IT'S STARTED: US BOMBS Iranian Port, Iran ATTACKS US Warship! | Seyed M. Marandi

Summary

Host Danny Haiphong interviewed Professor Seyed Mohammad Marandi about reports of renewed US–Iran hostilities. The discussion presented a strongly pro-Iranian interpretation of events. Many operational and political claims were Marandi’s assertions and were not independently verified in the subtitles.

Escalation and shipping

Haiphong cited reports of a US strike near Jask in southern Iran and Iranian attacks on US naval vessels and commercial ships. Marandi described Iran’s attacks on shipping as pressure on Washington to honor a previously agreed memorandum of understanding and end its blockade. He argued that Iran was inflicting greater costs than the US, while warning that attacks on Iranian infrastructure or a US ground operation could prompt a much harsher Iranian response.

Military strategy and logistics

Marandi said Iran aims to keep US naval forces far from its coast, making American air operations more expensive and difficult. He claimed Iran uses decoys and a range of weapons against ships, and argued that damage to tankers and cargo vessels could compound shortages of fuel and other commodities.

He also said Iran had lifted a longstanding limit on its missiles’ range, potentially putting distant military targets at risk. These claims, along with his assertions about damage to US bases and a possible US operation to seize an island, were discussed as his assessment rather than as established facts.

Economic pressure and regional routes

Haiphong asked about a reported US CENTCOM initiative to restrict Iran’s access to land routes and the Caspian Sea. Marandi argued that the effort was unlikely to work because Iran has extensive land and maritime borders and multiple neighboring trade routes. He characterized the initiative as evidence that earlier US economic pressure had failed, while acknowledging that sanctions and the blockade were also hurting Iran.

China, Russia, and negotiations

Marandi said China and Russia favor Iran’s success and coordinate with Tehran. He argued that Iran would negotiate if the US fulfilled the memorandum’s terms, and dismissed reported US efforts to get China to pressure Iran as unlikely to change Tehran’s position.

Yemen and neighboring states

The conversation covered Saudi Arabia’s renewed war in Yemen and reports of attacks on Saudi targets. Marandi said the Saudis should negotiate directly with Yemen and portrayed Saudi Arabia as increasingly vulnerable.

He described Turkey and Pakistan as under US pressure but not actively acting against Iran, and said Iran should avoid taking sides in Pakistan’s domestic politics.

Closing comments

Marandi urged viewers to keep public attention on conditions in Gaza and Palestine. Haiphong also mentioned support for Jill Stein, whom he said was facing charges after attending a protest.

Presenters and contributors

• Danny Haiphong — host
• Seyed Mohammad Marandi — guest, professor and commentator