Radio National Breakfast What is Iran's 'Mosaic' defence strategy?
Mar 12, 2026
Nate Swanson, director of the Iran Strategy Project and former U.S. Iran policy adviser, breaks down Iran’s 'mosaic' doctrine—multiple power centers coordinating under the supreme leader. He describes how attacks on shipping and the Strait of Hormuz are used as asymmetric leverage. He explains why Gulf states were targeted first and assesses the sustainability of Iran’s missile and drone campaign.
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Iran's Mosaic Power Structure
- Iran's leadership functions as a mosaic of competing power centers rather than a single monolith.
- Nate Swanson explains the IRGC, regular military, clerical base and technocrats all share decision-making with the supreme leader as final arbiter.
Strait Of Hormuz As Strategic Pressure Point
- Targeting the Strait of Hormuz is an asymmetrical lever that inflicts global economic pain without engaging in a conventional war.
- Swanson notes insurers revoke coverage and Iran selectively allows vessels, effectively snarling energy trade and raising oil prices.
Economic Pain As A Warfighting Strategy
- Iran calculates that economic pain from disrupting energy flows will make the conflict politically untenable for the US and its partners.
- Swanson links rising oil prices to declining US public support and hopes Iran can outlast US political will.