Here & Now Anytime Could Iran be the next 'forever' war?
Mar 24, 2026
Michelle Hackman, a Wall Street Journal immigration reporter, explains the legal fight over asylum and border metering. Wendy Sherman, former U.S. deputy secretary of state and Iran negotiator, breaks down back-channel contacts, Pakistan-hosted talks, and what a 15-point U.S. proposal might demand. Robin Farzad, business journalist, explores suspicious big bets on oil and gaps in prediction market oversight.
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Back-Channel Talks Are Not A Peace Deal
- Negotiations between the U.S. and Iran are happening only through limited back-channel contacts and should not be mistaken for substantive peace talks.
- Wendy Sherman warns past brief talks were followed by U.S. assaults, making Iran deeply skeptical and hardened against short negotiations.
U.S. Demands And Iran's Counterclaims Are Deeply Misaligned
- The U.S. demands and Iran's responses remain far apart on nukes, missiles, proxies, and regime behavior, making compromise unlikely in the short term.
- Sherman lists Trump's aims: seize enriched uranium, stop enrichment, end missile and proxy programs, and restrict Iran's oil revenue, while Iran now demands reparations.
Military Posture Undercuts Negotiation Momentum
- Military buildup by the U.S. signals leverage but also a willingness to pursue objectives before negotiating, reducing prospects for quick talks.
- Sherman notes thousands of Marines and ships sent to the Middle East could create coercive bargaining rather than constructive diplomacy.