While emphasizing its victory, Iran is preparing for deeper tensions with America. Can this war end before it spreads?
Iran appears to believe that it can avoid this war. This calculation may be shaping its stance on a ceasefire, even as attacks continue and US troop presence on the ground grows. Why does Iran think it is winning, and what would Tehran need to agree to stop the fighting?
In this episode:
- Alex Vatanka (@alexvatanka), Senior Fellow, Middle East Institute
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by David Anders and Tamara Khandekar with Tulin Barakat, Katherine Nauhan, and our guest host Kevin Hirten. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad Al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is the executive producer of The Take.
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Published on 31 March 2026
