Iran, Israel, and the U.S: Explaining The Escalating Conflict

Tensions in the Middle East have exploded. In a surprise move, Israel struck Iran’s nuclear facilities and military targets—igniting a wave of missile exchanges that has left dozens dead and wounded. Joining me is Vali Nasr—Professor of International Affairs at Johns Hopkins and former State Department advisor—to unpack why Israel chose this moment to escalate, what’s driving Iran’s response, and where the U.S. fits in now. We trace the path to this boiling point, from stalled nuclear talks to shifting regional alliances—and ask: how close are we to a wider war?