Why The Relationship Between The US And Iran Is So Bizarre (S01E158)

Friday, September 25, 2026, Istanbul

America has long had adversaries, but it has also communicated with those adversaries. It staffed its embassy in Nazi Germany well into the Second World War. All of which makes the relationship between the US and Iran so anomalous.

In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the history of US-Iran relations and why they are so bad…and so weird.

Also in this episode, Chatham House’s stellar Sanam Vakil joins me for a discussion about the diplomacy around Iran, as well as heartfelt concerns for ordinary people as the conflict between Iran and the US continues.

Additionally, I offer some thoughts about whether Iran will be on the agenda item in the talks between Donald Trump and China’s Xi Jinping in an interview with India’s NewsX World.

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