Siena Professor Examines U.S. Action in Iran

Dr. Len Cutler discusses the history of U.S.-Iran relations and the current conflict.

Apr. 10, 2026 at 1:21am

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A dimly lit, cinematic interior of a government office or political building, with warm sunlight streaming through the windows and deep shadows, creating a sense of solemnity and unease.The long history of U.S.-Iran tensions casts a somber, uncertain shadow over the current geopolitical landscape.Loudonville Today

Dr. Len Cutler, a professor of political science and international relations at Siena University, joined a local news program to provide analysis on the current conflict between the United States and Iran. Cutler discussed the long-standing adversarial history between the two countries, the changing dynamics of presidential power and the role of Congress, and the economic impact of Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz.

Why it matters

The ongoing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have significant geopolitical and economic implications, both domestically and globally. Cutler's insights help provide context and perspective on the complex history and current state of this fraught relationship.

The details

Cutler explained that the dynamic between the U.S. and Iran shifted dramatically in 1979 with the Iranian Revolution and subsequent hostage crisis. While the hostages were eventually released, the tension between the two nations has persisted. Cutler also noted that President Trump's approach to executive power has changed in his second term, with the president feeling less constrained by the separation of powers and checks from Congress and the judiciary. Additionally, Iran's control of the Strait of Hormuz has had widespread economic impacts around the world.

  • The Iranian Revolution occurred in 1979.
  • The U.S. hostage crisis in Iran began shortly after the revolution in 1979.

The players

Dr. Len Cutler

A professor of political science and international relations at Siena University who provided analysis on the current U.S.-Iran conflict.

President Trump

The current U.S. president whose approach to executive power has shifted in his second term, according to Cutler.

Iran

The adversarial nation that has had a long-standing conflict with the United States, including the 1979 hostage crisis and its current control of the Strait of Hormuz.

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What they’re saying

“We certainly had the hostages released, but the tension over the period of time between the two nation states never abated.”

— Dr. Len Cutler, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Siena University

“There's a proper role for Congress, there's a proper role for the Judiciary, in addition to the role that is conscribed for the Chief Executive of the United States. That's changed. That has truly changed.”

— Dr. Len Cutler, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Siena University

“As a result of Iran essentially grabbing the Strait of Hormuz and taking it over by paralyzing it, all right, closing it down, as you correctly point out, not just our citizens, our taxpayers, who are being impacted daily as we go to the pump, as we go to the supermarket. It just transcends all the areas that are going to be affected in our own lifestyles. It's impacting the international community.”

— Dr. Len Cutler, Professor of Political Science and International Relations, Siena University

What’s next

Congress is expected to hold hearings in the coming weeks to examine the administration's actions and the broader implications of the U.S.-Iran conflict.

The takeaway

The long-standing tensions between the U.S. and Iran have significant geopolitical and economic ramifications, and the shifting balance of power between the executive, legislative, and judicial branches adds further complexity to the situation. Cutler's analysis provides valuable context for understanding the nuances of this ongoing conflict.