Who Really Holds the Winning Cards In US-Iran Stalemate?

Who Really Holds the Winning Cards In US-Iran Stalemate?

From Amanpour by CNN Podcasts

April 27, 2026 · 56 min

About this episode

Sanam Vakil discusses the US-Iran diplomatic stalemate and who holds the advantage in negotiations.

A diplomatic stand-off continues between the US and Iran after President Donald Trump called off his negotiating team's trip to Pakistan to meet with the Iranian delegation. The President has said Iran "can call" if they want but said the war could end soon. In turn, Iran has floated an initial deal that would require Washington to permanently end the war in exchange for the reopening of Hormuz. Sanam Vakil, Director of the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House joins Bianna Golodryga to break down who is really holding the cards as diplomacy reaches a stalemate between Tehran and Washington. She joins the show from London. Also on today's show: author Rachel Goldberg-Polin; law professor/author Khiara Bridges Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

People in this episode

Host: Bianna Golodryga

Guest: Sanam Vakil

Topics covered

  • US-Iran relations
  • diplomacy
  • political analysis
  • Middle East
  • international negotiations

Keywords

  • US-Iran stalemate
  • diplomatic negotiations
  • Sanam Vakil
  • Chatham House
  • Middle East politics

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Chatham House

Places: US, Iran, Pakistan, Hormuz

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