The Iran Podcast
Conversations on Iranian politics, society, and culture with host Negar Mortazavi. The podcast explores various aspects of Iran, including its political landscape, social issues, and cultural heritage. It aims to provide insights and analysis on current events and historical contexts related to Iran.
Episodes
Seven Months of War on Iran
President Trump rejected Iran’s proposal to end the war and told aides he expects to resume bombing after the midterm elections. Iran’s Foreign Minister Araghchi said Iran is prepared for war to resume, even if it becomes “doomsday.”Negar Mortazavi on NPR
Trump Rejects Tehran Proposal to End War
Negar Mortazavi on BBC World News
Trump and Pezeshkian in New York
Negar Mortazavi on Times Radio UK
Trump and Pezeshkian at the UN
Iranian President Pezeshkian spoke at the United Nations General Assembly. Negar Mortazavi joins Al Jazeera
Economic Pressure Won’t Bring Surrender
Sanctions are squeezing Iran’s economy, and Tehran wants a deal to end the war. But it is seeking a negotiated exit, not capitulation.Negar Mortazavi on the BBC
From Hormuz to Bab el-Mandeb
Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, Mohsen Rezaei, says Tehran sent conditions for ending the war through Qatar and is awaiting Trump’s response. Iran says it wants an agreement but is prepared to continue fighting if Washington rejects its terms. From Hormuz to Bab el-Mandeb, Iran and allies are using two critical shipping routes as leverage.Negar Mortazavi joins Al Jazeera
Trump’s Endless War on Iran
Has Trump drawn the U.S. into another endless war in the Middle East? Or can Washington and Tehran find a way out? DAWN panel:-Negar Mortazavi (CIP) -Nader Hashemi (Georgetown)-Harrison Mann (Win Without War)-Omar Shakir (DAWN)VIDEO: https://youtu.be/pFaV6JPQUWg?t=497&is=u9TGawE0IAbj7SNE#Iran #IranWar #NegarMortazavi
U.S. War Crimes in Iran
U.S. committed war crimes in Iran, UN human rights experts say they have “reasonable grounds to believe.”They cite strikes on an elementary school in Minab and a sports complex in Lamerd on the first day of the war.Negar Mortazavi joined NPR Here and Now https://www.wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/09/17/us-war-crimes-iran
Selling the War with Purges, Polygraphs and Propaganda
Trump admin is trying to rewrite history in real time and to put a positive spin on the war on Iran. But rising prices, provocative social media posts, and the Pentagon’s combative relationship with the press make that story harder to sell.Negar Mortazavi joins Aljazeera’s Listening Post with Laicie Heeley, Mark Kimmitt, and Samira Mohyeddin.WATCH: youtu.be/_MlBn-TiGSo?is=nbZCN29p_KNZCDUb
Six Months of War on Iran
Negar Mortazavi joins Peter Beinart on the Occupied Thoughts podcast to discuss the sixth month of war on Iran, what the U.S. got wrong in its expectations for the war, why the MOU broke down, the impacts of sanctions and economic warfare on the ground in Iran, and how the Iranian diaspora is navigating the war.Occupied Thoughts: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/occupied-thoughts/id1442278034?i=10007
Tanker War in the Strait of Hormuz
The U.S. war on Iran has entered a dangerous new phase: a tanker war in the Strait of Hormuz. Iran says it attacked 10 ships after the U.S. sank 5 Iranian oil tankers, pushing Brent crude above $100. Negar Mortazavi on NPR: wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/09/09/oil-prices-strait-of-hormuz
U.S. Attacks Wedding in Iran
U.S. attacks wedding in Iran. Are Washington and Tehran heading for more escalation? Negar Mortazavi joins Aljazeera
U.S. and Iran Escalate Again
Latest US-Iran escalation was predictable after the unraveling of the MOU. This complicates the narrow path diplomacy and risks further escalation.Negar Mortazavi on BBC World
Tehran Will Not Surender to Trump
Economic pressure will impose greater hardship on ordinary Iranians already struggling with rising inflation. But it is unlikely to force Iran to surrender, as it has failed to do in the past.Negar Mortazavi with Jim Sciutto on CNN
U.S. Attacks Iran’s Larak Island
U.S. attacks Iran’s Larak Island in a dangerous escalation that can reignite the war and further complicate diplomacy.Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera
Sixth Month of War
Six months of US-Israel war on Iran; the military stalemate, political dynamics in Iran, and the impacts of war on the Iranian people.Negar Mortazavi joined Carl Nasman on BBCVIDEO
Trump’s D-Day on Iran
Negar Mortazavi on NPR Here and Now Link: https://www.npr.org/2026/08/24/nx-s1-5943152/trumps-economic-policies-hit-iran-canada-and-u-s-workers
US intensifies economic war on Iran
Negar Mortazavi joins BBC
Economic D-Day Begins
Negar Mortazavi on NPR Here and Now wbur.org/hereandnow/2026/08/24/iran-war-economic-measures
Can Economic D-Day make Iran surrender?
