In this CBS News appearance, Elliot Ackerman argues that Iran understands a central truth of modern conflict: wars are fought politically as well as militarily.
Iran’s Political Advantage
Ackerman explains how Iran has narrowed the immediate negotiating agenda while continuing to test the United States through renewed military pressure. This creates a visible tactical and political challenge for an administration seeking to present itself as both forceful and committed to ending the war.
War Beyond the Battlefield
Although U.S. strikes can impose military costs, Iran can still influence the conflict by shaping public perceptions, prolonging uncertainty, and exploiting the political consequences of continued American involvement.
Negotiating with a Fragmented Regime
The discussion also examines uncertainty inside Iran’s leadership. When decision-making is decentralized, identifying reliable negotiating partners and guaranteeing that agreements will hold becomes significantly more difficult.
Military Pressure and Lasting Strategy
Ackerman distinguishes between tactical punishment and strategic resolution, emphasizing that military action must support a coherent political objective rather than become an end in itself.