logo
episode-header-image
Today
22m 37s

Why Iran believes it can outlast the US

Al Jazeera
About this episode

Iran appears to believe it can survive this war. That calculation may be shaping its stance on a ceasefire, even as strikes continue and talk of US troops on the ground is growing. Why does Iran think it’s winning, and what would Tehran need to agree to stop fighting?

In this episode: 

  • Alex Vatanka (@alexvatanka), Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute 

Episode credits:

This episode was produced by David Enders and Tamara Khandaker with Tuleen Barakat, Catherine Nouhan, and our guest host, Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke. 

Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer. 

Connect with us:

@AJEPodcasts on XInstagramFacebook, and YouTube

Up next
Yesterday
What is the 'Greater Israel' project?
A vision long embedded in Israeli politics is coming into clearer view. We look at the "Greater Israel" project – where it comes from, how it has shaped Israeli policy and territorial ambitions over time, and what it helps explain about Israel’s actions across the region. In this ... Show More
20m 45s
Mar 29
Brief: Houthis launch attacks on Israel, Israeli soldiers accused of torturing toddler
This week: 179 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 692 Palestinians in Gaza. Yemeni Houthis launch missile attacks on Israel. Israel expands ground offensive in Lebanon. Israeli soldiers accused of torturing toddler. Israel has killed at least 72,268 Palestinians in ... Show More
7m 25s
Mar 28
Another Take: The Chagos Islands, the UK and the US
Every Saturday, we revisit a story from the archives. This originally aired on February 27, 2023. None of the dates, titles, or other references from that time have been changed. Why have the people of the Chagos Islands not been allowed to go home? The archipelago in the Indian ... Show More
23m 21s
Recommended Episodes
Feb 2025
Migrants Leave Guantanamo, Israeli Hostages Update, Changes at FEMA
Nearly all migrants held at Guantánamo Bay have been released, with over 170 Venezuelans flown to their home country. Israeli authorities say a hostage body returned by Hamas is not who the militants claimed it to be. And the impact of job cuts at FEMA. Want more comprehensive an ... Show More
13m 3s
May 2025
Seesawing Tariffs, Trump's Middle East Agenda, Sean 'Diddy' Combs Trial
Companies are rushing to import merchandise while a temporary trade deal between the U.S. and China is in place, but what happens after the 90-day arrangement expires is unclear. As President Trump visits the Middle East, economic opportunities and security issues top the agenda. ... Show More
14m 34s
Sep 2025
36 July: Uprising In Bangladesh | Ep. 5 - March to Dhaka
When Bangladeshi’s woke up on the morning of August 5, 2024 no one knew what would happen. Hundreds of thousands of people were planning to march to the capital. But security forces still loyal to Sheikh Hasina were determined to keep her in power no matter the cost. Until the fi ... Show More
43m 11s
Sep 2025
Kirk Suspect Charged, Trump Visits The King, FBI Director Patel Testifies
Utah prosecutors charge Tyler Robinson with aggravated murder and other crimes in the killing of conservative activist Charlie Kirk, a case that could carry the death penalty. President Trump is in Britain for a rare second state visit, mixing royal pageantry with talks on trade ... Show More
13m 5s
Dec 2024
South Korea Impeachment, Israel Attacks Houthis, Georgia's Political Crisis
South Korea's parliament has voted to impeach the country's acting president. Israel launched its largest and most aggressive attack so far against the Houthis in Yemen. And, the country Georgia is set to swear in a new president while the incumbent has refused to stand down. Wan ... Show More
12m 47s
Sep 2025
Kirk Shooting Investigation, Economic Round-up, Brazil's Bolsanaro Convicted
Police have released video and pictures of a suspect who they believe shot and killed right-wing activist Charlie Kirk in Utah, and authorities are urging the public to come forward with tips. Stocks are surging on hopes of lower interest rates, even as Americans face rising pric ... Show More
13m 5s
Apr 2025
Why are so many women being killed?
Every ten minutes, a woman or girl is killed by someone she knows, according to the UN. Femicide is a global issue that we can’t afford to ignore. So what’s really behind it? And more importantly, how can it be stopped? Now You Know talks to María de la Luz Estrada Mendoza, the d ... Show More
26m 47s
Jul 2025
Trump In Scotland, Gaza Aid, Pete Buttigieg on Democrats
President Trump spent the weekend in Scotland where he announced a new tariff deal with the European Union. Following days of global outrage about images of starvation in Gaza, the Israeli military announced a daily pause in fighting and a revival of aid airdrops, and former Tran ... Show More
13m 16s