FDD Morning Brief Is the U.S. maxing out the pressure on Iran? | feat. Brian Hook
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Mar 23, 2026 
Brian Hook, former U.S. Special Representative for Iran and architect of the maximum pressure campaign, outlines the roots of U.S.–Iran hostility and why the 2015 nuclear deal fell short. He discusses design and effects of maximum pressure, shifts during the Biden years, renewed pressure in a potential second Trump term, maritime threats in the Strait of Hormuz, and China’s growing ties with Iran.
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Iran's Attempted Strikes Near Dimona
- Iran has continued to strike inside Israel, including attempts toward Dimona, though direct hits on the nuclear site are unlikely.
- Jon Schanzer notes Dimona was targeted because of its nuclear program but considers a successful strike improbable.
Diego Garcia Missile Was Reach Not Payload
- Iran fired a long-range missile toward Diego Garcia, but it used a small warhead to save fuel, showing reach but limited payload.
- Schanzer calls it a 'bus sized' missile with smaller warhead, signaling messaging to Europe rather than new capability.
Origins Of The U.S. Conflict With Iran
- The U.S.-Iran conflict dates back to 1979 and has produced sustained anti-American violence across decades.
- Brian Hook highlights over 1,000 Americans killed by the regime and calls Iran the single greatest driver of regional instability.