Iran’s Future & US Tensions | Hooshang Amirahmadi on Strategy, Sanctions & Identity

In this episode of Kianistan, we are joined by Hooshang Amirahmadi — Professor at Rutgers University and former Director of the Center for Middle East Studies — for a deep and nuanced discussion on Iran’s political, economic, and strategic landscape.Dr. Amirahmadi unpacks the Iranian political economy, the implications of presidential elections, and the broader trajectory of governance in the country. We explore Iran’s military strategy, particularly the role of the Revolutionary Guard, and how Iran has maintained resilience under sustained external pressure.The conversation examines the long and complex history of United States–Iran relations, including the lasting impact of past interventions and the ongoing geopolitical rivalry. We also analyze the shifting dynamics of the Middle East, including tensions involving Israel and Arab states, and how these rivalries shape regional alliances.A key theme of the episode is the evolution of Iranian national identity — from an Islamic revolutionary framework toward a more nationalist orientation — alongside the socio-economic consequences of prolonged economic sanctions.The episode concludes with forward-looking insights into Iran’s future, including potential political reforms, the role of the Revolutionary Guard, and whether the country may move away from its current governance model.🎥 Watch Previous Episode with Dr. Amirahmadi:Episode 68 - Iran’s War Was Staged To Kill Its Nuclear Program • Episode 68 - Dr. Amirahmadi: Iran’s War Wa... 🎵 Song Featured at the End of the Episode:"إيران إيران" – Iranian Revolutionary Anthem • "إيران إيران" نشيد الثورة الإسلامية الإيرانية Channel: عمر باشا - Omar Paşa🎙 Topics Discussed:• Iran’s political economy and presidential elections• Revolutionary Guard and military strategy• US–Iran relations: history and current tensions• Middle East geopolitics and regional rivalries• Iranian nationalism and identity transformation• Economic sanctions and internal socio-economic divides• Future political scenarios and governance shifts in Iran👤 About Hooshang Amirahmadi:Hooshang Amirahmadi is an Iranian-American academic and political analyst of Talysh origin. He is a professor at Rutgers University’s Edward J. Bloustein School of Planning and Public Policy and a former director of its Center for Middle East Studies. His work focuses on development, international relations, and Iranian politics.🌐 Connect with Hooshang Amirahmadi:• Twitter (X): / hamirahmadi • YouTube: / @hooshangamirahmadi3497 📌 Subscribe for in-depth analysis on Iran, geopolitics, and global power shifts.🎧 Listen on all major podcast platforms — search Kianistan.🌐 Visit: www.kianistan.com💼 Sponsored by: www.worldwidelistings.co.ukHashtags:#HooshangAmirahmadi #Iran #USIranRelations #MiddleEastGeopolitics #IranSanctions #IranPolitics #Geopolitics #RevolutionaryGuard #GlobalPolitics #KianistanPodcast