April 4, 2026
Dear MEPIN Readers,
As the Iranian regime faces President Trump’s April 6 deadline to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, I joined a debate on ILTV with Camelia Entekhabifard, editor of Independent Persian, hosted by Calev Ben-David.
I present a different strategic framework: the United States must operate on a Persian—not Western—time horizon, exercising patience to win a war of attrition without deploying boots on the ground. Entekhabifard argues the regime will compromise and reach a deal, despite Pakistani mediators suggesting the divide is unbridgeable, and contends that many Iranians prioritize ending the war over regime change. Listen to why I disagree.
We also examine the missing U.S. airman, the strategic importance of reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the U.S. media’s minimization of tactical gains, the question of arming protestors, and more.
Please watch and share your thoughts.