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The Iran Expert Trump Fired

July 21, 2026 · 45 min

Show notes

Iran and the United States are locked in a familiar pattern. Conflict has resumed, both sides seem caught in an escalation trap, and oil prices are rising. What would it take for Tehran and Washington to both save face and step back? Ravi Agrawal turns to career diplomat and Iran expert Nate Swanson, who was fired by the Trump administration last year. 

Plus, Ravi shares his read on India’s youth protests and the so-called “Cockroach Janata Party.” 

Sumit Ganguly: India’s Cockroach Movement Gains Momentum

Ellie Geranmayeh: How the United States and Iran Can Solve Hormuz

Dennis Ross: How to Isolate Tehran

David Ignatius: Trump Pushed the Reset Button. This is ‘Iran Fiasco 2.0.’

Keith Johnson: Energy Markets’ False Dawn May Be Over

Rob Geist Pinfold and Dania Thafer: The Gulf States That Iran Thinks It Can Attack

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