Few countries are as misunderstood — or as fascinating — as Iran. What drives the decades-long tension between Iran and the United States, and is there a path to resolution? How did one of the world's oldest civilizations arrive at this volatile crossroads, and where might it go from here? And beyond the headlines, what does Iran actually look like — its people, its streets, its culture — to someone who has walked its ground?

This talk cuts through the noise. Drawing on deep historical context, firsthand travel experience, and geopolitical analysis, it offers a rare, grounded perspective on a country the world talks about but rarely understands. Misconceptions will be challenged, nuance will replace caricature, and you'll leave with a far richer picture of Iran — past, present, and future.

Naeem Zafar ’81 is a faculty member at UC Berkeley and has traveled to Iran four times. A sought-after voice on South Asian and Middle Eastern geopolitics, he serves as a senior political analyst for several Pakistani television networks.

Host: Naeem Zafar ‘81

No Cost, Guests Allowed, max 25