Iran Ceasefire Explained: Winners, Losers, and What Comes Next

Iran Ceasefire Explained: Winners, Losers, and What Comes Next

From The Long Game with Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer by Vox Media Podcast Network

April 9, 2026 · 1h 13m

About this episode

Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer break down the recent ceasefire between the United States and Iran, discussing its implications and future negotiations.

Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer break down the ceasefire between the United States and Iran, announced Tuesday evening. They walk through how the deal came together from President Trump’s escalating rhetoric to Pakistan’s role as an unlikely intermediary and assess what the ceasefire actually is, and what it isn’t. They also break down the deeper questions about what the U.S. achieved, what Iran gained, and how this reshapes the strategic balance going forward. Topics discussed: What the ceasefire includes and address the major gaps that remain Why Iran’s control over the Strait of Hormuz may be the most important outcome of the war What could come out of the upcoming negotiations, including the future of Iran’s nuclear stockpile The impact of the war on U.S. deterrence, military readiness, and global credibility The broader implications for Russia, China, NATO, and the U.S.-Israel relationship At the end of the episode, Jake and Jon open up the Long Game mailbag for the first time, answering listener questions on targeted assassinations, Russia’s status as a great power, what’s next for Cuba, and why they started the podcast after leaving the government. Follow The Long Game so you…

People in this episode

Hosts: Jake Sullivan, Jon Finer, Jake, Jon

Topics covered

  • Iran ceasefire
  • U.S.-Iran relations
  • Strait of Hormuz
  • Iran's nuclear stockpile
  • U.S. military readiness
  • global credibility
  • Russia
  • China
  • NATO
  • U.S.-Israel relationship

Keywords

  • ceasefire
  • negotiations
  • military
  • deterrence
  • listener questions

Mentioned in this episode

Books & works: Long Game, The Long Game

Places: Iran, the United States, Pakistan, U.S., the Strait of Hormuz, Russia, China, U.S.-Israel, Cuba

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