GPS Former Israeli Intelligence Officer On the Prospects for Peace in Iran
114 snips
May 10, 2026 
Danny Citrinowicz, former head of Israel’s Iran branch and current national security researcher, discusses whether a shaky ceasefire can become a real negotiated peace and how Iran may leverage the Strait of Hormuz and regional divisions. Beverly Gage, Pulitzer-winning historian, recounts her road trip through American history, balancing celebration with critique and highlighting memorable sites that shaped her new book.
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Sanctions Hurt But Won't Topple Tehran
- Severe economic pressure and blockade strain Iran but will not force regime surrender because the leadership is willing to sacrifice domestic welfare to survive.
- Citrinowicz argues sanctions weaken moderates but do not create leverage to topple the regime; toppling would require direct regime-change action.
Israel Prefers No Deal Over A Constraining Agreement
- Israel prefers no deal because a U.S.-Iran agreement would block Israel's options and constrain future Israeli strikes on Iran.
- Citrinowicz says Netanyahu is pressuring Trump to avoid an accord since a deal would remove political space for Israeli action and normalization leverage.
Leaving The JCPOA Strengthened Iran's Hardliners
- Pulling out of the JCPOA strengthened hardliners and saved the regime by providing a rallying narrative that weakened Iranian moderates.
- Citrinowicz argues Trump's withdrawal decimated Rouhani's and Zarif's credibility, enabling more extreme policies and higher enrichment levels.
