Novara Live Bonus Interview: Iran Trump Has Made Iran Stronger
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Mar 23, 2026 Hooman Majd, an American–Iranian journalist and author who has translated for Iranian presidents, discusses Trump’s Iran bluster and why claims of last‑minute calls seem unlikely. He explores why attacks were probably called off, what Iran would seek in any deal, possible endgame scenarios, regional intelligence links, and the regime’s likely crackdown.
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Trump's 'They Called Me' Narrative Is Implausible
- Donald Trump's claim that Iran called him to negotiate after his threat to bomb was implausible and likely a false narrative.
- Hooman Majd argues Trump issued a late-night ultimatum and only backed down after Iran threatened regional infrastructure retaliation like desalination plants.
Iran Wants Concessions Not A Premature Ceasefire
- Iran will seek to emerge from the conflict in a stronger bargaining position, extracting concessions rather than offering Trump an easy face-saving exit.
- Majd says Iran has demonstrated resilience under sustained attacks and will press for sanctions relief and security guarantees.
Use Sanctions Relief To Stabilise Iran
- Sanctions relief is the practical path to stabilise Iran and reduce domestic violence; Majd says Iran needs economic incentives to avoid future bloodshed.
- He notes past European mechanisms like INSTEX failed, so direct US relief would be decisive.