Bungacast /498/ After the 12-Day War ft. Eskandar Sadeghi
Jul 8, 2025
In this engaging discussion, historian Eskandar Sadeghi-Boroujerdi, an expert on Iran’s political landscape, delves into the complexities following the 12-Day War involving Iran, Israel, and the U.S. He explores the significance of Iran's shifting focus towards nationalism and the implications for its identity. The conversation also covers the weakened status of Hamas and Hezbollah, the potential inevitability of a nuclear Iran, and the reconfiguration of regional alliances with Saudi Arabia and Gulf states amidst escalating tensions.
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Axis of Resistance Origins
- The Axis of Resistance formed mainly from Iran-Syria alliance during Iran-Iraq war and includes Hezbollah as core with Hezbollah-Iran alliance key.
- It's a loose series of alliances supporting resistance against Israel and U.S., aimed at driving U.S. military presence from the region.
Sectarianism Shapes Alliances
- The Syrian civil war increased sectarianization, pushing Hezbollah and Iran to support Assad for strategic depth and supply lines to Lebanon.
- Hezbollah's and Iran's alliance with Assad was geopolitical, aimed at preventing sectarian groups from destabilizing Lebanon and securing supply routes.
Iran’s Divided Foreign Strategy
- There is a domestic Iranian debate between winding down support for allies for detente versus maintaining the Axis of Resistance for national security.
- Both sides frame their approach in nationalist terms but differ on how best to ensure Iran's security and interests regionally.