

Trump vs Iran: deal or war?
Apr 9, 2025
In a riveting discussion, Holly Dagres, a Senior Fellow at the Washington Institute, and Sanam Vakil, Director at Chatham House, delve into the precarious U.S.-Iran relations. They dissect the potential outcomes of U.S. negotiations and the looming threat of military action. The conversation highlights the internal divisions within both the Trump administration and Iranian society over war and diplomacy. Listeners gain insights into Iran's socio-political unrest, the nuclear dilemma, and the complex interplay of sanctions and public sentiment in shaping future outcomes.
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Trump's Warning and Iran's Response
- Trump threatens Iran with bombing if a nuclear deal isn't reached.
- Iran vows to retaliate, viewing the warning as a threat to international peace.
Iranian Discontent
- Many Iranians are disillusioned with the current regime due to mismanagement, corruption, and repression.
- Their anger, once directed at sanctions, now targets their own government, as evident in protest chants.
Economic Hardship and Elite Profiteering
- Potatoes in Iran saw a 217% price increase, highlighting the economic struggles.
- While some Iranians face bankruptcy, regime elites profit from the black market, further fueling public anger.