War on the Rocks The Israeli-Iranian War: How We Got Here & What It Means
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Jun 17, 2025 
Nicole Grajewski, a nuclear policy expert at the Carnegie Endowment, and Rachel Brandenburg, an authority on Middle Eastern geopolitics from the Israel Policy Forum, dive deep into the escalating conflict between Israel and Iran. They analyze Israel's recent military strikes and the resulting geopolitical upheaval. The conversation reveals the complexities behind Iran's nuclear ambitions and the implications of U.S. diplomatic failures. Additionally, they discuss Russia's growing defense alliance with Iran and its impact on regional stability.
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Failed U.S.-Iran Nuclear Talks
- U.S. negotiation efforts with Iran lacked clear vision and created confusion, leaving Iranians skeptical.
- Some momentum existed but substantial progress towards a deal was absent.
Advocacy Groups Push For U.S. Involvement
- Many advocacy groups quickly supported Israeli strikes and urged U.S. involvement.
- The same groups had pushed for U.S. withdrawal from the JCPOA earlier, showing consistent hawkish positions.
Scope of Israeli Strikes
- Israeli strikes targeted Iranian military leadership, missile sites, oil facilities, and nuclear centers.
- These strikes aimed to degrade Iran’s retaliation capacity and nuclear capabilities.