The REAL Story About The War From INSIDE IRAN! – Jimmy Interviews Prof. Marandi

Professor Marandi asserts that Iran's position has significantly strengthened since the war, primarily due to its unexpected resilience against U.S. aggression and its subsequent control over the Strait of Hormuz. This control allows Iran to levy fees on passing ships and prevents the U.S. from militarizing the Persian Gulf against it, marking a substantial strategic and financial gain.

Marandi states, 'Iran's stature has been enhanced. Its people are more self-confident and its control over the straight of Hormuz is going to have a very physical impact on the way in which the region moves forward.' He adds, 'Iran now controls the straight of Hormuz... they will control who gets in and who gets out... the Iranians are currently getting fees from ships that pass through.'

Iran's military strategy, as described by Marandi, is purely deterrent and avoids targeting civilians. While Iran possesses the capability to devastate critical infrastructure in Gulf States (e.g., power and desalination plants), it only employs such measures in direct retaliation to attacks on its own civilian infrastructure, aiming to prevent further escalation rather than initiate aggression.

Marandi explains, 'Iran lost 3,500 people in the war. And despite the massive destruction across these five regimes in the Persian Gulf... they collectively... roughly 20 people were killed by these Iranian missiles and drones. So the conclusion is that the Iranians were not were never targeting civilians.' He adds, 'Iran's deterrent is to say we're going to do the same only in response.'

Despite widespread reports and a growing desire among the Iranian populace for nuclear weapons, Iran's official policy, based on a religious fatwa from Ayatollah Khamenei, prohibits their development. This stance has been consistent since the 1980s, with leaders asserting Iran's capability to develop them but choosing not to, unless facing an existential threat.

Marandi states, 'Ayatollah Khamenei... gave a fatwa against chemical weapons, against nuclear weapons and so Iran has not developed nuclear weapons.' He notes, 'Most Iranians want nuclear weapons... After the 12-day war, I've seen polls where the majority want nuclear weapons.'

Iran is unwilling to trust the U.S. in negotiations due to a history of perceived betrayals, including the U.S. not upholding its end of the 2015 nuclear deal and secretly planning war during negotiations. For any future deal, Iran demands that the U.S. act first by returning stolen assets, lifting the siege on Iranian ports, and ending violence in Gaza and Lebanon.

Marandi recounts, 'The Iranians carried out all of their obligations. The United States under Obama... did not. And they cheated Iran.' He concludes, 'The only way that the Iranians are going to agree to anything with Trump is if the United States is forced to carry out its side of the bargain first.'

U.S. negotiation efforts with Iran are characterized as unserious and compromised. Professor Marandi describes U.S. negotiators as lacking a clear mandate, relying on 'real estate agents' instead of experts, and being heavily influenced by Israeli interests, with U.S. officials reportedly consulting with Israeli leaders during talks.

Marandi describes a negotiation where the Iranian side had academics and experts, while the American side had 'Vance and then there were the two Israeli firster real estate guys.' He adds, 'It was obvious he had no mandate. And one of the people who he called was Netanyahu.'