John Limbert, a former US hostage in Tehran and later deputy assistant secretary of state for Iran, argues that Washington's coercive approach toward Iran is fundamentally flawed. Speaking to Al Jazeera's Steve Clemons, Limbert said the United States "can't bomb and assassinate its way to a better relationship" with Iran, dismissing the effectiveness of an "iron fist" policy. Main Developments Limbert, who was among the American captives during the 1979 Iranian Revolution, said US leaders mistakenly believe that "all we have to do is drop more bombs and the Iranians will do what we want." He also criticized Iranian leaders for their own miscalculations, saying they think "all we have to do is keep attacking ships in the Strait [of Hormuz], and the Americans eventually will do what we want." According to Limbert, neither side can dictate terms to the other. "We can't dictate to the Iranians, and the Iranians can't dictate to us," he argued, calling for a more realistic and less confrontational approach. Read also: Gaza Strike's Hidden Toll: An Unborn Life Lost in Rubble Background Limbert's perspective is shaped by his direct experience during the Iranian Revolution, when he was held hostage at the US embassy in Tehran. That crisis defined US-Iran relations for decades, and Limbert later served as a senior State Department official focused on Iran, giving him insight into both diplomatic and military strategies. Why It Matters The debate over how to handle Iran carries high stakes, with tensions escalating over shipping attacks in the Strait of Hormuz, a critical oil passageway. Limbert's critique suggests that continued reliance on force could backfire, deepening the stalemate rather than resolving it. What's Next Limbert's comments come amid ongoing hostilities, though he offers no specific policy prescription. The open question remains whether Washington will shift away from its current strategy or double down on pressure, and whether Tehran will likewise reconsider its own tactics.