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On Monday's Mark Levin Show, President Trump announced a ceasefire agreement between Israel and Iran, ending a 12-day war. What will it be about this agreement to ensure they don't violate it? Iran should face unconditional surrender due to its weakened military and lack of support from allies like China, Russia, or Arab nations. Trump's decisive military actions prevented Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, which no other president, including Clinton, Obama, or Biden, was willing or able to accomplish. Without Trump's intervention, Iran would have become a nuclear power, potentially arming groups like the Houthis and enabling terrorist sleeper cells in the U.S. to acquire dirty bombs. Also, Trump's actions on Iran have ensured peace for a period. But there's a group of individuals—Rep Marjorie Taylor Greene, Matt Gaetz, and others—who are undermining Trump and aligning with radical left ideologies, including anti-Israel sentiments. These figures, supported by liberal media, aim to sabotage Trump's movement and the next election. Later, Marc Thiessen calls in to discuss a Reagan Institute poll showing that MAGA Republicans strongly support U.S. global leadership, rejecting isolationism. The poll indicates 90% of MAGA voters prioritize preventing Iran from obtaining nuclear weapons, aligning with Trump's decision to join Israel's strikes on Iran's nuclear facilities. The claims of a splintering MAGA base over Trump's Iran policy are exaggerated, as isolationist critics represent a small minority within the GOP. Finally, Lee Smith calls in and discusses how Trump's political opponents, particularly within the Democratic Party and aligned institutions, have pursued strategies aimed at humbling America to counter his influence. These efforts stem from a belief that Trump's "Make America Great Again" rhetoric and policies threaten their vision of a globalized, progressive world order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The Rich Zeoli Show- Hour 2: 4:05pm- Listeners react to the Trump Administration's decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Is there concern that Iran and its allies—China, Russia, and terror organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis—could retaliate? 4:30pm- John Yoo—The Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at the University of California at Berkeley—joins The Rich Zeoli Show and dismisses Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's (D-NY) suggestion that President Donald Trump violated Article II of the Constitution and should be impeached for authorizing strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. 4:50pm- While appearing on Fox News, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) praised the U.S. military's strikes on Iran and President Trump's decision—explaining “it was a very limited military exercise” and did not amount to a declaration of war.
The Rich Zeoli Show- Full Episode (06/23/2025): 3:05pm- On Saturday night, seven U.S. B-2 bombers dropped a total of fourteen 30,000-pound bunker-buster bombs on Iranian nuclear sites in Fordo, Natanz, and Isfahan. In a press conference following the strategic strike, President Donald Trump called the mission a “spectacular military success.” 3:10pm- On Monday, Iran responded to U.S. strikes on key nuclear development facilities by launching missiles at an American base in Qatar—the largest American military installation in the Middle East. The Defense Department has said the air defense systems intercepted the missiles and there were no U.S. casualties. 3:20pm- During a press conference Sunday night, Joint Chiefs of Staff Chair Dan Caine revealed that Iranian air defense never spotted the American B-2 bombers over Iranian airspace and, consequently, never fired a single shot during Saturday night's strategic bombing. 3:30pm- Deputy Head of Russian President Vladimir Putin's Security Council Dmitry Medvedev called America's strike on Iranian nuclear facilities a “dangerous escalation” and suggested other countries may supply Iran with a nuclear weapon—though, he did not say which nations. 3:40pm- Secretary of State Marco Rubio has warned Iran not to shut down the Strait of Hormuz with mines. China, an ally of Iran, has echoed a similar sentiment. According to estimates 84% of the crude oil that moves through the Strait goes to Asian markets. 4:05pm- Listeners react to the Trump Administration's decision to strike Iranian nuclear facilities. Is there concern that Iran and its allies—China, Russia, and terror organizations like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis—could retaliate? 4:30pm- John Yoo—The Emanuel Heller Professor of Law at the University of California at Berkeley—joins The Rich Zeoli Show and dismisses Congresswoman Alexandria Ocasio Cortez's (D-NY) suggestion that President Donald Trump violated Article II of the Constitution and should be impeached for authorizing strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. 4:50pm- While appearing on Fox News, Senator John Fetterman (D-PA) praised the U.S. military's strikes on Iran and President Trump's decision—explaining “it was a very limited military exercise” and did not amount to a declaration of war. 5:00pm- Dr. EJ Antoni—Chief Economist at the Heritage Foundation—joins The Rich Zeoli Show to breakdown potential financial repercussions related to the strike on Iranian nuclear facilities. Could Iran respond by shutting down the Strait of Hormuz, and what would that mean for oil prices globally? 5:20pm- While appearing on Fox News, Trump Administration Border Czar Tom Homan discussed potential Iranian sleeper cells in the United States—explaining that the Biden Administration's relaxed border security policies resulted in “1,272 nationals of Iran released” into the U.S. 5:40pm- Breaking News: The Supreme Court has stayed a lower court order and will allow the Trump Administration to deport illegal migrants swiftly to countries where they don't have citizenship. 5:50pm- Did Mel Gibson and Pierce Brosnan turn down the role of Batman? 6:05pm- Dr. Victoria Coates—Former Deputy National Security Advisor & the Vice President of the Davis Institute for National Security and Foreign Policy at The Heritage Foundation—joins The Rich Zeoli Show and reacts to the United States's strategic strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Plus, BREAKING NEWS: Israel and Iran have agreed to a ceasefire. Dr. Coates is the author of the book: “The Battle for the Jewish State: How Israel—and America—Can Win.” 6:30pm- In a post to Truth Social, Preside Donald Trump wrote: “CONGRATULATIONS TO EVERYONE! It has been fully agreed by and between Israel and Iran that there will be a Complete and Total CEASEFIRE (in approximately 6 hours from now, when Israel and Iran have wound down and completed their in progress, final missions!), for 12 hours, at which point the War will be considered, E ...
