ABC News Daily Iran’s three options after Trump’s strikes
8 snips
Jun 23, 2025 Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group, offers deep insights into Iran's political landscape following U.S. airstrikes on its nuclear facilities. He discusses the three strategic options available to Iranian leaders, emphasizing that surrender is not on the table. The conversation explores the complexities of Trump's regime change rhetoric and its implications for Iran's alliances. Vaez also highlights the geopolitical tensions in the Strait of Hormuz and the potential for civil unrest amid Iran's internal challenges.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Trump's Shifting Iran Strategy
- Donald Trump has shifted goals wildly from no nuclear weapons to zero enrichment to regime change.
- This inconsistency makes Iranians see him as an unreliable negotiation partner.
Regime Change Threat Hardens Iran
- Trump publicly advocates regime change in Iran despite previous skepticism about such policies.
- Threatening regime change now likely hardens Iran's resolve and moves them away from negotiations.
Western Allies Back US Strikes
- Western allies initially hoped for diplomacy but backed US strikes against Iran nuclear sites.
- Their support came despite the attacks potentially violating international norms against war of aggression.