Global News Podcast Iran crisis: your questions answered
27 snips
Jun 26, 2025 
Frank Gardner, BBC's security correspondent and expert in Middle Eastern affairs, joins Behrang Tajdin from the BBC Persian service to unravel the complexities of the Iran crisis. They discuss Iran's nuclear ambitions and the potential for regime change, diving into the impact on regional stability. Gardner sheds light on U.S. military strategies while Tajdin reflects on public sentiment for a secular government. Their insights reveal a nation at a crossroads, balancing deep-rooted religious authority with evolving aspirations for democracy.
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US Bunker-Busting Role
- The US joined the conflict mainly because it has bunker-busting bombs needed to target deeply buried Iranian nuclear facilities.
- There's also a theory President Trump wanted to be part of Israel's successful military campaign.
Nuclear Bombing Damage Uncertain
- US claims their bombing obliterated Iran's nuclear capabilities, but no independent evidence confirms this.
- The truth likely lies between US optimism and Iran's denial of significant damage.
Iran's Nuclear Plans Uncertain
- Iran's future nuclear ambitions depend on internal factions balancing rebuilding needs and hardline pushes.
- Major infrastructure issues like regular blackouts compete with funding nuclear or military programs.