Throughline: Iran and the U.S., Part Three: Soleimani's Iran
Hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei | NPR | Release Date: June 29, 2025
Introduction
In the final installment of the "Iran and the U.S." series, NPR's Throughline delves deep into the intricate and often tumultuous relationship between Iran and the United States, focusing particularly on the rise and impact of Qasem Soleimani. Hosted by Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei, this episode explores the historical developments, strategic maneuvers, and personal narratives that have shaped the contemporary dynamics between the two nations.
Historical Context: From the 1950s to 2001
Rund Abdelfatah sets the stage by tracing the U.S.-Iran relationship back to the 1950s, highlighting pivotal events such as the CIA-backed overthrow of Iran's Prime Minister. The narrative progresses through the Iranian Revolution of 1979, the subsequent U.S. hostage crisis, the expansion of conflict into Lebanon, and the emergence of Iran's uranium enrichment and cyber warfare programs. This historical backdrop establishes the longstanding tensions and complexities that underpin the modern relationship.
Quote:
"The relationship between the US and Iran is on a lot of people's minds right now." – Rund Abdelfatah [00:15]
The Post-9/11 Landscape and Shifting Alliances
The September 11, 2001, terrorist attacks marked a significant turning point, altering Iran's isolationist stance. Karim Sajadpour, a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment, explains how the U.S. began targeting both of Iran's regional adversaries: the Taliban in Afghanistan and Saddam Hussein's regime in Iraq. This shift fostered unexpected cooperation, as Iran saw strategic value in dismantling these hostile forces.
Quote:
"The terrorist attacks of September 11th of 2001 changed that situation completely." – Karim Sajadpour [03:00]
Ramtin Arablouei introduces Ali Alphoni, a senior fellow at The Arab Gulf States Institute, who elaborates on Iran's constructive role during this period, particularly in cooperating with the U.S. to oust the Taliban from Afghanistan.
The Rise of Qasem Soleimani and the Revolutionary Guard
The focus then shifts to the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) and its influential figure, Qassem Soleimani. Established post-1979 revolution, the IRGC was designed to safeguard the new regime against internal and external threats. Karim Sajadpour provides a detailed account of Soleimani's humble beginnings, his early involvement with the IRGC, and his rapid ascent to leadership within the Quds Force, the IRGC's intelligence arm.
Quote:
"The Revolutionary Guard and Qasem Soleimani embody both sides of the Islamic Republic of Iran's identity." – Rund Abdelfatah [06:30]
Soleimani's leadership was characterized by a blend of Shia Islamic ideology and Persian nationalism, which proved highly effective in mobilizing support and expanding Iran's influence across the Middle East.
Iran's Strategic Operations in Iraq
During the Iraq-Iran War (1980-1988), Soleimani emerged as a formidable commander, leading Iranian forces against Saddam Hussein's invasion. His hands-on approach and charismatic leadership earned him respect and loyalty among his troops. Post-war, Soleimani was instrumental in combating drug cartels in Kerman province and later became the head of the Quds Force.
Quote:
"Qassem Soleimani became a Revolutionary Guard commander and began to build his reputation as a brave warrior." – Ramtin Arablouei [18:22]
With the U.S. invasion of Iraq in 2003, Soleimani played a crucial role in shaping Iran's strategy by leveraging both Shia militias and Sunni extremists to destabilize American and allied forces. This dual strategy aimed to inflict psychological and material losses on the U.S., undermining public support for the war effort.
Quote:
"Mr. Soleimani believed that by imposing heavy losses on the United States military in Iraq... it would impact the willingness and support of the American public to preserve a sizable United States military presence in Iraq." – Karim Sajadpour [32:04]
The Complex Relationship with Sunni Extremists
One of the most controversial aspects of Soleimani's strategy was his collaboration with Sunni jihadists, including members of Al Qaeda and later ISIS. Ali Alphoni discusses how Soleimani utilized these groups to execute attacks against U.S. forces, notably through the actions of Abu Musab Zarqawi, whose 2003 bombings significantly hampered the American mission in Iraq.
