Sir Alex Younger
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- The Economist44 min
The final filmed interview with Sir Alex Younger, the late MI6 chief | The Economist
Sir Alex Younger, Shashank Joshi
Sir Alex Younger argues that the United States has lost the strategic initiative in its conflict with Iran, as Tehran's asymmetric warfare and selective blockade of the Strait of Hormuz have forced the US to absorb unsustainable costs despite an effective air campaign. The interview highlights a fragile Iranian regime dominated by the IRGC, which retains leverage through deep intelligence penetration and nuclear stockpiles while benefiting from the war to suppress internal dissent and prolong its survival. Younger concludes that the conflict's global spillover disadvantages Western allies by diverting resources from the Pacific to the Middle East, exposing critical intelligence politicization risks under the Trump administration, and compelling Europe to develop independent hard power capabilities to counteract great power competition.
- The Economist10 min
Former head of MI6: Iran has the “upper hand” in the war | The Economist
Sir Alex Younger, Shashank Joshi
Despite a powerful U.S. air campaign, Iran maintains strategic initiative through dispersed military capabilities and the threat of closing the Strait of Hormuz, creating a resilient conflict environment that paradoxically bolsters regime morale while facing an estimated 80% domestic opposition. The death of Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has accelerated a structural transition from religious theocracy to a pragmatic IRGC-dominated junta, characterized by the leadership of General Vahidi and the constrained influence of President Masoud Peseshkian. Analysts suggest that while the regime survives its "death throes" due to internal security crackdowns and limited Western intervention options, its long-term viability remains critically low given the population's desire for an end to theocratic rule and the potential for a successor-driven transition.