Iranian experts split over Strait of Hormuz strategy
Foad Izadi advocates increasing pressure on the US, while Mohsen Baharvand warns escalation could cause greater harm to Iran.
In an IRNA debate, academic Foad Izadi argued that Iran should consider measures to raise the cost of US policy, including preventing regional oil exports if other steps fail. Former diplomat Mohsen Baharvand rejected the idea that escalation would necessarily force the United States to back down, warning that it could respond more forcefully and leave Iran facing greater damage. Both participants supported maintaining military preparedness while differing sharply over the role and timing of diplomacy.