The Inside Story Podcast How valuable are Iran's natural resources?
Mar 10, 2026
Paolo von Schirach, Washington-based geopolitics and energy analyst. Mohammad Reza Farzanegan, Middle East economics professor focused on sanctions and oil markets. Foad Izadi, Iranian political scholar on regional strategy. They debate U.S. aims toward Iran, the role of oil and sanctions, China and Russia’s influence, and strategic leverage like the Strait of Hormuz.
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US Aims Include Controlling Iran's Oil
- Foad Izadi argues U.S. aims include controlling Iran's oil and balkanizing the country to install a friendly ruler.
- He links Trump-era rhetoric about changing Iran's borders to plans to carve off oil-rich southern provinces for US allies and firms.
Sanctions And War Empower Hardliners
- Mohammad Reza Farzanegan says war and sanctions have strengthened hardliners and weakened reformists in Iran.
- He connects sustained sanctions and conflict to a diminished middle class and reduced prospects for pro-Western succession.
Seizing Iran's Oil Is Politically Impractical
- Paolo Von Schirach stresses seizing Iranian oil via invasion is impractical politically and militarily for the US.
- He notes US public sensitivity to casualties and logistical doubts about securing facilities and personnel deter such a plan.