What is Trump’s Iran strategy? - with Nadav Eyal

28 snips

Apr 10, 2025

Nadav Eyal, a senior analyst for Yediot Achronot and expert on Israeli international affairs, dives into the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations amid rising tensions. He discusses surprising diplomatic moves from President Trump, signaling a shift toward direct negotiations with Iran. Eyal analyzes Israel's potential military strategies and the urgency surrounding Iran's nuclear program, painting a picture of the precarious balance between military might and diplomatic efforts. The interplay between U.S. and Israeli perspectives on these developments reveals critical geopolitical implications.

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INSIGHT

Iran's Nuclear Leverage

The US can influence Iran's nuclear program, unlike other adversaries.
This presents a unique opportunity to draw a line in the sand.

ANECDOTE

Surprise Announcement

President Trump surprised many by announcing direct negotiations with Iran during a meeting with Prime Minister Netanyahu.
This public announcement, including the term "direct negotiations", caught many off guard.

INSIGHT

Israel's Capacity to Strike

Israel believes it can effectively strike Iran's nuclear program, with or without US assistance.
This marks a shift from past positions where Israel relied heavily on the US for such an operation.

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In response to escalating tensions with Iran, the US, over the past month, has been quietly — and not so quietly — ramping up its military presence in the region, signaling it’s preparing for the possibility of direct confrontation with Iran. Six B-2 stealth bombers, capable of carrying bunker busting weapons, have been deployed to Diego Garcia, a remote base in the Indian Ocean that's well within striking distance of Iran. At the same time, while missile defense systems have been repositioned to guard against Iranian retaliation, the US Navy has extended the deployment of the Harry Truman carrier strike group and has sent in the USS Carl Vinson, adding serious firepower to the region.

So, to many Israelis, it came as a surprise when President Trump, with Mr. Netanyahu sitting beside him, announced on Monday that the United States would engage in “direct” negotiations with Iran on Saturday, in a last-ditch effort to rein in the Islamic Republic’s nuclear program. So we’re looking at a very volatile situation, with military might being deployed on the one hand, and a diplomacy track underway on the other. How are Israeli decision-makers assessing the situation?

With us today is Call me Back regular Nadav Eyal, senior analyst for Yediot Achronot, to help us unpack how we got here, and what Israelis expect to happen next.

CREDITS:

ILAN BENATAR - Producer & Editor

MARTIN HUERGO - Sound Editor

YARDENA SCHWARTZ - Executive Editor, Ark Media

GABE SILVERSTEIN - Research

YUVAL SEMO - Music Composer