The Rachman Review Can diplomacy avert a US-Iran war?
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Feb 5, 2026 
Sanam Vakil, director of the Middle East and North Africa programme at Chatham House and Iran expert. She walks through US-Iran tensions, regional diplomacy to avert war, and Tehran’s domestic legitimacy crisis. Short takes on nuclear negotiations, the risk of strikes provoking fragmentation, and how Iranian society’s aspirations clash with theocratic rule.
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Trump Seeks A Quick Comprehensive Deal
- Donald Trump is combining military pressure with sanctions to force a quick, comprehensive deal with Iran.
- Sanam Vakil says the US wants Iran to accept limits on nuclear, missiles and regional behaviour in exchange for sanctions relief.
Neighbors Lobby To Prevent Spillover
- Regional diplomacy has intensified as neighbours try to avert a US–Iran war.
- Vakil says those efforts reflect deep regional fear of spillover and economic damage from conflict.
Iran's Nuclear Program 'Buried' Offers Leverage
- Iran signalled its nuclear programme was heavily damaged after strikes on key sites.
- Vakil argues Tehran may accept commitments not to revive that programme if pressured by the threat of attack.