On the record · Updated October 18, 2026
senior research scholar, Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs
2 things Richard Nephew said, verbatim, from August 11, 2026 to August 23, 2026, each linked to where it ran. Grouped by the questions at issue, with who supported, disputed, or qualified each one.
Positions
Disputes
“There is no solid evidence to support the idea that Iran has lost the desire to produce a nuclear weapon”
PBS NewsHour Trump declares an economic war on Iran and Bessent promises the toughest sanctions in history on Monday, six days after the ceasefire memorandum expired ›
Others on this question
“the essential Denuclearization of Iran”
More on the record
As printed
“Trump has systematically weakened his own hand through his inadequate use of force, inarticulate elucidation of an objective, and vacillation on negotiations.”
on criticism that Trump's shifting Iran strategy weakened his own leverage
Associated Press After talks with Iran fizzle, Trump turns back to sanctions ›
People, on the record
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