Independent Thinking: What does the Iran–Israel war mean for the region and the world?

Sanam Vakil, Renad Mansour, Mohammed Baharoon and Ksenia Svetlova join Galip Dalay to discuss the meaning of the war, prospects for de-escalation and the impact on the wider Middle East.

Audio Published 18 June 2025 Updated 25 June 2025 30 minute listen

Following Israel’s strikes on Iran on 13 June, and the subsequent sequence of retaliation and counter retaliation, fears are rising that the conflict could escalate.

In this special episode of Independent Thinking (an edited version of a live webinar) Galip Dalay joins a panel of experts to discuss strategic goals, the responses of the key regional and international actors, including the Gulf states and the US, and what if any viable diplomatic or military off-ramps exist to prevent a broader regional war.

Read the Chatham House research paper, Why peacebuilding fails and what to do about it.

About Independent Thinking

Independent Thinking is a weekly international affairs podcast hosted by our director Bronwen Maddox, in conversation with leading policymakers, journalists, and Chatham House experts providing insight on the latest international issues.

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