Professor Mohammad Marandi and former Central Intelligence Agency (CIA) analyst Larry C. Johnson warned that renewed US attacks on Iran could trigger a global economic crisis.
Speaking on Al Mayadeen’s “The Grand Standoff: Iran and the World”, they argued that another confrontation could extend beyond military targets.
Marandi warned that Iran war escalation could expose US-linked commercial assets and regional energy infrastructure to retaliation. He predicted consequences for economies beyond the Gulf, including Europe and North America.
Johnson, meanwhile, argued that damage to US military facilities and pressure on air defences had weakened Washington’s regional security guarantees.
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He predicted a stronger Iranian response if fighting intensified. Both speakers presented these assessments as reasons Washington should reconsider further military action.
On diplomacy, Marandi maintained that Tehran would judge US intentions by how it implements commitments rather than by public assurances. He expressed little confidence in an imminent breakthrough in negotiations.
However, he distinguished Pakistan’s role as a facilitator from responsibility for implementing an agreement. He argued that responsibility rested with Iran and the United States.
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The discussion also covered Moscow and Beijing’s relations with Tehran. Marandi contended that Iran’s military performance had strengthened its standing with both countries.
Johnson interpreted Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov’s visit to Tehran as evidence that Moscow intended to maintain its relationship with Iran.
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Separately, Johnson advised against Iranian attacks on undersea internet cables. He argued that maintaining online communication served Tehran’s efforts to reach international audiences.
