KQED's Forum US and Israel Bomb Iran, Kill Khamenei. What Comes Next?
Mar 2, 2026
Nate Swanson, Iran strategy director at the Atlantic Council, offers policy and regional analysis. Sahar Razavi, political scientist, describes on-the-ground Iranian sentiment and casualties. Robin Wright, New Yorker writer and Middle East historian, examines leadership, law, and long-term implications. They discuss the strikes that killed Iran’s leader, regional retaliation, military and political risks, and uncertain succession.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Mixed U.S. Objectives Create Strategic Confusion
- The political endgame is unclear because U.S. goals mix regime change rhetoric with talk of diplomacy and nuclear constraints.
- Robin Wright noted Trump both calls for regime change and says he's open to talks, creating strategic confusion.
Popular Relief Mixed With Desire For Accountability
- Iranians are broadly relieved Khamenei is gone but divided on foreign assassination versus domestic accountability.
- Sahar Razavi reported people are happy he is gone yet many prefer trials or internal justice, not foreign strikes.
Retaliation Spreads Across The Region
- Iran's retaliation has targeted Israel, Gulf states and U.S. bases, including civilian infrastructure, turning this into a wide regional confrontation.
- Nate Swanson warned it's a numbers game of missiles versus interceptors with rising U.S. casualties already reported.
