Part 9/14:
U.S. analyst Daniel Flesh of the Heritage Foundation outlined the strategic objectives: ensuring energy security, protecting free navigation through vital waterways like the Suez Canal, and preventing Iran from becoming a regional nuclear menace or terrorist sponsor. He emphasized the importance of pursuing these goals without resorting to regime change, distinguishing the current approach from past interventions such as Iraq or Afghanistan.
Flesh stressed that Iran’s regime is fundamentally evil and opposed to Western interests but pointed out that the regime’s longevity suggests it has effectively entrenched itself. The goal remains to weaken Iran’s capabilities—especially its nuclear and missile programs—while avoiding the pitfalls of nation-building or overt regime overthrow.