The ayatollahs who have ruled Iran since 1979 have long promised to destroy the Jewish state, and had even set a deadline for it. While arming proxies to fight Israel—Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and more—Iran is believed to have sought to develop nuclear weapons for itself. “The big question about Iran was always: how significant is its apocalyptic theology?” Yossi Klein Halevi explains to David Remnick. “How central is that end-times vision to the Iranian regime? And is there a possibility that the regime would see a nuclear weapon as the way of furthering their messianic vision?” Halevi is a journalist and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, and he co-hosts the podcast “For Heaven's Sake.” He is a fierce critic of Benjamin Netanyahu, saying, “I have no doubt that he is capable of starting a war for his own political needs.” And yet Netanyahu was right to strike Iran, no matter the consequences, Halevi asserts. “The Israeli perspective is not . . . the American war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's our own experience.”New episodes of The New Yorker Radio Hour drop every Tuesday and Friday. Follow the show wherever you get your podcasts.The New Yorker Radio Hour is a co-production of WNYC Studios and The New Yorker. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
On Saturday night, June 22, President Donald Trump's Operation Midnight Hammer sent a message to Tehran, and the world, that can't be ignored. Seven Missouri-based B-2 bombers dropped 14 bunker-busting bombs on Iran's Fordow nuclear site, while U.S. Navy vessels launched a barrage of cruise missiles at other strategic nuclear infrastructure. Victor Davis Hanson explains what just happened—and what could come next—on today's episode of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words.” “ [Iran] must know that people are angry. That over 50 years, nearly, they spent a trillion dollars subsidizing the Houthis, Hezbollah, Hamas, the Assad dynasty. And for what? It's all up in smoke. And then they probably lost another trillion dollars, over 50 years, through sanctions and oil embargoes. For what? It's up in smoke. “ Right now the ball is in the court of Iran. Trump has said to them, you can come back and negotiate. But, what would they negotiate over? Their one card was that we have the specter of a nuclear bomb. So, you better come to us and talk. They don't have that anymore. At least not for the foreseeable future. The only negotiable item is whether they survive or not.” (0:00) Trump's Bold Military Move in the Middle East (0:57) Historical Context of U.S. Actions in the Middle East (2:23) Details of the Recent Military Operation (4:34) Potential Repercussions and Future Speculations (5:55) Iran's Next Move and Global Reactions (6:39) Israel and U.S. Stature Post-Operation
The superbly executed raid on Iranian nuclear sites may have dealt a gut punch to Iran, but that and Israels devastating campaign against Iran also might be the end of the lifeblood and support to it's proxies -- Houthis, Hezbollah, and Hamas. Could Israel be on the path to peace and prosperity, and a time of security as prophesied in Ezekiel 38? In the mean time, the MAGA hating leftists and anti-Americans in the media and Congress are writhing and gnashing their teeth over being left out of Trump's military operational planning, and I love it!
As the dust settles from Operation Midnight Hammer, new revelations paint a grim picture: Iran may have successfully moved weapons-grade uranium before the strike. With enough material to build 9–10 bombs and signs of a desperate rush to weaponize after Hezbollah leader Nasrallah's death, concerns mount over whether the U.S. acted in time—or too late. Tara breaks down satellite intel, conflicting media narratives, and stunning admissions from Russia confirming Iran's nuclear ambitions. As Democrats condemn the strike and question its legality, even some conservatives appear confused. But with 319 Houthi missile attacks, Iran-backed terror at sea, and porous U.S. borders, Tara demands an answer: How do we live with a nuclear-armed Iran?
In a fiery and urgent breakdown, Tara exposes what mainstream media won't: Operation Midnight Hammer wasn't just a military strike—it was a wake-up call. Listeners react with overwhelming support for Trump's bold move to target Iran's nuclear program, a threat decades in the making. General Raisin Kane declares U.S. readiness, while new revelations show China's direct involvement in building Iran's nuclear infrastructure and guiding Houthi strikes on U.S. vessels. From Iranian assassination plots to Chinese signal jammers flooding our borders, Tara argues we are already at war—a stealth, asymmetrical war we've refused to name. As Democrats cry foul and media downplay the threat, this segment demands an answer: What happens next time Iran comes for us? A must-listen for anyone who wants to understand what's really at stake—and why, for the first time in decades, America may have finally punched back at the right target.
In these explosive segments, Tara breaks down the largest B-2 bomber operation in U.S. history—Operation Midnight Hammer—which targeted Iran's nuclear weapons facilities with surgical precision and zero U.S. casualties. General John Raisin Kane and JD Vance praise the mission's flawless execution, while Tara dissects the deeper implications: Iran was closer to building a bomb than the media let on, and China was actively involved in the construction and targeting of U.S. assets through proxy forces like the Houthis. Listeners flood the text line with overwhelming support for Trump's decision, calling it long overdue retaliation for decades of Iranian aggression. Meanwhile, Democrats express sympathy for Iran, question Trump's authority, and leak fears grow as the Pentagon Pizza Report ironically predicts the strike via food delivery data. Tara connects the dots: China's war on America isn't theoretical—it's already here, from cyberattacks and fentanyl to illegal tech like signal jammers used in home invasions. She warns this is no longer politics as usual—this is asymmetric warfare on U.S. soil, and ignoring it could be fatal. A raw, unfiltered look at war, leadership, and what happens when America finally targets its real enemies.
Tamar Yonah and Matt Zucker connect the dots in a fast-escalating crisis that's pulling nations in like iron to a magnet. From the brazen attack on a U.S. base in Qatar, to the growing Houthi threat, and chilling warnings of sleeper terror cells targeting Americans—this episode unpacks the volatile powder keg that could explode into a global conflict - unless it gets nipped in the bud with a needed 'knock-out' blow to the Iranian Islamic regime. Don't miss this urgent breakdown of the headlines the mainstream refuses to connect! The Tamar Yonah Show -Monday 23JUNE2025 - PODCAST
On Thursday's Mark Levin Show, Iran's nuclear ambitions and ballistic missile development pose an existential threat to Israel and American civilization, which cannot be ignored. Israel, possibly with U.S. assistance, will take military action to neutralize this threat, as Iran will not go away on its own. Iran's actions, including attacks via proxies and American casualties, demand a decisive military response, which is self-defense rather than nation-building. These radical Democrats, fifth-columnists, and isolationists lack any strategy and moral clarity. Also, the people of Israel are never discussed by the media. They face severe challenges every day, especially in Tel Aviv, where ballistic missiles from Iran target hospitals and public areas, forcing families into bomb shelters. They are in constant fear with a disrupted quality of life. Media outlets ignore these struggles and ignore the regime's history of killing and maiming American soldiers. Later, Zuhdi Jasser calls in and addresses the mindset of the isolationists and fifth columnists who deliberately ignore the existential threat posed by Iran's theocratic regime and its proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis. He emphasizes that these groups are driven by a radical theology that glorifies suicide bombing, chaos, and the targeting of non-combatants, with the ultimate goal of triggering an apocalyptic scenario tied to the return of the 12th Imam. Jasser asserts that Iran's uranium enrichment is clearly aimed at developing nuclear weapons, not peaceful purposes, and warns that the regime would use such weapons, likening its leadership to a cult willing to commit national fratricide. Finally, Sayyid Qutb's book Milestones, promotes pure Islam and strict shariah, rejecting Western values and most modern Muslims as ignorant (jahiliyyah). Groups like CAIR, ISNA, ICNA, MSA, and MPAC dismiss devout Muslims who oppose their views. Qutb's ideas fuel sectarian violence and terrorism by groups like Hamas and al-Qaida, and states like Iran, which pursues nuclear weapons through deception (taqiyya). Western appeasement fails to counter this clash with democratic values. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
