Episode 138 – The War in Iran - Two Weeks In

In this episode of Current Account, Clay is joined by Negar Mortazavi, a Journalist, Political Analyst and Senior Fellow at the Center for International Policy (CIP), for a clear, timely breakdown of the rapidly unfolding conflict in Iran. Less than two weeks after U.S. and Israeli strikes targeted key Iranian government and military sites, retaliatory actions have rippled across the region, impacting energy infrastructure, shipping lanes, and global markets. Negar explains what has transpired since the initial strikes, including the dramatic succession of Mojtaba Khamenei as Iran’s new leader. She discusses the internal political dynamics in Tehran, the likelihood of domestic unrest, and how the Iranian government is framing this moment both internally and regionally. Clay and Negar also examine Iran’s attempts to broaden the conflict geographically and the strategic calculations behind attacks on neighboring countries. The conversation closes with a look ahead: what escalation or de‑escalation could realistically look like, what all of this means for energy markets and geopolitical stability, and what next steps may be in store. This IIF Podcast was hosted by Clay Lowery, Executive Vice President, Research and Policy, with production and research contributions from Christian Klein, Digital Graphics and Production Associate and Miranda Silverman, Senior Program Assistant.