Episode 445: Fire, Fallout, and the Future of U.S.-Iran Policy

Today, Martha, Les, Morgan, and Matt break down the major explosion at Iran’s Shahid Rajaee port—a key hub for the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps that plays a crucial role in supplying proxies and moving sanctionable goods. With at least 40 dead, and early reports linking missile propellant sourced from China to the blast, the incident raises urgent questions about Iran’s illicit networks, foreign support, and the growing ties between Tehran, Moscow, and Beijing.

Will this explosion reshape Iran’s ability to supply its proxies? What are the geopolitical implications? As Iran remains weakened, is now the moment for a more aggressive approach to dismantle its nuclear ambitions, or will Trump return to a JCPOA-style deal?

Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.

Check out these sources which helped shape our Fellows’ conversation: 

https://www.bbc.com/news/articles/cx251yyvwr3o 

https://www.theguardian.com/world/2025/apr/27/russia-sends-help-to-iran-after-deadly-port-explosion

https://www.jpost.com/middle-east/iran-news/article-851637

https://www.nytimes.com/2025/04/26/world/middleeast/us-iran-nuclear-talks.html

Follow our experts on Twitter: 

@marthamillerdc

@lestermunson

@morganlroach

@WMattHayden

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