The MeidasTouch Podcast celebrates 5 MILLION subscribers with a jam-packed episode covering the major stories shaping our world. Trump weighs bombing Iran as the U.S. escalates involvement in the Israel-Iran war, while Netanyahu pushes lies to justify escalation. We break down the real story behind America's shadow war with the Houthis and what the Fed's latest economic warning means for your future. Plus, a clip from our exclusive, must-hear interview with E. Jean Carroll as she speaks out following her courtroom victories against Trump. All that and more from Ben, Brett and Jordy on this milestone episode! Subscribe to Meidas+ at https://meidasplus.com Get Meidas Merch: https://store.meidastouch.com Deals from our sponsors! OLIPOP: Buy any 2 cans of OLIPOP in store, and OLIPOP will pay you back for one. Works on any flavor, any retailer. Just head to https://drinkolipop.com/MEIDAS Dupe: Go to https://Dupe.com today and find similar products for less. It's 100% free to use. Stop wasting money on brand names and start saving with https://Dupe.com today. L-Nutra Prolon: Visit https://ProlonLife.com/MEIDAS to claim your 15% discount plus a bonus gift! Wildgrain: Wildgrain is offering our listeners $30 off their first box - PLUS free Croissants in every box - when you go to https://Wildgrain.com/MEIDAS to start your subscription. Delete Me: Today get 20% off your DeleteMe plan when you go to https://JoinDeleteMe.com/meidas and use promo code: MEIDAS at checkout! Remember to subscribe to ALL the MeidasTouch Network Podcasts: MeidasTouch: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/meidastouch-podcast Legal AF: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/legal-af MissTrial: https://meidasnews.com/tag/miss-trial The PoliticsGirl Podcast: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-politicsgirl-podcast Cult Conversations: The Influence Continuum with Dr. Steve Hassan: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-influence-continuum-with-dr-steven-hassan Mea Culpa with Michael Cohen: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/mea-culpa-with-michael-cohen The Weekend Show: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/the-weekend-show Burn the Boats: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/burn-the-boats Majority 54: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/majority-54 Political Beatdown: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/political-beatdown On Democracy with FP Wellman: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/on-democracy-with-fpwellman Uncovered: https://www.meidastouch.com/tag/maga-uncovered Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
The Ayatollahs who have ruled Iran since 1979 have long promised to destroy the Jewish state, and even set a deadline for it. While arming proxies to fight Israel—Hezbollah in Lebanon, Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and more—Iran is believed to have sought to develop nuclear weapons for itself. “The big question about Iran was always how significant is its apocalyptic theology,” Yossi Klein Halevi explains to David Remnick. “How central is that end-times vision to the Iranian regime? And is there a possibility that the regime would see a nuclear weapon as the way of furthering their messianic vision?” Halevi is a journalist and senior fellow at the Shalom Hartman Institute, and he co-hosts the podcast “For Heaven's Sake.” He is a fierce critic of Benjamin Netanyahu, saying “I have no doubt that he is capable of starting a war for his own political needs.” And yet Netanyahu was right to strike Iran, Halevi asserts, no matter the consequences. “The Israeli perspective is not … the American war in Iraq and Afghanistan. It's our own experience.”
On June 13, 2025, Israel launched a decisive strike on Iran's nuclear program after a 14-month buildup that began with a massive Iranian missile attack in April 2024. Internal debates, regional threats from Hezbollah and the Houthis, and hostage crises delayed the response. As Iran's defenses weakened and its nuclear ambitions accelerated, Israel seized the moment to act. On today's open-line edition of The Endtime Show, we'll break down the escalating conflict that may shape the future of the Middle East—and the world. 📚: Check out Jerusalem Prophecy College Online for less than $60 per course: https://jerusalemprophecycollege.com 📱: It's never been easier to understand. Stream Only Source and access exclusive content: https://watch.osn.tv/browse ☕️: First Cup Coffee: use code ENDTIME to get 10% off: https://www.firstcup.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
A instabilidade é permanente e se espalha por vários territórios. Na Faixa de Gaza, uma guerra que já dura mais de 600 dias e que provoca uma crise humanitária sem precedentes. No Líbano, a população vive sob os ataques do grupo Hezbollah e do exército israelense. Na Síria, o fim de uma longa ditadura deu lugar a um país cujo comando está fragmentado. No Iêmen, os rebeldes Houthis também estão envolvidos em conflitos. Agora, desde o início da troca de bombardeios entre Israel e Irã, a tensão escalou para a iminência de uma guerra total entre os dois países militarmente mais poderosos da região -- um risco que cresce com os sinais enviados por Donald Trump de que os EUA podem entrar no conflito. Neste episódio, Natuza Nery conversa com Guga Chacra para explicar as origens dessas instabilidades. O comentarista da Globo, da GloboNews, da CBN e colunista do jornal O Globo reconta a história dos insucessos nas tratativas de paz das últimas décadas, analisa os atuais pontos de maior tensão e tenta responder à pergunta: o que fazer para pacificar o Oriente Médio?
Darrell Castle talks about the attack by the nation of Israel upon the nation of Iran and what involvement the U.S. will have in the war. Transcription / Notes IRAN CANNOT HAVE A NUCLEAR WEAPON Hello, this is Darrell Castle with today's Castle Report. This is Friday the 20th day of June in the year of our Lord 2025. My beat is war today and there is obviously a big one to talk about and that is the attack by the nation of Israel upon the nation of Iran. Will the U.S. attack Iran's nuclear sites on behalf of Israel. We hold our breath to learn what Netanyahu will have the U.S. do. I have been a bit unsure about how to approach this Report since I'm pretty sure that virtually everyone knows about Israel's attack by now. What most may not have considered is that in less than a week Israel, a nation of about 9 million people almost completely destroyed Iran's ability to make war either offensively or defensively. Iran, a nation of about 90 million people or roughly 10 to 1 in population was believed to be at the end of a decades long pursuit of a nuclear weapon or that is at least what Israel keeps telling the world. Donald Trump told Iran that he wanted to negotiate an end to its nuclear ambitions and he gave them 60 days to enter into a deal to end their nuclear program. He at first seemed willing to allow enough enrichment for peaceful nuclear power but later backed away and said no enrichment at all. Iran said well, then we can't have a deal so at midnight of the 61st day Israel attacked and destroyed all the above ground nuclear facilities of Iran and assassinated many of Iran's top military leadership along with its nuclear scientists. Now, it's pretty clear that when Trump invited them to negotiate what he really meant was accept my demands or suffer the consequences. So, what was Iranian leadership thinking by continuing nuclear enrichment and refusing to talk. I obviously don't know the workings of the Mullah's minds but I can use what I do know to make a reasonable guess. I think they did not recognize in time that the world has changed dramatically in a very short time. Since the October 7, 2023 attack by Hamas, Israel has essentially been at war dismantling the Iranian proxy, terrorist armies bit by bit. The terrorist proxies are the way Iran spread its control across the entire region. The three Iranian proxy groups Hamas, Hezbollah, and the Houthis have all been reduced to ineffectiveness by the Israel attacks. Hamas, what is left of it, is a pile of rubble. The Houthis are under constant air attack and Iran publicly abandoned them. Hezbollah had its leadership destroyed in a now famous exploding cell phone attack, and their sponsor in Syria has been overthrown. Israel attacked the Iranian anti-air defense system a few months ago and rendered it ineffective obviously. Apparently Israel's intelligence arm, the Mossad had so completely infiltrated Iran they built an Israeli military base inside Iran. Iran apparently didn't recognize any of that and whether by inertia, or poor thinking just continued business as usual. With all their terrorist groups anemic or destroyed they literally have no friends left. Nations like Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and the Emirates may pay lip service to Iran but secretly I suspect they are cheering the Israelis on. The other change that Iran didn't see was that Russia, their once staunch ally has been strangely silent other than offering asylum to Iranian leadership. Russia is no longer a Middle East power and protector of Iran because it has all it can handle in Ukraine. Perhaps Russia is secretly happy about the war because it detracts the U.S. from Ukraine and most importantly it might raise the price of oil worldwide thus helping Russia's one product economy. China, Iran's other powerful friend is presently trying to resolve a trade war with the U.S. and seems to have no desire to involve itself in a Mideast war although there are rumors of Chinese resupply of ...
