The Duran Podcast US-Iran talks, objective remains regime change
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Feb 7, 2026 
Alexander Mercouris, longtime geopolitical analyst focused on Russia, Iran and Western policy. He breaks down why talks moved to Oman and regional dynamics that kept conflict at bay. He compares narrow nuclear talks to broader US demands and argues the US aims for regime change. He also covers oil sanctions, China ties, and why business figures joined diplomatic meetings.
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Regime Change Drives US Policy
- The US seeks regime change in Iran rather than a genuine nuclear compromise.
- That objective makes serious negotiations effectively impossible, Alexander Mercouris argues.
Russia Brokered Iran-Israel Understanding
- Russia brokered a private understanding between Iran and Israel to avoid mutual attacks.
- That informal arrangement reduced immediate regional escalation, Mercouris says.
Technical Compromises Were Available
- Regional and Russian proposals could have provided technical solutions on enrichment and stockpile custody.
- Mercouris says consortium models and Rosatom involvement were practical compromise options.