For months now, Iran has been pounded by American and Israeli missiles and bombs. Much of the leadership has been eliminated, including the former Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei.

After a short period of calm, when it was hoped that diplomacy would prevail, it appears as though war has returned for the time being. 

Much focus has been given to what the US and Israel are thinking, and how the Gulf states are coping with Iranian attacks on cities, and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz.

But what's happening inside Iran. 

What’s the damage to the country? What does the leadership want from the conflict? How are the Iranian people viewing the regime, and does it have a future?

To help us unpick Iran, we spoke with Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute, who specialises in Iran.

This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).

Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com