Ray Takeyh

Ray Takeyh, an Iranian-born scholar at the Council on Foreign Relations, dives deep into the shifting dynamics of the Iran-Israel conflict. He discusses Donald Trump's unexpected military actions against Iran and the potential implications of regime change. The conversation explores how sanctions and corruption have led to public discontent in Iran, alongside the complexities of U.S. foreign policy. Takeyh analyzes the historical context of Iran's nuclear ambitions, offering insights into possible futures—war, peace, or revolution.

Ray Takeyh, senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and scholar of Iranian history, reflects on living through 1979 and Iran’s diverse pre-revolution society. He discusses how the revolution took hold, contrasts Khomeini and Khamenei, examines dynastic succession to Mojtaba, and explores the regime’s resilience versus conditions that might spark another uprising.

Wilbur Ross, former U.S. Commerce secretary and veteran distressed investor. Ray Takeyh, Middle East specialist focused on Iran. Ellen DiMauro, leveraged finance reporter who broke the Cliffwater private credit story. They discuss Cliffwater’s fund‑of‑funds risks and redemption pressures. Conversation moves to software exposure, retail flows, contagion fears, and the broader geopolitical backdrop including U.S.-Iran dynamics.

Ray Takeyh, Iran expert and former State Department official, explains why Tehran faces its worst crisis in decades. He contrasts public narratives of strength with deep domestic weakness. He discusses the mystery around Mujtaba Khamenei, threats to Gulf shipping, and how fractures among elites and ethnic tensions could shape Iran’s future.

Ray Takeyh, the Hasib J. Sabbagh Senior Fellow for Middle East Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, discusses Iran's reactions to Trump's election. He highlights the complexities of the nuclear negotiations and Iran's precarious geopolitical situation amid economic turmoil. There’s an intriguing analysis of the Trump administration's dual strategy of diplomacy and sanctions, and how previous U.S. negotiations influence current dynamics. Takeyh also reflects on Jimmy Carter's foreign policy legacy regarding Iran, challenging conventional perceptions.

Alex Vatanka, Middle East Institute analyst on IRGC influence; Ray Takeyh, CFR strategist on regime dynamics; Suzanne Maloney, Brookings expert on regime stability; Reuel Marc Gerecht, former CIA officer on military strategy. They debate the air campaign’s early effects, targets like missiles and drones, a new supreme leader’s stance, Iran’s use of oil and proxies, and whether the conflict heads toward long war or diplomacy.

Ray Takeyh, scholar of Middle East politics, explains historical Iranian strategy. Wendy Sherman, veteran diplomat, brings negotiation and policy perspective. Danielle Pletka, conservative national security commentator, argues military rationale. Firas Maksad, geopolitical risk analyst, maps regional escalation. They debate U.S. aims, Iran’s regional moves, Arab partners’ calculations, and how long sustained military pressure can continue.

Vali R. Nasr, an expert on Iranian politics, Ray Takeyh from the Council on Foreign Relations, and Sanam Vakil from Chatham House discuss Iran's widespread protests. They delve into the regime's brutal crackdowns and internet blackouts affecting communication. Insights into the historical context of protests reveal a cycle of dissent that complicates U.S. policy. The panel also tackles the implications of potential military interventions and the intricate web of regional dynamics. With voices starting to rise against oppressive governance, questions about future leadership and national unity loom large.

Ray Takeyh, a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and an expert on Iranian politics, shares insights on the ongoing war between Israel and Iran. He describes the Iranian regime as 'traumatized and stunned,' facing severe internal divisions and public unrest. Takeyh discusses the implications of military actions on Iran's nuclear capabilities and emphasizes that diminished power may lead the regime to act unpredictably. He believes that a post-Islamic Republic Iran has the potential for improvement, but cautions about regional security in this transition.

Ray Takeyh, a leading expert on Iran, discusses the escalating military attacks between Iran and Israel, the United States' role in the region, and the implications of potential wider war. Topics include recent airstrikes, historical dynamics, and President Biden's handling of the Middle East situation.