Former CIA Officer Breaks Down Iran

CBS News contributor Elliot Ackerman discusses indirect negotiations between the United States and Iran after senior U.S. officials said Iran privately acknowledged that attacks on commercial ships in the Strait of Hormuz were a mistake.

Ackerman explains how mediators serve as intermediaries between the two governments and why uncertainty within Iran’s leadership makes it difficult for negotiated agreements to hold. Competing factions, including hardliners opposed to a settlement with the United States, can complicate diplomacy and undermine decisions made through official channels.

What Could Bring Iran to the Table?

The discussion examines the economic and political pressures that could motivate Iran to pursue an agreement. These include the condition of Iran’s economy, its need for reconstruction funding, domestic unrest, the future of its nuclear program, and the strategic importance of the Strait of Hormuz.

Shipping, Insurance, and Energy Markets

Ackerman also explains why reopening the Strait involves more than a political announcement. Commercial shipping depends on insurers being willing to cover vessels at reasonable rates, making maritime security, oil prices, and global energy markets critical factors in restoring normal traffic.

Originally aired on CBS News on July 10, 2026.