Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast John Mearsheimer: The Case for a Nuclear Iran
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Feb 25, 2026 
John Mearsheimer, noted University of Chicago realist scholar, makes the case that Iran should be seen as a rational actor and explores why nuclear weapons might serve as ultimate deterrence. He weighs the likelihood of U.S. military action, the drivers pushing for conflict, and the wider geopolitical costs of attacking Iran. Short, direct takes on diplomacy, escalation risks, and global balance of power.
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Broad International Resistance To An Attack On Iran
- Global opposition to attacking Iran is nearly unanimous except for Israel.
- Mearsheimer cites Saudis, Gulf states, China, Russia and quiet European opposition plus US military advisers lacking a viable strategy as key constraints.
State Of The Union Opened A Diplomacy Window
- Trump's State of the Union framed the issue narrowly: he demanded Iran never obtain a nuclear weapon, not that it cease enrichment or missiles.
- Iranian FM Arachi publicly said Iran will never develop a nuclear weapon while keeping enrichment, creating possible diplomatic off-ramp.
Israel And The Lobby As The Main Driver For War
- Mearsheimer attributes US pressure for war primarily to Israel and the pro-Israel lobby.
- He parallels the Iraq War influence, arguing discourse omits Israel's central role for political reasons.