Lever Time Who Sold America On The Iran War? (With Hooman Majd & Ryan Grim)
Mar 5, 2026
Ryan Grim, investigative reporter focused on foreign policy, and Hooman Majd, Iranian-American journalist and author, discuss the long arc of US-Iran tensions. They probe who pushed for military action, missed chances for diplomacy, dark money and lobbying influences, alleged plans for regime change, and Congress’s role amid chaotic decision-making.
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Soleimani's Killing Hardened Iranian National Sentiment
- Assassinating Qasem Soleimani united many Iranians in mourning and strengthened nationalist sentiment rather than undermining the regime.
- Majd notes millions mourning Soleimani, who was seen by many as a defender against ISIS, complicating U.S. objectives.
Administration Lacked a Clear Endgame for the War
- Ryan Grim says the Trump administration lacked a coherent objective for the strikes and presented contradictory rationales even in classified briefings.
- He cites lawmakers leaving briefings saying officials couldn't explain a clear endgame.
Competing Plans From Reinstalling A Shah To Arming Militias
- Ryan Grim recounts competing plans discussed by U.S. and Israeli-aligned actors, from reinstalling Reza Pahlavi to arming Kurdish or Baluch militias.
- He describes contradictory strategies aiming either to restore a pliable leader or to fragment Iran into chaos.