The Iran Podcast

Trump Declares Economic D-Day Aug 20, 2026 00:03:38 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 Aug 15, 2026 00:09:01 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 Aug 3, 2026 00:05:42 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 Jul 24, 2026 00:12:23 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 Jul 23, 2026 00:05:43 Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera

U.S. and Iran Expand the War Jul 23, 2026 00:05:10 Negar Mortazavi on BBC

War Escalates in the Middle East Jul 22, 2026 00:05:13 Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera

Will Iran Surrender to Trump? Jul 22, 2026 00:03:44 Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera

U.S. and Iran Continue the War Jul 20, 2026 00:06:27 Death toll rises as U.S. and Iran continue escalating across the region.Negar Mortazavi on ABC Australia

Who Controls the Strait of Hormuz? Jul 17, 2026 00:05:11 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 Jul 16, 2026 00:05:03 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? Jul 15, 2026 00:09:02 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 Jul 15, 2026 00:09:54 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) Jul 14, 2026 00:15:28 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) Jul 14, 2026 00:34:07 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 Jul 12, 2026 00:08:45 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 Jul 6, 2026 00:06:25 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 Jul 6, 2026 00:13:55 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 Jul 2, 2026 00:05:36 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 Jun 2, 2026 00:04:01 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) May 19, 2026 00:31:46 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 Apr 21, 2026 00:10:48 Negar Mortazavi speaks to NPR

Will Trump and Tehran make peace? Apr 16, 2026 00:06:22 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Kate Borsay on Times Radio. https://x.com/kaitborsay/status/2044478166593315030?s=46

After Peace Talks in Islamabad Apr 14, 2026 00:12:03 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 Mar 25, 2026 00:08:58 Negar Mortazavi on Aljazeera in Doha, Qatar with Professor Ross Harrison of Middle East Institute

The Cost of War with Iran Mar 25, 2026 00:06:45 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? Mar 25, 2026 00:09:55 Negar Mortazavi and Ross Harrison on Aljazeera in Doha, Qatar

War on Iran Expands Further Mar 11, 2026 00:07:01 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? Mar 9, 2026 00:04:05 Negar Mortazavi speaks to ABC about the U.S.-Israel war on Iran.

Iran’s New Supreme Leader Mar 9, 2026 00:18:03 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 Feb 26, 2026 00:06:05 Negar Mortazavi speaks to CNN about US-Iran nuclear talks and the path towards war or diplomacy.

Trump and Tehran at Final Stretch Feb 24, 2026 00:08:30 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 Feb 22, 2026 01:06:46 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? Feb 21, 2026 00:08:03 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Ali Velshi on MSNOW

Second Round of U.S.-Iran Talks Feb 19, 2026 00:11:23 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? Feb 16, 2026 01:11:49 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? Feb 14, 2026 01:00:23 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? Feb 8, 2026 00:22:51 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 Feb 7, 2026 00:11:07 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 Feb 6, 2026 00:06:24 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 Feb 6, 2026 00:05:11 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 Feb 3, 2026 00:08:02 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 Feb 1, 2026 00:09:02 Negar Mortazavi speaks with AlArabiya

Can Trump Make a Deal With Tehran? Jan 28, 2026 00:02:53 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? Jan 28, 2026 00:06:24 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 Jan 19, 2026 00:08:06 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” Jan 17, 2026 00:13:34 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Times Radio about President Trump telling protesters in Iran that: “Help is on the way”

Protests Meet Crackdown Jan 11, 2026 00:05:33 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 Jan 10, 2026 00:05:10 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 Jan 3, 2026 00:08:10 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? Jan 2, 2026 00:04:07 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 Jan 2, 2026 00:04:55 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 Dec 30, 2025 00:05:42 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 Dec 12, 2025 01:56:08 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 Nov 27, 2025 00:05:52 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 Nov 10, 2025 00:41:34 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 Oct 27, 2025 00:34:42 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 Sep 16, 2025 00:37:44 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 Aug 13, 2025 00:35:35 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? Jul 20, 2025 00:32:26 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.

A Fork in the Road May 15, 2025 00:55:09 Episode 132. Negar Mortazavi joins a panel discussion on US-Iran nuclear talks, the dynamics in Tehran and Washington, and the role of Israel and Arab states. The panel was hosted at Cato Institute in Washington with Jon Hoffman, Greg Brew and Danny Citrinowicz.

Iran’s Rivalry with the US in the Middle East May 3, 2025 00:37:01 Episode 132. Negar Mortazavi speaks with Professor Mohsen Milani about his latest book “Iran’s Rise and Rivalry with the U.S. in the Middle East”

Can Trump and Tehran make a Deal? Apr 17, 2025 01:01:03 A conversation with Negar Mortazavi, Emma Ashford, Jon Hoffman, Trita Parsi, Sina Azodi, and moderated by Ryan Costello. Episode 130.

