Tensions between Iran and the US have yet again focused the world’s attention on this region.

The vision of enormous crowds that turned out for Soleimani’s funeral procession, contrasted with the small but vocal crowds in response to Tehran’s shooting down of Flight 752. But visions can be deceptive.

A panel of Iranian academics shows how difficult it can be to understand how Iranian society sees the actions of the Iranian and US governments and Iran’s place in the region and the world.