On this episode of the podcast, Amanda Head is joined by Christine Balling, Senior Vice President at the Institute of World Politics, for a sobering look at escalating tensions in the Middle East.

Balling breaks down Iran’s recently proposed 10-point plan, a plan rejected by the United States, and explains why the prospects for a lasting ceasefire remain slim. With Israel signaling continued military action against Hezbollah in Lebanon, the region faces an increasingly volatile path forward.

The conversation dives into Iran’s deep financial and strategic ties to Hezbollah, and what’s at stake if Israel succeeds in weakening the group. Balling also weighs-in on President Donald Trump’s handling of the situation, noting the strategic calculations and political risks involved in navigating one of the world’s most dangerous flashpoints.

You can learn more about Christine and her work by visting the Institute of World Politics website here: https://www.iwp.edu/ and on X here: @theIWP.