The Bunker – News without the nonsense America vs. Iran – What does Trump actually want?
Jun 24, 2025
Dr. Sanam Vakil, Director of the MENA Programme at Chatham House and an expert on Iran, joins the conversation to unpack the escalating tensions between the U.S. and Iran. They delve into Trump’s assertive military actions and the implications of targeting Iranian nuclear facilities. The discussion includes Iran's internal protests and challenges to the regime, the complexity of potential regime change, and the diplomatic dilemmas faced by Western allies amidst international law. It’s a thought-provoking exploration of a critical geopolitical situation.
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Iran's Complex Theocratic Governance
- Iran's government combines a religious Supreme Leader with elected officials, forming a complex, consensus-based system.
- Popular participation is crucial for its legitimacy despite theocratic control at the top.
Iran's Nuclear Program and JCPOA Impact
- Iran technically has no nuclear weapons but an advanced enrichment program.
- Trump's 2018 withdrawal from the JCPOA led Iran to leverage its nuclear progress for sanctions relief.
Netanyahu's Timing to Attack Iran
- Netanyahu's longstanding focus on Iran escalated after Hamas's October 2023 attacks.
- Israel shifted to military aggression to weaken Iran's nuclear threat, obstruct diplomacy, and protect its interests.