The Islamic Revolution in 1979 created an Iranian-dominated Middle East, and unleashed seemingly endless decades of Islamic terrorism around the world. Iran created a proxy terror network that included Hezbollah, Hamas, Houthis and The Palestinian Islamic Jihad. The first crack in the wall appeared in 2020 with the introduction of the Abraham Accords, then the events of October 7th, which all lead us to where we are right now in 2025. A new Middle East is being formed, and Israel is right where the prophets said she would be at the end of the Church Age, at the dawn of Jacob's trouble.“But I will shew thee that which is noted in the scripture of truth: and there is none that holdeth with me in these things, but Michael your prince.” Daniel 10:21 (KJB)On this episode of the Prophecy News Podcast, the entire world has been on pins and needles these past 7 days, watching the astonishing and often-times horrifying events happening in the Middle East. These events have also been driving a wedge right down the middle of Trump's MAGA Movement, half of whom stand for Israel and the other half do not. Whatever happens by the time this thing is all done, one thing is assured. You will have a very different Middle East, guaranteed. Over in Rome, the Catholic Church has been enjoying the “bump” they have gotten with the election of Pope Leo XIV, and Catholics worldwide are suddenly motivated and energized. Everywhere you look, there is electricity in the air, and that's because we are on the cusp of the revealing of the man of sin who is coming to claim his Middle Eastern kingdom. On this episode, we will show you how very drastically the last days landscape is changing, and where it is all leading. Tick, tock, goes the end times clock.
With tensions between the U.S., Israel, and Iran escalating, President Trump hints at a major decision in the coming days—possibly involving a strike on Iran's fortified Fordow nuclear site. As Ayatollah Khamenei mocks Trump and refuses to negotiate, Trump faces both technical and strategic dilemmas: Will bunker-busting bombs work? Can Iran's nuclear ambitions be ended without catastrophic fallout or civilian casualties? This detailed segment explores Trump's decades-long stance on Iran, media distortions about AIPAC influence, and the broader geopolitical risk of regime change. Meanwhile, Axios and other sources report that Trump has already approved an operational plan, though doubts remain about execution and consequences. Analysts warn of possible retaliatory terror attacks on U.S. soil—especially as Iranian assets are suspected to already be in the country thanks to Biden-era border failures. The hosts outline how Iran's partnership with China via Houthi proxies is redefining modern warfare, and why Trump's choice could shape the future of global stability—or become a political and military gamble with historic implications.
Tune in here to this Thursday's edition of the Brett Winterble Show! We’re joined by Dr. Bruce Bechtel from Angelo State University to talk about the deepening alliance between North Korea and Iran, and the growing threat their cooperation poses to global stability. In this insightful interview, Dr. Bechtel explains how North Korea has long supported Iran’s missile and nuclear infrastructure, detailing the technical support and weapons transfers that have shaped Iran’s current arsenal—some of which have been used against Israel in recent attacks. He describes how North Korean engineers built underground nuclear facilities in Iran and highlights the role of Chinese-North Korean cooperation in sustaining Iran’s military capabilities. Dr. Bechtel also warns of future arms transfers to Iranian proxies like the Houthis and discusses whether a third theater of conflict could emerge. His analysis, based on decades of intelligence and research, underscores the urgency of confronting this axis of rogue states before it escalates into a broader regional or global conflict. Listen here for all of this and more on The Brett Winterble Show! For more from Brett Winterble check out his YouTube channel. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Regardless of whether Israel has the capabilities to decimate Iran's entire nuclear program, or if the United States needs to become further involved in the war and provide Israel with “bunker-buster” bombs, one thing is clear: “If this war should end with the Iranian regime intact and the elements of its nuclear program recoverable, then, in some ways, it will be all for naught,” argues Victor Davis Hanson on today's edition of “Victor Davis Hanson: In His Own Words.” “It is surreal. If we had this conversation five years ago and I said to you, ‘the Iranian nation—that is huge compared to Israel, 10 times the population—the Iranian nation has lost all control of the Houthi terrorists and they are themselves neutered. Their surrogates in the West Bank, Gaza are neutered. They're gone, Hamas as a fighting force. The formidable, the terrifying Hezbollah cadres, they're inert. ‘“‘There is no Russian presence. It's not a patron. It is not a protector. It's not a power in the Middle East. It's tied down in Ukraine. And Iran itself, the formidable powerhouse of the Middle East that evoked terror all over, has no defenses. “And we're down to a single critical issue… if this war should end with the Iranian regime intact and the elements of its nuclear program recoverable, then, in some ways, it will be all for naught.'”
