June 26, 2025

Richard Nephew on the U.S. military strikes on Iran’s nuclear program

Richard Nephew, expert on sanctions and Iran’s nuclear program, joins Emily and Geoff to discuss the long history of U.S. policy towards Iran, the role of sanctions in constraining Iran’s nuclear program, and why the United States decided to proceed with military strikes on Iran’s nuclear facilities. He also explains why the next phase of Iran’s nuclear program might be the most dangerous.

Notes:
Richard Nephew, The Art of Sanctions: A View from the Field


Richard Nephew, “A Last Chance for Iran,” Foreign Affairs


Richard Nephew, “Can Israel Destroy Iran’s Nuclear Program?Foreign Affairs


Thomas Schelling, Arms and Influence


Suzanne Maloney, Political Economy of Iran Since the Revolution

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