Trump vs Tehran Apr 4, 2025 00:30:19 Negar Mortazavi speaks with Jon Hoffman at Cato Institute in Washington. Episode 129.

Failure of Maximum Pressure Mar 16, 2025 00:40:13 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Hadi Kahalzadeh, an Iranian economist and sanctions expert at Brandeis University, about Trump’s policy of Maximum Pressure on Iran and why he thinks it is going to fail again. Episode 128.

Trump’s New Middle East Policy Feb 20, 2025 00:35:50 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Murtaza Hussain, foreign policy correspondent at Dropsite News, and Hooman Majd, Iranian-American journalist and author, about President Trump’s new Middle East policy. Episode 127.

Trump 2.0 and Iran Jan 26, 2025 00:37:40 Negar Mortazavi, Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy, speaks with Benjamin Friedman, policy director at Defense Priorities, and Trita Parsi, executive vice president at the Quincy Institute in Washington, about Donald Trump’s second term and his policy towards Iran. Episode 126.

Iran-Gulf Relations Dec 4, 2024 00:37:21 Dispatch from Rome: Negar Mortazavi speaks to Yousuf Al Bulushi, Sara Bazoobandi, and Abdulaziz Sager, about the future of Iran-GCC relations, Oman’s crucial role in mediation, the challenges and opportunities of the Iran-Saudi deal, and the path forward for the countries of the Persian Gulf.This conversation was part of the Mediterranean Dialogue 2024 hosted by ISPI in Rome, Italy.The Iran Podcas

Diplomacy is Not a Dirty Word Nov 22, 2024 01:19:44 Negar Mortazavi in conversation with Steven Simon, Lara Friedman, Nader Hashemi, and Jon Hoffman, discussing US policy in the Middle East under Biden and Trump. This panel was hosted in person by the National Iranian American Council.

Israel, Iran, and the Next US President Oct 30, 2024 00:39:29 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Harrison Mann, a former U.S. Army Officer and Middle East intelligence analyst who resigned over U.S. policy in Gaza. He is now a Senior Fellow at Win Without War in Washington.

Israel-Iran Tensions Oct 10, 2024 00:27:59 Negar Mortazavi discusses Israel-Iran tensions in an interview on CNN with Becky Anderson, on the Australian Radio, and on TRT World television.

Israel, Lebanon and Iran Aug 25, 2024 00:42:24 Negar Mortazavi speaks to journalist Ali Hashem in Doha about rising tensions between Israel, Iran and Lebanon as ceasefire talks continue in Qatar.

Can Europe and Iran Relations Improve? Aug 9, 2024 00:30:11 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Eldar Memedov, a European foreign policy expert based in Brussels, about Europe’s deteriorating relationship with Iran and whether Iran’s new reformist president can improve with the West.

Tension Rises Between Iran and Israel Aug 6, 2024 00:07:12 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Aljazeera English television about Israeli attacks on Hezbollah and Hamas leaders in Beirut and Tehran, and how Iran and its allies are planning to retaliate.

Iran’s New President Aug 2, 2024 00:51:07 Negar Mortazavi joins a University of South Florida podcast to discuss Iran’s snap presidential election, the surprise win of a moderate, and how the new President Masoud Pezeshkian can cha ge the country.

President Pezeshkian Jul 26, 2024 00:38:42 Who is Iran’s new reformist president, Dr Masoud Pezeshkian, and can he bring change? Negar Mortazavi speaks to Sina Toosi, Senior Nonresident Fellow at the Center for International Policy in Washington.

Iran after Raisi: Presidential Election 2 Jun 19, 2024 00:36:36 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Mehran Kamrava, a professor of government at Georgetown University Qatar and Director of Iranian Studies at the Arab Center.

Iran After Raisi: Presidential Election Jun 16, 2024 00:13:30 Negar Mortazavi speaks to NPR radio about the six candidates cleared to run in Iran’s upcoming presidential election. The snap election comes less than a month after former President Ebrahim Raisi died in a helicopter crash. The winner of the June 28 election will have to contend with a struggling economy, social discontent, and the ongoing challenge of U.S. sanctions.

Iran After Raisi: Nuclear Program Jun 6, 2024 00:27:56 Will Iran change its nuclear strategy after the death of its president Ebrahim Raisi? Negar Mortazavi speaks to Kelsey Davenport of the Arms Control Association and Sina Azodi of George Washington University.

Israel-Hamas War and the GCC Apr 30, 2024 00:31:05 Negar Mortazavi speaks to Giorgio Cafiero, CEO of Gulf States Analytics and an adjunct professor at Georgetown University, about the Israel-Hamas war and the GCC countries.

Episodes

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