Since Israel launched Operation Rising Lion—a precise and defensive military campaign aimed at preventing the Iranian regime from acquiring nuclear weapons—Iran has responded with a barrage of ballistic missiles and drones, indiscriminately targeting Israeli civilians. Dr. Matthew Levitt, director of the Reinhard Program on Counterterrorism and Intelligence at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy, and a leading expert on Iran's global terror network, explains what's at stake—and what could come next. Take Action: We must stop a regime that vows to murder millions of Israelis from gaining the weapons to do it. Urge your elected leaders to assure that Israel has all the necessary support to end Iran's nuclear threat. Resources and Analysis: Iranian Regime vs. Israel War Explained: What You Should Know AJC Advocacy Anywhere: Israel and Iran: Latest Updates, Global Responses, and the Path Ahead 5 Key Reasons Behind Israel's Defensive Strike on Iran's Imminent Nuclear Threat Listen – AJC Podcasts: The Forgotten Exodus: Untold stories of Jews who left or were driven from Arab nations and Iran People of the Pod: Latest Episodes: Why Israel Had No Choice: Inside the Defensive Strike That Shook Iran's Nuclear Program What Rabbi Lord Jonathan Sacks' State of the Jewish World Teaches Us Today Follow People of the Pod on your favorite podcast app, and learn more at AJC.org/PeopleofthePod You can reach us at: peopleofthepod@ajc.org If you've appreciated this episode, please be sure to tell your friends, and rate and review us on Apple Podcasts or Spotify. Transcript of the Interview: Israel's shadow war with the Iranian regime, the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism, erupted into open conflict last week following a stunning report from the International Atomic Energy Agency that confirmed Iran was much closer to obtaining nuclear weapons than previously known. Since Israel launched a wave of attacks on nuclear sites and facilities, Iran has fired missiles toward Israel's most populated cities. Joining us to discuss what this all means is one of the foremost experts on Iran and its global threats, and a regular guest when trouble arises with Iran. Dr. Matthew Levitt, director of the Reinhard Counterterrorism Program at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy. Matt, welcome back to People of the Pod. Matthew Levitt: It's a pleasure to be back, but I need to come sometime when the world's okay. Manya Brachear Pashman: That would be nice. That'd be nice. But what will we talk about? Matthew Levitt: Yeah, just call me one of the Horsemen of the Apocalypse. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, you are one of the foremost experts on the dangers posed by Iran, especially its terror proxies. And you've written the definitive book on Hezbollah, titled Hezbollah: the Global Footprint of Lebanon's Party of God. And I say that whole title, I want to get in there, because we are talking about global threats here. Can you explain the scale of Iran's global threat and the critical role that its terror proxies, like Hezbollah, Hamas, the Houthis, play in advancing that strategy? Matthew Levitt: So I really appreciate the question, because it's really important to remind listeners that the Israel Iran war did not start Thursday night US time, Friday morning, Israel time. In fact, it's just the latest salvo where the Israelis, after years and years and years of Iranian we call it malign activity, but that's too soft a term. We're talking about Iran sending weapons and funds to proxies like Hamas to carry out October 7, like Hezbollah to fire rockets at Israel almost daily for almost a year. Like the Houthis, who were much more than a thorn in the Saudi backside until the Iranians came and gave them more sophisticated capabilities. We're talking about an Iran that a few years ago decided that instead of making sure that every gun that it sent to the West Bank had to go to Hamas or Islamic Jihad. They decided to just flood the West Bank with guns. Who cares who's shooting at the Israelis so long as somebody is. And an Iran that not only carries out human rights abuses of all kinds at home, but that threatens Israel and its neighbors with drones, low altitude cruise missiles, short range ballistic missiles, and medium and long range ballistic missiles. And so the totality of this, much like the totality of Hezbollah's striking Israel for almost a year, ultimately led Israel to do what most people thought couldn't be done, and just tear Hezbollah apart, that the Israel war on Hezbollah is the prequel to what we've been seeing over the past few days in Iran. Similarly, for the Israelis, it got to be too much. It wasn't even really that President Trump's 60 days expired and Israel attacked on day 61. It wasn't only that the IAEA came out with a report saying that the Iranians have refused to explain certain activities that can only be explained as nuclear weaponization activities. It was that the Israelis had information that two things were happening. One, that Iran was working very, very hard to rebuild its capability to manufacture medium, long range ballistic missiles that can hit Israel. After the Israeli reprisal attack last October took out a key component of that program, the mixers that are important for the solid propellant, without which you can't make ballistic missiles. And Iran is believed to have, at least the beginning of this recent round of the conflict –Thursday, Friday–about 2000 such missiles. Far fewer now, the Israelis say they've taken out about a third of them, plus launchers, plus radars, et cetera. But that Iran had a plan within just a few years to develop as many as 8000 of these. And that simply was not tolerable for the Israelis. And the second is that the Israelis say that they compiled evidence that Iran had a secret, secret nuclear weapons program that had been going on predating October 7, but was fast tracked after October 7, that they were planning to maintain this program, even as they were negotiating over the more overt program with the Trump administration. President Trump has even taken issue with his own Director of National Intelligence Tulsi Gabbard, who testified in March that the US intelligence committee does not assess that Iran is weaponizing. And President says, I don't care what she says, I think they were very close to weaponizing. The Israelis say they have shared this information at least recently with their US counterparts and that was not tolerable. So the primary goals that Israel has set out for itself with this campaign is beyond the critically important shattering the glass ceiling. Think where people in particular, in Iran thought this would never happen, was two things, one, addressing and significantly degrading and setting back the Iranian ballistic missile production program, and second, doing the same to the nuclear program. They've already carried out strikes at Isfahan, Natanz, even at the upper parts of Fordow. And there is an expectation that the Israelis are going to do something more. The Israeli national security advisor said on Israeli television today, We are not going to stop without addressing the nuclear activities at Fordow. Manya Brachear Pashman: You know, you called it a prequel, Israel's operations against Hezbollah last year. Did you know that it was a prequel at the time and to what extent did it weaken Iran and leave it more vulnerable in this particular war? Matthew Levitt: I'm going to be the last person in Washington, D.C. who tells you when he doesn't know. And anybody who tells you they did know is lying to you. None of us saw what Israel did to Hezbollah coming. None of us saw that and said, Oh, they did it to a non-state actor right across their border. So they'll definitely be able to do it to Iran, 1000+ kilometers away, big nation state with massive arsenals and a nuclear program and lots of proxies. One plus one does not equal three in this. In other words, the fact that Israel developed mind boggling capabilities and incredible intelligence, dominance and then special tools, pagers and walkie talkies, in the case of Hezbollah, did not mean that they were going to be able to do the same vis a vis Iran. And they did. The same type of intelligence dominance, the same type of intelligence, knowing where somebody was at a certain time, that the protocols would be that certain leaders would get in a certain secret bunker once hostilities started, and they'd be able to take them out in that bunker. As they did to a bunch of senior Hezbollah commanders just months ago. Drone operations from within Iran, Iran being hit with missiles that were fired at Iran from within Iran, all of it. One case did not necessarily translate into the other. It is exponentially impressive. And Israel's enemies have to be saying, you know, that the Israelis are just all capable. Now you're absolutely right. You hit the nail on the head on one critical issue. For a very long time, Israel was at least somewhat deterred, I would say very deterred, from targeting Iran. Because Iran had made very, very clear if Israel or the United States or anybody else targeted Iran or its nuclear program, one of the first things that would happen would be that Hezbollah in Lebanon, Israel, Iran's first, most important proxy would rain hellfire in Israel in the form of 1000s upon 1000s of rockets. Until Israel addressed the problem, Hezbollah is believed to have had 150 to 200,000 different types of