Negar Mortazavi joins CGTN with Asieh NamdarVIDEO
Trump Declares Economic D-Day
Trump declared economic D-Day on Iran as war continues across the Middle East.Negar Mortazavi on Times Radio
Trump is stuck in his war
Trump is trapped in a war he thought would be quick and easy.Now he’s realizing it isn’t winnable, yet refusing to exit without claiming victory.Negar Mortazavi on BBC
Trump’s Sunday Deals with Iran
Once again it’s Sunday, before markets open, and Trump says a deal with Iran is imminent.Tehran’s position remains the same: It will return to the MoU if the U.S. abides by it.Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera
Human Cost of War on Iran
What does war mean for the people in Iran? The human cost of the U.S.-Israel war on Iran, including civilian casualties, the destruction of critical infrastructure, and how ordinary Iranians are coping with the consequences of the conflict.Negar Mortazavi with Zain Asher on CNN
Memorandum of Understanding Unravels
Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera
U.S. and Iran Expand the War
Negar Mortazavi on BBC
War Escalates in the Middle East
Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera
Will Iran Surrender to Trump?
Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera
U.S. and Iran Continue the War
Death toll rises as U.S. and Iran continue escalating across the region.Negar Mortazavi on ABC Australia
Who Controls the Strait of Hormuz?
As the U.S.-Iran MOU unravels, clashes in the Strait of Hormuz are pushing both sides back toward war. We examine the escalation, the strategy in Washington and Tehran, and what remains of diplomacy. Negar Mortazavi on Al Jazeera
Trump and Tehran Escalate
The U.S. and Iran are exchanging strikes for the sixth day in a row, as the two countries battle for control of the Strait of Hormuz.Negar Mortazavi joins NPR
Will Tehran Surrender to Trump?
Trump imposes a blockade on Iran. Tehran escalates in the Strait of Hormuz. Both sides are back to hot conflict. What are their goals, what is the strategy, and who can absorb more pain over the long run? Negar Mortazavi and Doug Bandow of Cato Institute on Aljazeera
U.S. and Iran Back to War
President Trump’s effort to stretch the limits of the U.S.–Iran MoU after facing criticism for signing it, and why Tehran is signaling that it is willing to fight rather than accept more pressure or concessions.Negar Mortazavi and Doug Bandow of the Cato Institute discuss on Al Jazeera.
Iran and the Bomb (2)
Negar Mortazavi speaks with Sina Azodi about his new book “Iran and the Bomb” tracing the history of Iran’s nuclear program from its origins under the Shah through the 1979 revolution, the Obama-era JCPOA, Trump’s maximum-pressure campaign, two US-Israeli wars on Iran, and the future of diplomacy.This book talk was hosted at Busboys and Poets in Washington. (Part 1)
Iran and the Bomb (1)
Negar Mortazavi speaks with Sina Azodi about his new book “Iran and the Bomb” tracing the history of Iran’s nuclear program from its origins under the Shah through the 1979 revolution, the Obama-era JCPOA, Trump’s maximum-pressure campaign, two US-Israeli wars on Iran, and the future of diplomacy.This book talk was hosted at Busboys and Poets in Washington. (Part 1)
Memorandum of Misunderstanding
The latest U.S.-Iran escalation has put the fragile Memorandum of Understanding under growing strain, with the Strait of Hormuz emerging as the central flashpoint. Tensions continue despite ongoing diplomacy, while both sides are using military pressure and negotiations in parallel to shape the terms of a possible long-term deal.Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera
Funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei
The funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei, its religious and political significance, the domestic, regional, and international messages behind the ceremony, and what it signals about continuity, succession, and the future of the Islamic Republic.Negar Mortazavi on CNN
Ayatollah Khamenei’s Funeral
The funeral of Ayatollah Khamenei marks a pivotal moment in Iran’s modern history. Beyond its religious significance, the ceremony serves as a political statement, projecting continuity, resilience, and succession while sending messages to domestic, regional, and international audiences about the future of the Islamic Republic following the war with the United States and Israel.Negar Mortazavi on
U.S. and Iran talk via Qatar
Negar Mortazavi joins Times Radio to discuss the peace talks between the U.S. and Iran with mediation from Qatar.
