Morning Joe Richard Haass: If diplomacy with Iran doesn’t gain momentum, this will escalate
May 5, 2026
Richard Haass, President emeritus of the Council on Foreign Relations and seasoned diplomat, offers sharp analysis on risks around Iran and the Strait of Hormuz. He warns diplomacy must move fast to avoid wider escalation. Discussion also covers regional military threats, political obstacles to negotiation, and the strategic shifts as allies respond to a changing U.S. role.
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Brittle Gulf Standoff Risks Rapid Escalation
- Richard Haass says the current Gulf situation is neither a ceasefire nor all-out war but a brittle blockade that risks rapid escalation.
- He warns that without urgent diplomacy the next step will be attacks on energy infrastructure followed by retaliation and catastrophe.
Ukraine As The Arsenal Of Hybrid Warfare
- Michael Weiss highlights Ukraine as innovating modern warfare with inexpensive, mass-producible drones and hybrid tactics.
- He notes Ukrainian covert and kinetic operations (shadow fleet strikes, deep strikes into Russia) are changing battlefield dynamics.
U.S. Covert Support Helped Ukraine Innovate
- Michael Weiss recounts U.S. covert support for Ukraine, including intelligence and tech transfer despite presidential rhetoric.
- He quotes a CIA officer comparing Ukrainians to 1959 Cubans as a future proxy/emigre force.