The Latest Breaking News from Vali Nasr

Iran's leaders show united front over war but are divided over what the goal is

Iran's leaders exhibit unity on war strategy but differ on the ultimate objective. Ultra-hardliners seek total victory, while pragmatists pursue a negotiated deal with the United States. The Supreme National Security Council backed a ceasefire, which later crumbled amid escalating strikes. Hard-liners use state media to rally support and denounce…

The Economic Times · Aug 2

Wednesday briefing: How Trump’s Iran gamble has produced a crisis reshaping the global order

In today’s newsletter: ​A White House operating without expertise, strategy or restraint ​is stuck in a conflict with no easy way out, which is sending economic shockwaves far beyond its own borders

The Guardian - UK · Jul 22

Why is Trump risking midterm disaster by resuming the unpopular Iran war?

Less than a month after hailing a ceasefire, Trump resumed strikes on Iran, a move experts warn could prolong the war and hurt Republicans before the midterms

The Guardian - US · Jul 18

Looming Iran peace deal shows how Trump’s maximalist goals have shrunk

Sobering reality for president after three-month odyssey that threatens to take him back to where he started

The Guardian - US · May 30

'United States of the Middle East?': Trump's Viral Truth Social Post Renews Fears Over American Expansionism

President Trump posted a provocative map of the Middle East with the US flag, sparking reactions amid sensitive US-Iran negotiations. The post coincided with Trump's abrupt cancellation of a planned trip.

International Business Times UK · May 23

JD Vance’s key role in Iran talks presents him with a thorny predicament

Vice-president faces challenges as he assumes potential role of point man in endeavor to end a war he opposed

The Guardian - US · Apr 28

The Secret Life of Mojtaba Khamenei: Inside the Taboo Intelligence Report That Has Tehran in a Death Spiral

Iran's command structure appears to be splintering after the deaths of Ayatollah Ali Khamenei and Ali Larijani, with Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei still out of public view and the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps increasingly central to decision‑making in Tehran.

International Business Times UK · Mar 18

Iran crisis: Ayatollah’s son Mojtaba Khamenei elected as successor of slain Supreme Leader - report

Iran's Assembly of Experts is reportedly deliberating on Mojtaba Khamenei, son of the Supreme Leader, as his successor, with the IRGC pushing for his appointment. While Mojtaba is the front-runner, some clerics express reservations due to potential targeting by the US and Israel. The selection process is ongoing amid heightened…

The Times of India · Mar 4

Conflict calculus: Why Khamenei is betting on war with US for regime survival

The United States has built up one of its largest Middle East deployments in years, with two aircraft carriers moving into position and additional warships and aircraft arriving in the region. The State Department has also begun thinning out exposed outposts. Meanwhile, Iran is preparing itself for a protracted war…

The Times of India · Feb 24

Iran's grand strategy now looks like a sham

Vali Nasr’s book is seriously good, profoundly insightful and full of fresh thinking

Evening Standard · Jun 28, 2025