Israel-Lebanon and U.S.-Iran
U.S. and Iran can not make a peace deal if Israel continues attacks on Lebanon. Negar Mortazavi speaks Maryam Moshiri on BBC
Trump vs Tehran: War or Peace? (Dropsite)
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Jeremy Scahill of Dropsite News about the ongoing US-Israeli war on Iran, the current cease-fire, the role of GCC countries, and the path ahead.
The Strait of Hormuz
Negar Mortazavi speaks to NPR
Will Trump and Tehran make peace?
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Kate Borsay on Times Radio. https://x.com/kaitborsay/status/2044478166593315030?s=46
After Peace Talks in Islamabad
Historic negotiations between Iran and the United States ended without a deal, leaving the Strait of Hormuz closed and putting a fragile ceasefire at risk. Vice President Vance led the American delegation in Islamabad with Iranian Speaker of Parliament Qalibaf leading the delegation from Tehran. After negotiations failed, President Trump took to Truth Social to say the U.S. Navy will blockade the
US-Israel War on Iran Expands
Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera in Doha, Qatar with Professor Ross Harrison of Middle East Institute
The Cost of War with Iran
Negar Mortazavi joined NPR Here & Now to discuss the second week of US-Israel war on Iran, the new supreme leader Ayatollah Khamenei, and how the Iranian society views it all. Listen to the full show on NPR: https://www.npr.org/2026/03/09/nx-s1-5742579/the-cost-of-war-with-iran
Will Trump make peace with Tehran?
Negar Mortazavi and Ross Harrison on Aljazeera in Doha, Qatar
War on Iran Expands Further
Negar Mortazavi joins the BBC discussing second week of the US-Israel war on #Iran, escalating strikes across Tehran, the mounting civilian toll (1300+ killed), widespread infrastructure damage, and how residents are coping with daily life under sustained bombardment.
Why Did Trump Attack Iran?
Negar Mortazavi speaks to ABC about the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.
Iran’s New Supreme Leader
Negar Mortazavi speaks to France 24 about Iran’s new supreme leader, Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, what this means for the future of Iran’s domestic and foreign policy, its impacts on the current war, and the divide among the Iranian society.
War in the Middle East
Negar Mortazavi speaks to CNN about US-Iran nuclear talks and the path towards war or diplomacy.
Trump and Tehran at Final Stretch
Negar Mortazavi speaks to France 24 about U.S.-Iran talks coming up in Geneva and the final stretch for diplomacy before a potential war.
United States, Iran and Israel
Panel discussion about the U.S., Iran and Israel with Negar Mortazavi, Jamal Abdi and Stephen Kinzer hosted by Massachusetts Peace Action MAPA. Watch the video of this panel: https://youtu.be/cTpbZJoZf2w?si=AjvAsC5uynaMLc0-
Will Trump Go to War With Iran?
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Ali Velshi on MSNOW
Second Round of U.S.-Iran Talks
Negar Mortazavi speaks to NPR-WAMU about U.S.-Iran nuclear talks in Geneva.It was just a few week ago that the U.S. and Iran appeared close to military confrontation.That was after protests in Iran led President Donald Trump to say the country’s religious leaders should stop killing demonstrators and pursuing nuclear weapons. U.S. military buildup in the region has continued.Representatives for bo
Iran Protests: Is This the End?
Iranians are once again protesting. In cities and towns across Iran, people have poured into the streets driven by economic despair and a desire for structural political change. As the 47th anniversary of 1979 Iranian Revolution approaches, serious questions exist about the future of the Islamic Republic. Is this the beginning of the end for Iran’s clerical authoritarian regime? Can the Iranian re
Is Iran on the Verge of Collapse?
Live briefing on January 13, 2026 chaired by Ilan Goldenberg, Senior Vice President and Chief Policy Officer at J Street, examined the current state of the protests in Iran, how President Trump’s threats of intervention are being perceived inside Iran, and the policy options currently available to the United States.-Nate Swanson, director of Iran Strategy Project at the Atlantic Council and former
Are Iran Protests at a Tipping Point?
Negar Mortazavi joins a France 24 panel on Iran protests, the violent and the deadly crackdown, and the path ahead.
