Expert describes ‘balancing act' of dealing with Iran's regime

• The US possesses military power to control the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran retains the capacity for disruptive actions.
• Economic pressure (sanctions) is being applied, but the Iranian regime is more responsive to kinetic (military) pressure.
• Potential military actions would involve surgical strikes by the Navy, Air Force, or Special Forces against regime targets and missile sites, not large-scale ground operations.
• The ultimate goal is to end the Iranian regime's threat, with the timing being the primary uncertainty.
• The US administration is balancing military escalation with potential impacts on domestic fuel prices and upcoming midterms.

The discussion focuses on the US's ability to control the Strait of Hormuz versus Iran's capacity for disruption. Expert Roger Zakheim states the US has military control but Iran can still disrupt trade, affecting global economics. He suggests that while economic pressure is ongoing, surgical military actions might be needed to neutralize Iran's threat, balancing this against domestic political and economic concerns like fuel prices.