projectiles, up to and including precision guided munitions. Not only have the overwhelming majority of those been destroyed, Hezbollah still has 1000s of rockets, but Hezbollah leadership has been decimated. There's a new sheriff in town in Lebanon. There's a new government that immediately, when hostility started with Iran's, went to Hezbollah and said, You're not doing this, not dragging Lebanon back into a war that nobody wanted again. We are finally coming out of this economic crisis. And so Iran was faced with a situation where it didn't have Hezbollah to deter Israel. Israel, you know, paved the way for a highway in the air to Iran, taking out air defense systems. It was able to fly over and through Syria. The Syrians are not shedding any tears as they see the Quds Force and the IRGC getting beaten down after what Iran did in Syria. And the Israelis have air dominance now. President Trump said, We, using the we term, air dominance now, earlier today. And they're able to slowly and methodically continue to target the ballistic missile program. Primarily, the medium and long range missiles that target Israel, but sometimes it's the same production lines that produce the short range missiles that Iran uses to target U.S. Forces in the region, and our allies in the Gulf. So Israel is not just protecting itself, it's protecting the region. And then also taking out key military security intelligence personnel, sometimes taking out one person, then a couple days later, taking out the person who succeeded that person, and then also taking out key scientists who had the know-how to potentially rebuild all the things that Israel is now destroying. Manya Brachear Pashman: But Israel is also not hearing from the Houthis, is not hearing from Hamas. It's not hearing from other terror proxies either. Very few attacks from Iran's terror proxies in the aftermath of this wave. Why? Why do you think that is? Matthew Levitt: The crickets are loud. The crickets are loud. Look, we've discussed Hezbollah. Hezbollah understands that if it were to do something, the Israelis will come in even harder and destroy what's left. Hamas is still holding hostages. This is still an open wound, but it doesn't have the capabilities that it once had, and so there have been a couple of short range things that they tried to shoot, but it's not anything that's going to do huge damage, and the Israeli systems can deal with those. The Houthis did fire something, and it hurt some Palestinians near Hebron. You know, the Houthis and the Iranians in particular, in this conflict have killed Palestinians, and in one case, Syrians. They're continuing to hurt people that are not Israelis. One of the things that I think people are hopeful for is that as Iran tries to sue for peace, and it already is, it's been reaching out to Cyprus to pass messages, etcetera. The hope is that Iran will recognize that it's in a position whereby A) there has to be zero enrichment and the facilities have to be destroyed, whatever's left of them. And B) there's a hope that Israel and the United States together will be able to use this diplomatic moment to truly end the conflict in Gaza and get the hostages home. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, that was what I was going to ask. I mean, if Israel achieves its objectives in this war, primarily eliminating Iran's nuclear threat, how significant a setback would that be for Hamas and Iran's other terror proxies, and could it indeed pave the way for an end of the war in Gaza and the return of the hostages? Matthew Levitt: Like everybody else, I'm so scarred, I don't want to get my hopes up, but I do see this as a distinct possibility, and here's why. Not Hezbollah, not the Houthis, not Hamas, none of them, and plenty of other proxies that don't start in the letter H, none of them could have been anywhere as capable as they've proven to be, were it not for Iranian money and weapons. Also some training, some intelligence, but primarily money and weapons. And so Hamas is already on its back foot in this regard. It can still get some money in. It's still being able to make money off of humanitarian aid. Iran is still sending money in through money exchange houses and hawaladars, but not weapons. Their ability to manufacture weapons, their military industrial complex within Gaza, this is destroyed. Hezbollah, we've discussed, discussed, and a lot of their capabilities have been destroyed. And those that remain are largely deterred. The Houthis did shoot up some rockets, and the Israelis did carry out one significant retaliatory attack. But I think people are beginning to see the writing on the wall. The Israelis are kicking the stuffing out of Iran with pinprick attacks that are targeting the worst of the bad guys, including people who have carried out some of the worst human rights transgressions against Iranians. Let's not pretend that this is not affecting the average Iranian. It is. The president says, Everybody get out of Tehran. That's just not possible. People, average Iranians, good people. It must be just an absolute terror. But Israel's not bombing, you know, apartment buildings, as Iran is doing in Israel, or as Russia is doing in Ukraine. And so it really is a different type of thing. And when the Houthis, when Hamas, when Hezbollah, look at this, you don't you don't poke the tiger when it's angry. I think they also understand now's the time to get into survival mode. What you want is for the regime in Iran not to be destroyed. This is no longer a moment, as it's been since long before October 7, but certainly since then, of how Iran as proxies, export Iran's revolution. This is now a question of how they maintain and preserve the revolution at home. And it's extremely important to the proxies that Iran remain, so that even if it's knocked down over time, hopefully, theoretically, from their perspective, it can regain its footing. It will still have, they hope, its oil and gas, etcetera, and they will get back to a point where they can continue to fund and arm the proxies in. Maybe even prioritize them as it takes them longer to rebuild their ballistic missile, drone, and nuclear programs. Manya Brachear Pashman: Which is a scary prospect as well to know that terror proxies could be spread throughout the world and empowered even a little bit more. President Trump left the G7 summit a day early to meet with security advisors, and just a few hours ago, prior to this interview, President Trump called for Iran's, quote, unconditional surrender, saying that the US knows where the Supreme Leader is, and some other threatening language. But I mean, this appears to be a kind of a clear commitment to Israel. So I'm curious how you assess his administration's actions before and during the war thus far, and do you see the United States edging toward direct involvement? Matthew Levitt: All politics is local, and there is a tug of war within the MAGA movement over whether or not the US should be getting involved. Not only in supporting an important ally, but in removing a critical threat. The President is clearly frustrated that Iran was not being more forthcoming in the negotiations. He said many times, we'd offered you a great deal, you should have taken the deal. He's very aware that his deadline ended, and they didn't particularly seem to care. There's also the background that once upon a time, they tried to assassinate him, I think, after the Israelis did what they did, the President appreciates capabilities. He appreciates success. He likes backing the winning horse. And so the New York Times is reporting that after getting off the phone with Prime Minister Netanyahu, President Trump reportedly turned to some aides and said, maybe we need to help him. Now it's not clear that's what's going to happen, and my understanding is that the Israelis have plans of their own for things like the heavily fortified facility at Fordow, which is the most important and highly fortified, protected of the nuclear installations. The Israeli National Security Advisor spoke today and said, you know, we're not going to be done until we do something with Fordow. The United States can do multiple things only the United States has the MOP: the Massive Ordinance Penetrator, and the airplanes to deliver it, and they could end Fordow if they wanted. Short of that, they could do other things to support Israel. There's been defensive support for the State of Israel already, but there's other things they could do, refueling and other things if they wanted to. And at a minimum, I don't see the president restraining Israel at all. Now, I've heard some people say that so far, the President has fired nothing more than some social media postings, some of them even in all caps. But the truth is, those do have an effect, and so long as Israel is not restrained. I think the Israelis went into this with a plan. That plan is not necessarily to entirely destroy the entire nuclear program, but if the ballistic missile program and the nuclear program are sufficiently degraded so that it will take them years and a tremendous amount of time and money to rebuild, knowing that Israel has broken the glass ceiling on this idea of targeting Iran, that if the Israelis feel they need to, they will come back. If the Iranians rebuild their air defense systems, the Israelis will address them and create a new highway going if they need to. I think the Israelis are making that clear. Knowing that it's going to be a little bit of a road for