What Witkoff Wants from Tehran
Negar Mortazavi speaks with NPR about U.S.-Iran talks scheduled in Istanbul (then moved to Oman).Broadcast on 3 February 2026: https://the1a.org/segments/what-steve-witkoff-wants-from-iran/
U.S. and Iran Meet in Oman
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Aljazeera about U.S.-Iran negotiations in Oman, what each side wants from the talks, the chance of diplomatic success and the threat of a regional war.
Tehran’s Finger is on the Trigger
Negar Mortazavi speaks to BBC about prospects for diplomacy between Tehran and Washington under the shadow of war.
Warships and Negotiations in the Persian Gulf
Negar Mortazavi speaks to France24 about US-Iran standoff in the Middle East and how war can unleash chaos across the region.
U.S. and Iran Standoff in Middle East
Negar Mortazavi speaks with AlArabiya
Can Trump Make a Deal With Tehran?
Negar Mortazavi speaks to BBC World about mass protests in Iran, President Trump’s signals on diplomacy and war, and the view in Tehran. Negar Mortazavi is a Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy in Washington DC.
U.S. and Iran Prepare for War?
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Times Radio about U.S. military asset buildup in the Middle East, President Trump’s comments on war and diplomacy, and Iran’s threats of hitting back if attacked.www.thetimes.com/radio
The Year of Blood
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Ali Velshi on MSNOW about Iran protests, U.S. threats of intervention, and the path ahead.
Trump tells Protesters: “Help is on the way”
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Times Radio about President Trump telling protesters in Iran that: “Help is on the way”
Protests Meet Crackdown
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Times Radio about anti-government protests in Iran, internet shutdown across the country, and the violent crackdown amid foreign military threats.
Protests Grow Across Iran
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Canadian TV about anti-government protests across Iran, the grievances and demands of the protesters, and the threat of war.
Protests Continue in Iran
Negar Mortazavi speaks to AlArabiya about ongoing protests across Iran, President Trump’s post about the protests, and the danger of more conflict and war in the region.
Can Trump Help Iranian Protesters?
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Times Radio about anti-government protests across Iran as President Trump threatens that the U.S. is locked and loaded to interfere.
Trump and Iran Protests
Negar Mortazavi speaks to LBC Radio about Iran protests and President Trump’s post about helping the protesters.Hosted by Simon Marks
Iran Protests and the Looming War
Negar Mortazavi speaks to Times Radio in the UK about days of anti-government protests across Iran in response to inflation, under the threat of military strikes by Israel and the United States.
Book Talk: Iran’s Grand Strategy
Negar Mortazavi and Vali Nasr had a book talk at the Busboys and Poets bookstore in Washington, to discuss Nasr’s latest book “Iran’s Grand Strategy”
Iran to raise fuel prices - BBC
Negar Mortazavi speaks to BBC World Radio about Iran’s plan to gradually raise fuel prices in a tiered system.
Tomorrow is Yesterday: Rob Malley on Israel-Palestine and US-Iran
Ep. 137: Negar Mortazavis speaks to Robert Malley about his new book, with Hussein Agha, “Tomorrow Is Yesterday: Life, Death, and the Pursuit of Peace in Israel/Palestine”. They also discuss US-Iran tensions and negotiate under Presidents Obama, Biden and Trump.
Prison Break: Israeli Disinfo Operations
Ep. 136: Negar Mortazavi speaks to Alberto Fittarelli, Senior Researcher at Citizen Lab at the University of Toronto, about Israel-liked influence operations that were pushing for regime-change in Iran during the 12 day war. Citizen Lab report: https://citizenlab.ca/2025/10/ai-enabled-io-aimed-at-overthrowing-iranian-regime/
Iran and the Axis of Resistance
Ep. 135: Negar Mortazavi speaks to Hamidreza Azizi about Iran’s shifting regional strategy after the 12-day war with Israel, and the limits of the Axis of Resistance against Israel and the U.S.
Iran’s Grand Strategy
Episode 134. Negar Mortazavi speaks with Vali Nasr, Professor and former dean at Johns Hopkins University, about Iran’s grand strategy, the 12-day war with Israel, and Iran’s long term foreign policy calculations. This podcast is supported by the Sanctions Law Center, a boutique law firm in Washington.
President of Peace or War?
Episode 133. Negar Mortazavi speaks to Matt Duss about Donald Trump’s foreign policy towards the Middle East, Israel and U.S. attacks on Iran, and prospects for nuclear diplomacy between Tehran and Washington. Matt Duss is the Executive Vice President at the Center for International Policy (CIP) and was formerly Foreign Policy Advisor to Senator Bernie Sanders.
