Jim Hanson Warns of Iranian Regime Collapse as US Nears Strait of Hormuz Deal With Trump

WASHINGTON — As the United States and Iran edge closer to a potential agreement to keep the Strait of Hormuz open for commercial traffic, U.S. Army Special Forces veteran Jim Hanson suggests that President Trump’s ultimate leverage might extend far beyond short-term oil negotiations, potentially signaling the end of the Iranian regime.

The diplomatic push comes amid ongoing military posturing and regional instability. Officials report that an attack involving ballistic missiles was launched in the early morning hours, underscoring the high stakes of the negotiations. Despite the volatility, oil prices have trended downward, and elevated inflation and gas prices have begun to hold steady as markets react to the possibility of a breakthrough.

President Trump recently touted “long, productive negotiations” aimed at ensuring free commercial traffic through the critical waterway, stating a deal could materialize “as early as today” or within the next couple of days. Despite Iranian officials publicly denying direct engagement, the President insisted that Tehran reached out to talk. He noted that Iran is currently facing its “biggest hit since World War II” and suggested it would be smart for them to finalize an agreement.

While the administration insists there are no direct U.S.-Iran talks, officials confirm that negotiations are actively underway between Iran and Oman. Meanwhile, the Monetary Fund reports that the ongoing conflict and blockade are severely clipping Tehran’s economy, driving the country’s inflation rate to a staggering 70%.

According to a Wall Street Journal report, Iran is wagering that its ability to inflict economic pain on the U.S. remains its strongest leverage to avoid future military action from Washington and Israel. Emerging details of a potential compromise suggest Iran is attempting to implement a temporary service fee on inbound vessels using coastal shipping lanes, while pushing outbound traffic closer to Iranian territory to split revenues.

Hanson dismisses the proposed toll, stating flatly that the fee “is not going to happen.”

Instead, Hanson points to a strong factual basis for the current diplomatic push, tying it directly to the upcoming midterm elections. He explains that the President wants to avoid Middle Eastern chaos and disrupted oil flows heading into the vote, needing a Republican-controlled Congress to ensure freedom of maneuver post-election. To mitigate economic damage before the midterms, Hanson believes the administration is pushing for a short-term agreement while keeping Tehran at bay with the threat of military force.

However, Hanson warns that the dynamic will shift drastically once the elections conclude. “After the midterms, I wouldn’t want to be them,” he noted, emphasizing that all options remain fully on the table for the President.

Looking past short-term mitigation, Hanson argued that the Islamic Republic has been a problem for the country since 1979. “Maybe it’s time for the Iranian regime to end,” Hanson stated. He added that if the President decides to push for regime collapse, the people of Iran are in a prime position to take the opportunity to secure a better government.