CBC News Interviews Ambassador Barbara Leaf on U.S.-Israeli Military Strikes Against Iran

Arnold & Porter Senior International Policy Advisor and former U.S. Ambassador Barbara Leaf (Amb. Leaf) was interviewed by CBC News to discuss the latest developments following coordinated U.S. and Israeli military strikes against Iran and the broader implications for the Middle East.

Amb. Leaf observed that the conflict “can morph in very unexpected directions,” while emphasizing that diplomatic options may still remain viable. She described the region as being in a “state of high plasticity” following the transformative events of 2024, including the collapse of Syria’s regime, the significant weakening of Hezbollah, and sustained pressure on Iran — developments that have collectively reshaped the regional landscape.

Amb. Leaf further commented on U.S. policy considerations, stating that the President appears prepared to deploy “massive U.S. firepower, presence, and engagement” for a “short, sharp, decisive purpose,” but has made clear that he does not support prolonged involvement. She cautioned against open-ended objectives, describing regime change as “a hugely slippery slope” and characterizing the conflict as “a war of opportunity, a war of choice, without well-defined goals.”

Reflecting on historical precedent, Amb. Leaf noted that the United States does not have “a good track record of regime creation in the Middle East,” adding that the American public is not interested in an extended military engagement. “The shadow of Iraq hangs over us,” she said.

Watch the full interview (Amb. Leaf joins at 17:20).