In this episode of Hold Your Fire!, Richard is joined by Crisis Group experts, Ali Vaez, Mairav Zonszein, Max Rodenbeck, Yasmine Farouk and Michael Hanna to discuss the escalating Israel-Iran conflict. Richard first talks with Ali about how Iranians are experiencing the conflict, the damage Israeli strikes have inflicted on Iran’s nuclear infrastructure, missile program and military leadership, and whether Iran’s regime might offer concessions to end the war. Richard then turns to Mairav and Max to discuss Israeli public sentiment and Prime Minister Netanyahu’s objectives in Iran. With Yasmine, he explores how Gulf Arab states view the war. Finally, Richard talks with Michael about President Donald Trump’s shift from opposing Israeli strikes on Iran to seemingly supporting them, divisions within his base over the U.S. joining the war, and whether Washington will bomb or can still find a diplomatic off-ramp.

For more, check out our latest statement, “How Trump and Tehran Can Find an Eleventh-hour Exit from an Escalating War” and our Iran page.

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