As a military build-up continues in the Middle East, President Donald Trump’s messaging remains <a href="https://www.economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/02/25/americans-have-no-idea-what-donald-trump-wants-from-iran?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">ambiguous</a>. What could, at this stage, head off conflict? Our <a href="https://www.economist.com/interactive/america-at-250#chapter-2?utm_campaign=a.io&utm_medium=audio.podcast.np&utm_source=theintelligence&utm_content=discovery.content.anonymous.tr_shownotes_na-na_article&utm_term=sa.listeners" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">series on America’s 250th birthday</a> continues with a dive into our archive on the era leading up to civil war. And a couple of recommendations for the silver and the small screen.Guests and host:<ul><li>Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent</li><li>Annie Crabill, senior digital editor</li><li>Alexandra Suich Bass, Culture editor</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul>Topics covered:&nbsp;<ul><li>Iran, nuclear deal, military build-up</li><li>American history</li><li>entertainment, “Dreams”, “Bridgerton”</li></ul>Get a world of insights by <a href="https://subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">subscribing to Economist Podcasts+</a>. For more information about how to access Economist Podcasts+, please visit our <a href="https://myaccount.economist.com/s/article/What-is-Economist-Podcasts" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">FAQs page</a> or watch <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Gczo71bg1uY" rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">our video</a> explaining how to link your account.

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