Quote:
"Here you have one, if not two generations of American military forces whom... they would have still said Qasem Soleimani." – Ali Alphoni [32:09]
This alliance, however, was short-lived as ISIS's brutality and ideological extremism eventually posed a direct threat to Iran's Shia allies, compelling Soleimani to pivot towards combating this new adversary.
Involvement in Syria: A New Front
The Syrian Civil War presented another strategic challenge. The IRGC, under Soleimani's leadership, committed significant resources to support Bashar al-Assad's regime. This involvement was driven by the strategic imperative to maintain a stable ally and secure Iran's interests across the region.
Quote:
"The Islamic Republic and the Revolutionary Guard Corps perceived this as a serious threat which could take away all their gains from them." – Karim Sajadpour [42:13]
Soleimani's efforts in Syria not only bolstered Assad's position but also expanded Iran's influence, reinforcing the concept of Syria as a "bridgehead" connecting various regional theaters critical to Iran's strategic vision.
Dual Perceptions of Soleimani: Hero and War Criminal
Throughout his career, Soleimani was venerated in Iran as a national hero and a staunch defender against American imperialism. Rund Abdelfatah captures the duality of Soleimani's legacy, portraying him as both a revered military leader and a figure responsible for significant regional instability and human rights abuses.
Quote:
"The late Major General Soleimani was a man with at least two faces." – Karim Sajadpour [45:09]
Ali Alphoni offers a critical perspective, highlighting the extensive suffering in Syria and the ethical compromises made by Soleimani and the IRGC, which have left a lasting negative impact on the region.
Quote:
"I think that history is not going to reflect well on Qasem Soleimani when his biographies are written in the future." – Ali Alphoni [27:47]
Conclusion: The Enduring Legacy of Soleimani's Iran
The episode concludes by reflecting on Soleimani's profound influence on Iran's regional policies and U.S.-Iran relations. His strategies have left an indelible mark on the geopolitical landscape, shaping conflicts and alliances that continue to resonate today.
Quote:
"This is the complexity of the individual. I respect the first one, the war hero, but of course I condemn the other face, which is that of a war criminal." – Karim Sajadpour [45:09]
Rund Abdelfatah and Ramtin Arablouei encapsulate the nuanced legacy of Qasem Soleimani, underscoring the multifaceted nature of his role in both empowering Iran and perpetuating regional conflicts.
Notable Quotes
- "The relationship between the US and Iran is on a lot of people's minds right now." – Rund Abdelfatah [00:15]
- "The terrorist attacks of September 11th of 2001 changed that situation completely." – Karim Sajadpour [03:00]
- "The Revolutionary Guard and Qasem Soleimani embody both sides of the Islamic Republic of Iran's identity." – Rund Abdelfatah [06:30]
- "Mr. Soleimani believed that by imposing heavy losses on the United States military in Iraq... it would impact the willingness and support of the American public to preserve a sizable United States military presence in Iraq." – Karim Sajadpour [32:04]
- "The late Major General Soleimani was a man with at least two faces." – Karim Sajadpour [45:09]
Key Takeaways
- Qasem Soleimani played a pivotal role in expanding Iran's military and geopolitical influence across the Middle East.
- The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC), under Soleimani's leadership, employed a complex strategy involving both Shia militias and Sunni extremists to counter U.S. and allied forces.
- Soleimani's involvement in Iraq and Syria significantly shaped regional dynamics, contributing to prolonged conflicts and humanitarian crises.
- The dual perception of Soleimani as both a national hero and a war criminal highlights the complex ethical and moral dimensions of his legacy.
- The episode underscores the enduring impact of Soleimani's strategies on U.S.-Iran relations and broader Middle Eastern geopolitics.
Final Thoughts
Throughline's exploration of Soleimani's Iran provides a comprehensive understanding of the intricate interplay between individual agency and broader geopolitical forces. By examining Soleimani's rise, strategies, and legacy, the episode offers valuable insights into the enduring complexities of U.S.-Iran relations and the broader Middle Eastern landscape.
For those interested in delving deeper into the historical and strategic facets of international relations, Throughline continues to offer engaging and informative narratives that illuminate the past and its lasting influence on the present.