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"The War Is Turning Iran Into a Major World Power": U. of Chicago Professor Robert Pape

2026-04-09 News & Politics
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Support our work: https://democracynow.org/donate/sm-desc-yt Will Iran join China, Russia and the United States as a fourth major power on the world stage? Iran's resilience in the face of the U.S.-Israeli war is already shifting the global balance of power, says American political scientist Robert Pape. "What you are seeing with Iran is that its geography, in combination with a level of drone technology that we simply cannot destroy," is demonstrating to other countries that they may not have to stay beholden to U.S. hegemony. "What makes us think we're really going to stop Iran from becoming a nuclear power in the next six months or a year?" asks Pape. "Iran is far stronger than it was just 40 days ago. It is in control of 20% of the world's oil. It is now an emerging fourth center of power. … The United States is on one side, and the rivals are China, Russia and now Iran." Democracy Now! is an independent global news hour that airs on over 1,500 TV and radio stations Monday through Friday. Watch our livestream at democracynow.org Mondays to Fridays 8-9 a.m. ET. Subscribe to our Daily Email Digest: https://democracynow.org/subscribe

Top Comments (10)

@ronaldronald8819 2026-04-09

How incredibly stupid that the US to let itself be dragged into this WAR by Israel.

851 76 replies
@maryamathari9888 2026-04-09

Iran did not threaten any states! Israel and US unjustifiably attacked Iran

762 57 replies
@EsmailLotfi-l3c 2026-04-09

The world can no longer be held hostage by the dollar and sanctions.

399 31 replies
@theresamarie3353 2026-04-09

It’s not only about the surge of power it’s about being unable to trust the US!

316 20 replies
@Jesse-ey5xd 2026-04-09

Epic arrogance

295 9 replies
@lemachro 2026-04-09

Here in Brazil we are impressed with the Iran's military capabilities. We never imagined they could stand a chance against US and Israel.

75 8 replies
@Bittertruth76 2026-04-10

A civilization that exercised restraint for centuries. They have Integrity. God bless.

41 6 replies
@fawzaansports7129 2026-04-10

Netanyahu virtually ended up making Iran a superpower despite wanting to collapse their government. How stupid?😂

36 2 replies
@mohamudabuyaasin8122 2026-04-10

Amy you are honest and brilliant news anchor thanks for your fair news

9
@SoloRed-w5p 2026-04-11

Hegseth is crazy

7

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