The Iran War and the Midterms

This episode unpacks America’s strategic stalemate with Iran, Trump’s post-midterm options, and how Tehran and the Gulf see the war. Host: James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR Guests: Cole Bucy, former CIA analyst; former director for Iran at the National Security Council Nate Swanson, director of the Iran Strategy Project, Atlantic Council We Discuss: Why the United States has been strategically stuck in the Iran war for months with three bad options: escalate, negotiate, or hold the line. How the U.S. blockade and sanctions have squeezed Iran without cracking the regime. Why no Iranian elite or military defections have appeared and what that says about the regime’s staying power. Whether and how President Trump will “take the gloves off” after the midterms, with options including decapitation strikes and the “mother of all bombs.” How Tehran reads American politics, and whether the midterms are truly the pivot point each side assumes they are. Why China is the hole in the sanctions “siege,” and how Beijing is exposing the limits of Washington’s power. What Bucy and Swanson would advise the White House to do now, and why the Gulf may hold the key to regional security. Mentioned on the Episode: Cole Bucy and Nate Swanson, “Trump Unleashed,” Foreign Policy For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/the-iran-war-and-the-midterms Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.