Debate: The Maximum Pressure Campaign Against Iran is Working

Intelligence Squared U.S. Debate hosted at Stanford University on March 4, 2020

The targeted killing of General Qassim Suleimani sent shockwaves around the world and sparked staunch debate about the Trump administration's "maximum pressure" campaign. Supporters argue that this strategy, which includes leaving the JCPOA and imposing harsh economic sanctions, will safeguard American interests, quell Tehran's human rights abuses, and halt the state's support of terrorist networks. But opponents see "maximum pressure" as dangerously misguided. They argue that abandoning the hard-fought JCPOA and undermining the Iranian economy has promoted violence, isolated allies, and fueled anti-American sentiment. Is the maximum pressure campaign against Iran working?

This debate is presented in partnership with Hoover Institution at Stanford University. Foreign Affairs is the media partner.

FOR THE MOTION:

Victor Davis Hanson - Military Historian & Author, “The Case for Trump”

H. R. McMaster - Retired Lieutenant General, U.S. Army & Former National Security Advisor

AGAINST THE MOTION:

Martha Crenshaw - Terrorism Studies Expert & Author, “Explaining Terrorism”

Abbas Milani - Iranian Studies Program Director, Stanford University