Uploaded April 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Middle East Forum Chief Strategist Jim Hanson joined Piers Morgan Uncensored to assess whether the war with Iran can be considered a success—and what it will take to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Hanson argues that the objective has not shifted: stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon has always been the core goal. While recent military action degraded Iran’s capabilities, he says the decisive phase is economic—specifically, a blockade targeting the regime’s oil exports.
He explains how cutting off Iran’s oil revenue could quickly cripple the regime, forcing it to surrender enriched uranium without a large-scale ground invasion. Hanson also addresses skepticism over U.S. credibility, framing President Trump’s rhetoric as strategic “information warfare” aimed at shaping outcomes.
Looking ahead, Hanson predicts that sustained pressure could not only force nuclear concessions, but accelerate the long-term collapse of the Islamic Republic.
Subscribe for more conversations with leading analysts on the Middle East and beyond.
Middle East Forum Chief Strategist Jim Hanson joined Piers Morgan Uncensored to assess whether the war with Iran can be considered a success—and what it will take to force Tehran to abandon its nuclear ambitions.
Hanson argues that the objective has not shifted: stopping Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon has always been the core goal. While recent military action degraded Iran’s capabilities, he says the decisive phase is economic—specifically, a blockade targeting the regime’s oil exports.
He explains how cutting off Iran’s oil revenue could quickly cripple the regime, forcing it to surrender enriched uranium without a large-scale ground invasion. Hanson also addresses skepticism over U.S. credibility, framing President Trump’s rhetoric as strategic “information warfare” aimed at shaping outcomes.
Looking ahead, Hanson predicts that sustained pressure could not only force nuclear concessions, but accelerate the long-term collapse of the Islamic Republic.
Subscribe for more conversations with leading analysts on the Middle East and beyond.