Iran, especially when it will have to deal with some domestic issues coming out of this. Finally, the Israelis have started signaling there's other things they could do. The Israelis have not yet fully targeted oil and gas fields and facilities. For example, they had one set of attacks where they basically knocked at the front door of some of these facilities without walking in the house. That's signaling, and I think it's one of the reasons you're seeing Iran quietly trying to reach out for some type of a ceasefire. Other signaling, for example, is the Israelis deciding to fly all the way to Mashhad, which is in far eastern Iran, to take out an airplane. That airplane was not particularly important. It was the message. There is nowhere in Iran we can't go. It's not a question of distance, it's not a question of refueling, it's not a question of air defense systems. We can do what we need to do. And I think the Iranians understand that now. Manya Brachear Pashman: So we talked about the commitment to Israel, and how clear, how important it is to clarify that commitment to Israel. How important is it to clarify the United States commitment to Arab partners in the Middle East to help defend them in other words, if this conflict escalates? Matthew Levitt: This is critically important. You know, one of the individuals who was taken out, for example, was the person who was in charge of the drone attack on the Abqaiq oil facility in Saudi Arabia. If you look, for example, at the Saudi statement condemning the Israeli actions, it was issued by the Foreign Ministry without a single name attached to it. Wasn't issued by the Crown Prince, wasn't issued by the foreign minister. So I think you should expect a whole lot of public criticism. I imagine there's a different conversation going on behind closed doors. It's not necessarily, you know, pom-poming. This makes the Gulf states very, very nervous, in part because they understand that one way Iran could try and get out of this is to expand the conflict. And that the reason they haven't is because, short of trying to prevent Iranians from taking to the streets and potentially doing something to maybe overthrow the regime, short of that, the number one thing that the Iranian regime is most desperate to avoid is getting the United States involved militarily. And I think the Iranians really understand and the messaging's been clear. If you target US Forces in the region, if you target our allies in the region, we'll get involved. If you don't, then we might not. Now the President now is talking about potentially doing that, and as a lot of maybe this, maybe that, nothing very clear. I think what is clear is that the Israelis are going to continue doing what they need to do for another one to two weeks. Even going so far as doing something, though they haven't made clear what to address the really complicated problem of the fortified facility at Fordow. Manya Brachear Pashman: So how important is it for global security if Israel is successful in eliminating the nuclear threat in Iran? Matthew Levitt: Look, Iran has been the single most destabilizing factor in the region for a long time now. Imagine a region without a destabilizing revolutionary regime in Iran without a regime that is supporting Shia militants in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf countries. Imagine the Shia militias in Iraq suddenly without a funder and a patron, enabling the Shia government in Iraq to actually be able to take control of the country and establish a monopoly over the use of force. At a time when the Shia militias, because of Iran's backing, are becoming more dangerous and more powerful in Iraq. Imagine the Lebanese government being able to be more forward leaning in their effort to establish a monopoly over the use of force in that country, reclaim bases that Hezbollah has used for all this time, and establish a new Lebanon that is not beholden to Iran and Hezbollah. And imagine an Israeli-Palestinian situation where you didn't have Hamas and Palestinian Islamic Jihad as spoilers. Recall that October 7 happened in large part because Hamas and Hezbollah and Iran could not tolerate the prospect of Israeli-Saudi normalization. For most Palestinians, this was great news. The Saudis were demanding real dividends for the Palestinians from the Netanyahu government, which was likely going to do them. This was great for Palestinians, bad for Hamas. Imagine Hamas no longer getting that support from Iran. Imagine Iran no longer able to send or being interested in sending millions upon millions of dollars to its proxies, and instead spending what money it has on helping its population, instead of cracking down on it with human rights violations. You could have a very, very different region, let alone imagine Iran no longer carrying out acts of terrorism, kidnapping plots, abduction plots of dissidents and Jews and Israelis and others around the world of the type that we've seen throughout Europe and throughout the Middle East and even in the United States over the past few years. Manya Brachear Pashman: That's quite an imagination you have. But I take your point. Let me ask you this then. Did you ever imagine that Israel would take this dramatic step? Matthew Levitt: What the Israelis have achieved, when you are so against the wall and you're forced to come up with solutions, because it's a matter of life or death – you make the impossible possible. And I think that perhaps the Iranians assumed that the Israeli post-October 7 doctrine applied to non-state actors only. And that doctrine is very simple. Israel will no longer allow adversaries who are openly committed to its destruction to build up weapons, arsenals that they can then use at some point to actually try and destroy Israel. They will not allow that to happen. They allowed it to happen with Hamas. It was a mistake. They allowed it to happen with Hezbollah. It was a mistake that they corrected. And Iran is the biggest, arguably, really, the only existential threat as huge, as a tasking as that was, clearly they invested in doing it. And the question became, not, why can't it be done? What is it that has to be overcome? And I don't think sitting here with you right now, you know, what is it, 3:30 on Tuesday, the 17th, that we've seen the last of the tricks up Israel's sleeve. Manya Brachear Pashman: I only have one last question for you, and that is about the United States. The importance of the United States getting directly involved. I mean, we've talked about previously undisclosed nuclear sites, and who knows how many there could be. We're talking about more than what, 600,000 square miles of Iran. If the goal is a non nuclear Iran, can Israel finish this war without the United States, or does it even matter? I mean, is this just a step to force Iran back to the negotiating table with virtually zero leverage? Matthew Levitt: So look, I don't think the goal here is completely destroying the Iranian nuclear program, or even completely destroying the Iranian ballistic missile program. The goal is to so degrade it that it is set back many, many years, and break that ceiling. People now understand if Israelis need to come back, they're coming back. I think they would like to do as much damage to these destructive programs as possible, of course, and I don't think we've seen the end of it. I think there are more tricks up Israel's sleeve when it comes to some of these complicated problems. Judged by this yardstick, by the way, the Israeli operation is a tremendous success, tremendous success, even though there have been some significant casualties back in Israel, and even though this has caused tremendous trauma for innocent Iranians who have no love for the regime. This is a situation that the Iranian regime has brought down on all of us. I do think that the Israelis have made very, very clear that this doesn't end until something is done to further disrupt and dismantle Fordow, which is the most important and the most heavily fortified, underground, under a mountain facility. It's not clear what the Israelis have in mind. It seems they have something in mind of their own. It's clear they would love for the United States to get involved, because the United States could do real damage to that facility and potentially end the Iranian nuclear program. But at the end of the day, if it can't be completely destroyed, I anticipate it's going to be damaged enough to significantly set it back. This phase of the Israel-Iran war, which didn't start last week, is not about pushing them back a week or a month or two months. Manya Brachear Pashman: Well, Matt, thank you so much for your wise counsel and perspective on this matter, and yes, hopefully we can have you back another time to talk about peace and love and things that have nothing to do with war and conflict with Iran or its terror proxies. Matthew Levitt: I would really look forward to prepping for that interview. In the meantime, I want to thank AJC for all the important work it does, and thank you guys for having me on the podcast. Manya Brachear Pashman: If you missed last week's episodes, be sure to tune in for our crossover episode with Books and Beyond: The Rabbi Sacks Podcast, a podcast of the Rabbi Sacks Legacy, and my conversation with AJC's Jerusalem Director Avital Liebovich. During a special breaking news episode the day after Israel launched Operation Rising Lion, the latest in Israel's ongoing war of self-defense against the Iranian regime.
