Novara Live

Hooman Majd, an American–Iranian journalist and author who has translated for Iranian presidents, discusses Trump’s Iran bluster and why claims of last‑minute calls seem unlikely. He explores why attacks were probably called off, what Iran would seek in any deal, possible endgame scenarios, regional intelligence links, and the regime’s likely crackdown.

Hooman Majd, Iranian-American journalist and author and former translator for visiting Iranian presidents, joins to unpack recent US-Iran tensions. He questions claims of backchannel deals and explains why Iran would resist letting a US leader save face. Discussion covers potential deal terms, sanctions relief, and the wider regional escalation around missile strikes and strikes on nuclear sites.

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, analyst and CEO of Bourse & Bazaar who studies Iran's political economy, explains why US plans to seize Kharg Island may misjudge Iran. He discusses Iran's economic resilience, the impact of targeting energy and logistics hubs, cheap drones changing the battlefield, and global supply chain ripple effects.

Esfandyar Batmanghelidj, policy analyst and CEO focused on Iran and energy geopolitics, speaks on Iran’s economic resilience and misconceptions about its oil dependency. He explains why cheap drones sustain Iran’s campaign. He outlines trade-offs of a war economy and the global fallout if Gulf infrastructure is damaged.

Andreas Krieg, senior lecturer in security studies at King’s College London, offers expert analysis on regional fallout from attacks on Gulf gas fields. He unpacks the emerging rift between Washington and Jerusalem, possibilities for Gulf state responses, and the limits of US influence over Israeli actions. Short, sharp takes on shifting alliances and strategic calculations.

Trita Parsi, foreign policy expert and Quincy Institute EVP, outlines Iran strategy and regional fallout. He discusses Israel’s targeted strikes and their aim to degrade Iran’s capacity. He explains how the South Pars attack could draw Gulf states in and why planners misjudged Iran’s resilience. He also covers risks to energy routes like the Strait of Hormuz and potential for prolonged escalation.

Daniel Levy, British‑Israeli political analyst and former Oslo negotiator, offers sharp commentary on Israel-Iran strategy. He discusses the assassination of a top Iranian leader and whether targeted killings aim to obstruct diplomacy. They probe Israel’s wider regional ambitions, risks of escalation via proxies, missile defenses, and the political fallout in the US and Israel.

Anel Shaleen, a Quincy Institute research fellow and former State Department official who resigned over Gaza policy, joins to unpack the Iran conflict. She discusses US unpreparedness and drone warfare. Conversations cover why Gulf states resist escalation, the impracticality of reopening the Strait of Hormuz by force, and shifting regional and global power dynamics.

Simon Childs, investigative journalist known for exposing AI-driven political disinformation, joins to discuss AI-generated influence operations. He explains the Node Project and links to Advance UK. The conversation also covers AI content’s reach, platform responses, and gaps in electoral safeguards. Short, sharp takes on how synthetic media is reshaping political campaigns.

Discussion of Israel's claim of striking an Iranian nuclear site and reports of civilian displacement and media blackouts. Examination of Pentagon findings on a girls' school strike and broader US troop injury reports. Analysis of regional attacks, oil disruptions and the geopolitics that make the Middle East a target. Political fallout over Mandelson files and Labour's electoral challenges are also raised.