Lebanon and the Strait of Hormuz: Developments in the War on Iran | Current Affairs lecture with political scientist Nora Stel and American Studies scholar Peter van der Heiden

Announcement

Trump is now also blocking the Strait of Hormuz, but Iran does not seem impressed. And while the world worries about rising oil prices, Israel has decided it will continue its attacks on Lebanon for the time being. How can we understand these developments? What is the nature of the relationship between the United States and Israel, and who has which interests in this increasingly complex war? What is Lebanon’s role in all of this? Come listen to political scientist Nora Stel and American studies scholar Peter van der Heiden about the complexity of the developments in the war on Iran. 

A war that lasts as long as possible? 

“If we can’t pass through, then no one can.” With his blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, Trump aims to obstruct Iran. But what does the US gain from this? Didn’t they want to end the war? For Netanyahu, it is important that the US–Iran war lasts as long as possible. And Iran does not want peace as long as Israel continues to bomb Lebanon. Does Israel have more interests in its attacks on Lebanon than simply disabling Hezbollah? Does Netanyahu have Trump in a tight spot by continuing the attacks on Lebanon?

Political scientist Nora Stel and American studies scholar Peter van der Heiden will address these and related questions and engage in conversation moderated by programme maker Liesbeth Jansen. Join us and ask your own questions.

The event will be in English.

About the speakers

Nora Stel is a political scientist at Radboud University. She is an assistant professor at the Centre for International Conflict Analysis & Management. She researches governance and politics in conflict areas, focusing specifically on refugee policy in and toward the Middle East, and on local governance during wartime.

Peter van der Heiden is an American Studies scholar at Radboud University. He is an expert in the field of American presidential history, presidential elections, and American politics. He is currently working on a book about American presidents after their presidency.