The Intercept Briefing Who’s the Real Bully of the Middle East?
Jun 28, 2025
Hooman Majd, an Iranian-American writer and author, joins the discussion on the fragile ceasefire between Israel and Iran. He argues that diplomacy should have taken precedence over military strikes, highlighting the complexities of U.S. foreign policy in the region. Majd delves into the failures of past negotiations and the dangers of intervention, as well as the implications for Iran's alliances. Personal reflections on his immigrant experience also surface, emphasizing the broader narratives of belonging and identity amidst geopolitical turmoil.
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Episode notes
Israel Initiated Attacks, Not Iran
- Israel launched full-scale strikes on Iran days before expected nuclear talks resumed.
- This aggressive posture contradicts the narrative of Iran being the 'bully' in the Middle East.
Iran Seeks Parity, Israel Dominates
- Iran seeks strategic parity with Israel rather than submission.
- Israel's dominant regional power status relies heavily on U.S. and European support.
Axis of Resistance Explained
- Iran cultivates an 'axis of resistance' including Iraq, Syria, Hezbollah, and Houthis to counterbalance Israel's hegemony.
- Hamas has had a complex, changing relationship with Iran due to civil war dynamics.
