A diplomatic standoff inches toward crisis as Iran declares its ballistic missile program “non-negotiable” in talks with the United States, a position that has raised concerns in Jerusalem.

As Washington and Tehran prepare for further negotiations, Israel is urging the US to broaden the agenda to include missiles and regional proxies, with Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Washington pressing that case. Meanwhile, the US is increasing its military presence in the region, raising questions about whether diplomacy can succeed or whether the Middle East is edging closer to a wider confrontation.

On this episode of Counterpoints, we discuss:

Whether Israel is seeking to persuade the US to take military action

Whether Iran is weaker or stronger than it appears

What is causing the impasse in negotiations and whether a new deal is possible

Guests:

- Lianne Pollak David, Strategic Consultant and Former Adviser at the Prime Minister Netanyahu’s Office and the Israeli National Security Council
- Brandon We-Kurt, Senior National Security Editor at Nineteen Forty-Five
- Keiran Andreou, Political Commentator and Doctor of Political Economy