About this episode

The episode features a discussion with Professor Vali Nasr about Iran's grand strategy and its implications for the Middle East and US foreign policy.

The Mercantilist Restoration - https://anthonyfatseas.substack.com/p/the-mercantilist-restoration-howInterview recorded - 22nd of May, 2026On this episode of the WTFinance podcast I had the pleasure of welcoming back Professor Vali Nasr. Vali Nasr is a Professor at the Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, a senior adviser at the Center for Strategic and International Studies, and one of the most authoritative voices on Iran, having advised American policymakers and diplomats on the country for decades. He is also the author of Iran’s Grand Strategy: A political history.During our conversation we spoke about the current situation in the Middle East, what has led up to this conflict, Iran's surprising resilience, their grand strategy, potential escalation, reshaping the Middle East and more. I hope you enjoy!0:00 - Introduction3:05 - Lead up to war5:48 - Surprised about escalation8:38 - Iran resilience10:48 - Iran’s Grand Strategy13:18 - October 6th impact16:23 - Conflict resolution20:09 - Military escalation24:11 - How have views changed?28:17 - Iranian proxies over?29:47 - US withdrawing from Middle East?34:11 - Guerrilla warfare35:25 - One message to takeaway…

People in this episode

Host: Anthony Fatseas

Guest: Vali Nasr

Topics covered

• Iran's grand strategy
• Middle East conflict
• US foreign policy
• Iranian resilience
• military escalation
• conflict resolution

Keywords

• Iran
• Vali Nasr
• Middle East
• US foreign policy
• military escalation
• conflict resolution
• Iranian resilience

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Johns Hopkins School of Advanced International Studies, Center for Strategic and International Studies

Books & works: Iran’s Grand Strategy: A political history

Places: Iran, United States, Middle East

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