Alex Vatanka

In this engaging discussion, Alex Vatanka, founding director of the Iran program at the Middle East Institute, unravels the complex leadership of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. He delves into Khamenei's surprising rise to power and his alliance with the Revolutionary Guards. The podcast explores how Khamenei's policies shape Iran's anti-Western stance and his support for militant groups. Vatanka even examines the ripple effects of Khamenei's potential assassination, questioning the future of governance in Iran and its geopolitical ramifications.

Topics discussed include Biden's State of the Union address, Iran's elections and protests, Bosnia's pipeline feud, and NATO welcoming Sweden as a member. Highlighting political tensions, power struggles, ethnic divisions, and shifting alliances in the global landscape.

Dan Williams, a Bloomberg News reporter in Jerusalem, shares on-the-ground insights regarding escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. Alex Vatanka, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, discusses the socio-economic hardships faced by Iranians under oppressive governance. John Erath, Senior Policy Director for the Center for Arms Control and Non-Proliferation, highlights nuclear proliferation concerns, emphasizing the complexities surrounding Iran's nuclear ambitions amidst military actions. Together, they paint a vivid picture of the human and geopolitical stakes in this fraught region.

In a riveting discussion, Alex Vatanka, a Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute and author of "The Battle of the Ayatollahs in Iran," delves into the impact of Trump's 'maximum pressure' campaign on Iran. He highlights the regime's economic struggles due to crippling sanctions and the growing disconnect between the government and its citizens. Vatanka also explores the fragile legitimacy of Iran's leadership amidst domestic unrest and the intricate geopolitical dynamics in U.S.-Iran relations, including the ongoing trade of Iranian oil and potential strategies for negotiation.

Meir Javedanfar, an Iranian-Israeli lecturer and commentator, joins Alex Vatanka, Director of MEI's Iran program, for an insightful discussion. They analyze Iran's recent military setbacks and the sustainability of its strategy in the Axis of Resistance. The conversation unveils Iran's internal dilemmas regarding military support for proxies like Hezbollah and the financial burdens stemming from international sanctions. They also delve into Iran's nuclear ambitions and the evolving regional dynamics, highlighting the need for a diplomatic approach to counteract its influence.