This is Democracy This is Democracy- Episode 319: U.S. Decision Making on Iran
11 snips
Mar 26, 2026 
Eliot Cohen, Johns Hopkins professor emeritus and national-security scholar, provides expert analysis on U.S. strategy toward Iran. He outlines two common policy mistakes and discusses Israel’s role and military contributions. He examines how allies shaped U.S. choices and considers the realistic prospects for regime change in Iran.
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Two Polarized Mistakes Around The Iran War
- U.S. debate about the Iran war is dominated by two polarized mistakes that miss nuance.
- Eliot A. Cohen says one side ignores necessary political work for war while the other downplays Iran's long-term hostility and threat.
Do Political Work Before Using Major Military Force
- Do the political work before and during major military action by explaining aims to the public, building allied support, and using a deliberate policy process.
- Cohen warns this administration has failed to explain why the war matters, prepare allies, or seek Congressional authorization.
Iran As A Longstanding Ideological Threat
- Iran represents a persistent, existential-style threat rooted in regime ideology and hostility to the U.S. and Israel.
- Cohen emphasizes Iran's sustained hostility since the Islamic Republic's founding and the failure of prior approaches to fully resolve the problem.
