Seyed M. Marandi: BREAKING: Trump Halted Israel's Planned Strike on Iran

Reported Attack Plan

A Financial Times report said Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had planned a major, multi-day attack on Iran for October 10, but that President Donald Trump blocked it to avoid a new war before the November 3 midterm elections.

Professor Seyed M. Marandi said he could not verify the report and cautioned that both the Trump and Netanyahu governments spread information for political purposes. He speculated that Trump’s unusually strong endorsement of Netanyahu might have been intended to dissuade him from acting before the election, but emphasized that this was his own conjecture.

Marandi’s Main Arguments

• A major attack would require US support and risk a wider war. Marandi said Israel would need American assistance, including aerial refueling, and that Iran would respond to any escalation. He argued that the situation differs from the earlier “12-day war” and that Iran is prepared for multiple scenarios.

• Iran has leverage over shipping and energy supplies. Marandi argued that Iran could disrupt maritime traffic not only in the Strait of Hormuz but also farther afield. He said Iran views some Gulf-state oil shipments as connected to countries that host US forces or support operations against Iran. With energy reserves already depleted, he warned, even a limited attack could quickly roil global markets.

• Iran will not accept assurances without action. Marandi said Tehran would insist on the implementation of its demands, described in the interview as a seven-point plan or set of demands. He said Iran has little confidence in US promises or mediated statements and portrayed Iranian pressure as a response to pressure from Washington and its allies.

• Economic pressure is not close to defeating Iran. Marandi acknowledged that Iran’s economy is suffering but argued that predictions of its imminent collapse have repeatedly failed. He contended that pressure could also destabilize US partners in the Gulf, citing rising oil prices and unrest in parts of Europe as signs of broader strain.

• Gulf states could face severe consequences if they join a war. Marandi predicted that attacks on oil, gas, and other infrastructure could severely damage countries such as Saudi Arabia and Qatar. He argued that their economies and political systems are vulnerable, and described Saudi Arabia as particularly fragile, with its leadership facing internal as well as external pressures. He said Yemen’s Ansar Allah movement seeks an end to the war and blockade, but warned that Saudi involvement in a wider conflict could prompt more damaging strikes.

• Israel’s security depends heavily on US backing. In Marandi’s view, a weakened or disengaged United States would also weaken Israel, which he said relies on American funding, technology, and military support. He predicted that a wider conflict would bring substantial economic and political costs for the United States and its allies.

• Russia is unlikely to mediate a settlement soon. Marandi described Iran–Russia relations as strong and welcomed efforts by Russia or China to encourage Gulf states to reduce their dependence on Washington. However, he doubted that Trump would change course or that Moscow could achieve much at present.

• The conflict is part of a broader regional crisis. Marandi linked pressure on Iran to the wars and blockades in Gaza, Lebanon, and Yemen, and accused the US, Israeli, and Saudi governments of using starvation and military force. He also said sectarian divisions were losing influence among people who, in his view, increasingly oppose Gulf monarchies’ alignment with the United States and Israel.

Verification and Attribution

These were Marandi’s assessments and predictions. The interview did not independently verify the reported strike plan or many of his claims about military capabilities, attacks, and regional conditions.

Presenters and Contributors

• Nema (host)
• Professor Seyed M. Marandi