Sanam Vakil

Sanam Vakil, a director at Chatham House specializing in Middle Eastern affairs, shares insights on the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran. They discuss recent military actions, Iran's missile strikes, and the effectiveness of Israel's Iron Dome. The conversation delves into the complex U.S.-Israel relationship and the balance of support and stability concerns. Vakil emphasizes the risks of escalating conflict and the imperative for renewed negotiations to address humanitarian crises and regional instability.

Sanam Vakil and Gillian Tett discuss Hamas' rejection of the ceasefire proposal in Gaza and the debate on using $300 billion in frozen Russian assets. Bill Gates explains the importance of nuclear energy. Sal Khan talks about AI in education. The podcast also covers British PM Rishi Sunak's controversial asylum plan.

Sanam Vakil, the Director of the Middle East Program at Chatham House, shares her expertise on Iran's nuclear ambitions and regional geopolitics. She discusses the urgent nuclear negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, emphasizing the potential for military action prompted by Israel. The conversation navigates shifting alliances, particularly Iran's diplomatic overtures to Saudi Arabia, and the complexities of U.S. foreign relations involving both nations. Vakil highlights the implications of these talks on Middle Eastern stability and the prospects for future agreements.

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.

Join experts Sanam Vakil, a director at Chatham House specializing in Iranian policy, and historian James Barr, who authored key works on Middle Eastern geopolitics. They delve into the complexities of foreign interventions in the region and discuss the evolving roles of the U.S. and Russia. The conversation also reflects on the legacy of the Oslo Accords, missed opportunities in peace negotiations, and the implications of regional dynamics for Palestine's statehood. With tensions flaring, they explore the potential for a broader international approach to peace.