The Iran Reckoning with Afshon Ostovar

Join renowned Iran expert Afshon Ostovar as he explores the strategic dynamics, military developments, and geopolitical tensions shaping Iran and its partners, rivals, and interests in the Middle East and beyond.

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Will Israel Accept Any Deal That Leaves a Hostile Iranian Regime in Place?

The Iran Reckoning with Afshon Ostovar
Michael Koplow and Afshon Ostovar
June 16, 2026

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Episode Notes:

Afshon talks with Michael Koplow, chief policy officer of the Israel Policy Forum, about Israel's perspective on the war — and potential peace — with Iran. They discuss what Israel sought to accomplish with the war that began on Feb. 28, the changes in U.S.-Israeli relations since then, Israel's approach toward Lebanon, how the situation is shaping Israel's upcoming elections, and whether there's a reasonably plausible U.S.-Iranian deal that Israel would see as acceptable. While Afshon and Michael recorded on June 12, amidst rumors that a deal was close but before Washington and Tehran agreed to a memorandum of understanding, their conversation covers factors that remain essential to ongoing U.S.-Iranian negotiations and regional developments.

Image: The White House via Wikimedia Commons