Judging Freedom Scott Ritter : Iran: Trump Has No Diplomatic Solution
Feb 16, 2026
Scott Ritter, former U.S. Marine intelligence officer and foreign policy analyst, gives his take on Iran and U.S. strategy. He discusses U.S. plans for strikes and covert preparations. He examines diplomatic maneuvering as cover for regime-change efforts. He also parses Russia and China’s roles and the domestic politics pushing toward confrontation.
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Attack Over Diplomacy
- Scott Ritter argues Trump has decided to attack Iran when conditions permit rather than pursue real diplomacy.
- The administration treats negotiations as cover while preparing military strikes and regime-change plans.
Missiles First, Regime Next
- The U.S. and Israel aim to suppress Iran's missile capability before pursuing regime suppression.
- Ritter doubts the plan's success given Iranian defenses and remaining covert networks inside Iran.
Kushner's Meeting With Pro‑Shah Diaspora
- Ritter recounts Jared Kushner meeting with pro‑Shah Iranian diaspora to select a replacement government.
- He uses this story to show Kushner's naivety and the regime‑change intent behind talks.