NPR

U.S.-Iran Strife 'A Very Interesting Situation,' Says Former American Diplomat In Middle East

How is the region reacting to rising tensions between the U.S. and Iran? Here & Now's Jeremy Hobson gets perspective from Douglas Silliman, former U.S. ambassador to Iraq.
An Iranian man walks past a mural painted with the Iranian flag in Tehran. (Atta Kenare/AFP/Getty Images)

President Trump’s son-in-law and senior adviser Jared Kushner is in Bahrain Tuesday to kick off a peace conference between the Israelis and the Palestinians.

But right now, the major focus when it comes to the Middle East is Iran. The country lashed out at the U.S. after new sanctions were announced Monday, saying the move represents a “permanent closure” of diplomacy. Trump responded Tuesday, threatening to meet any Iranian military action with “great and overwhelming force.”

You’re reading a preview, subscribe to read more.

More from NPR

NPR4 min read
In 'The Unexpected,' Emily Oster Tackles The Emotional Toll Of Difficult Pregnancies
The economist made a name for herself using data to challenge the accepted rules of pregnancy. Now, she's returning to the topic with a book on how to navigate its complications.
NPR9 min read
Rappers Took The White House. Now What?
A new documentary, Hip-Hop and the White House, considers rap's association with presidential politics — and in so doing, reveals a persistent misunderstanding of how both operate.
NPR7 min readAmerican Government
Trump Trial Coverage
The news media face a number of temptations while covering the criminal trial of former President Donald Trump, including dwelling on salacious details, overdramatizing insignificant moments, and getting distracted by out-of-court behaviors that have

Related Books & Audiobooks