Ali Vaez

Ali Vaez is the Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group, specializing in nuclear issues, sanctions, and power dynamics in Tehran. He is a nuclear physicist in exile, originally from Shiraz, Iran. He is newsworthy due to the ongoing US-Israel war on Iran (as of early 2026). He argues that the US withdrawal from the Iran nuclear deal under President Trump was a mistake that paved the way for the current conflict. Vaez believes the US and Iran have reached a stalemate, with further escalation potentially leading to a global economic meltdown. He suggests that the conflict has strengthened the Iranian Revolutionary Guard and given Iran control of the Strait of Hormuz, a significant strategic advantage. He also highlights the risks of a US ground invasion, emphasizing Iran's extensive military capabilities and regional proxy network. His expertise is sought to understand the complexities and potential outcomes of the conflict.