Episode 87: What's Behind War with Iran

About this episode

The episode discusses the escalating conflict between the U.S. and Iran, exploring historical tensions and potential outcomes.

47 years. That is how long the U.S. and Iran have been circling each other, probing for weaknesses, and demonizing the other (in many cases for good reason). Tensions reached a tipping point on February 28, 2026 and the United States, along with Israel, initiated a new wave of strikes which has lead to chaos across the Middle East. 11 countries have been targeted by retaliatory strikes from Iran and the death toll on all sides continues to rise. How did we get here? Why was now the time to act? Where does it all end and what decisions will shape the final outcome of this latest use of military force? In this month's episode, we speak with Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, where he focuses on Iran. We review the terse relationship between these two countries since the Iranian Revolution of 1979 and outline the litany of moments that have shaped the course of history. In addition, the conversation outlines how this war got started and what shape it has taken in the early days, providing key insights into possible outcomes. While much is left to be written in this story, the key moments have been set in motion. Listen to gain critical insights into this fast…

People in this episode

Guest: Alex Vatanka

Topics covered

• Iran
• U.S. foreign policy
• Middle East conflict
• military action

Keywords

• war
• retaliatory strikes
• Iranian Revolution
• military force

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: MA, The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran: The United States, Foreign Policy and Political Rivalry Since 1979, Iran and Pakistan: Security, Diplomacy, and American Influence, Authoritarianism Goes Global, Handbook on Contemporary Pakistan, Russia in the Middle East, Winning the Battle, Losing the War: Addressing the Drivers Fueling Armed Non-state Actors and Extremist Groups, Global, Regional and Local Dynamics in the Yemen Crisis, Routledge Handbook of Counterterrorism and Irregular Warfare Operations, Understanding New Proxy Wars

Places: Iran, U.S., the United States, Israel, the Middle East, London, Middle East, US, Tehran, UK

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