GUEST: Third Rail Omar on Israel, Iran, the U.S., and Trump. Fiery second hour: Callers call Hake "boomer" and "Ben Shapiro"!The Hake Report, Wednesday, June 18, 2025 ADThird Rail with Omar / American Me Podcast https://www.youtube.com/@third_rail - https://x.com/thecomforter_1 - https://www.tiktok.com/@thirdrailomarTIMESTAMPS* (0:00:00) Start* (0:01:23) Omar, fellow boomer — Iran-Israel… TikTok…* (0:08:44) Hey, guys!* (0:10:51) Trump first Jewish prez? War with Iran? Conspiracies…?* (0:19:40) Not a fan of Iran, but Israel's worse? In America* (0:27:55) Bibi … Israelis vs Persians…* (0:29:47) Little history lesson US and Iran* (0:34:16) Iran funding Houthis, Hamas, Hezbollah* (0:42:11) Tucker, the Persians, Iranians, Apartheid* (0:48:08) Supers: Crishaun, Israel-US history, war, Trump…?* (0:55:05) Supers: No s— before marriage!* (1:02:26) KT, DC: Boomer! Israel's doing evil!* (1:31:36) ELIJAH, CA: Acting like Israel's the only problem? No solutions?!* (1:46:22) Supers: ISIS, Hamas … Rumors of wars … 2v1 …* (1:48:29) JEFF, LA: Iran, Israel, America* (1:53:08) Omar point on Biden … Closing!BLOG https://www.thehakereport.com/blog/2025/6/18/third-rail-with-omar-israel-iran-war-wed-6-18-25PODCAST / Substack HAKE NEWS from JLP https://www.thehakereport.com/jlp-news/2025/6/18/jlp-wed-6-18-25–Hake is live M-F 9-11a PT (11-1CT/12-2ET) Call-in 1-888-775-3773 https://www.thehakereport.com/showVIDEO: YT - Rumble* - Pilled - FB - X - BitChute (Live) - Odysee*PODCAST: Substack - Apple - Spotify - Castbox - Podcast Addict*SUPER CHAT https://buymeacoffee.com/thehakereportSHOP - Printify (new!) - Cameo | All My LinksJLP Network: JLP - Church - TFS - Nick - PunchieThe views expressed on this show do not represent BOND, Jesse Lee Peterson, the Network, this Host, or this platform. No endorsement or opposition implied!The show is for general information and entertainment, and everything should be taken with a grain of salt! Get full access to HAKE at thehakereport.substack.com/subscribe
Today, Martha, Les, and Morgan discuss the rapidly escalating conflict between Israel and Iran, now entering its sixth day with historic implications. The immediate trigger was a rare IAEA censure of Iran for non-compliance with nuclear safeguards—the first since 2005—but Iran and its proxy groups like Hezbollah, Iraqi militias, and the Houthis have been attacking Israel for years leading up to this point. President Trump has ordered a large-scale U.S. military buildup in the region and demanded Iran's unconditional surrender, even as Tehran warns of severe retaliation.Is this the beginning of a full-scale regional war—and will U.S. forces inevitably be drawn in? How will Tehran respond to the unprecedented damage to its nuclear program and military infrastructure? Will this mark a turning point in re-establishing American deterrence?Check out the answers to these questions and more in this episode of Fault Lines.Follow our experts on Twitter: @marthamillerdc@lestermunson @morganlroachLike what we're doing here? Be sure to rate, review, and subscribe. And don't forget to follow @faultlines_pod and @masonnatsec on Twitter!We are also on YouTube, and watch today's episode here: https://youtu.be/2k7BlOYABh4 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This week we talk about tit-for-tat warfare, conflict off-ramps, and Israel's renewed attacks on Iran's nuclear program.We also discuss the Iron Dome, the Iran-Iraq War, and regime change.Recommended Book: How Much is Enough? by Robert and Edward SkidelskyTranscriptIn late-October of 2024, Israel launched a wave of airstrikes against targets in Iran and Syria. These strikes were code-named Operation Days of Repentance, and it marked the largest such attack on Iran by Israel since the 1980s, during the height of the Iran-Iraq War.Operation Days of Repentance was ostensibly a response to Iran's attack on Israel earlier than same month, that attack code-named Operation True Promise II, which involved the launch of around 200 ballistic missiles against Israeli targets. Operation True Promise II was itself a response to Israel's assassination of the leader of Hamas, the leader of Hezbollah, and the Deputy of Operations for Iran's Revolutionary Guard.If you feel like there might be a tit-for-tat pattern here, you're right. Iran and Israel have been at each other's throats since 1979, following the Islamic Revolution when Iran cut off all diplomatic relations with Israel; some backchannel relations continued between the two countries, even through part of the Iran-Iraq War, when Israel often supported Iran in that conflict, but things got tense in the early 1980s when Iran, partnering with the Syrian government, started backing Hezbollah and their effort to boot Israel out of Southern Lebanon, while also partnering with Islamist militants in Iraq and Yemen, including the Houthis, and at times Hamas in Gaza, as well.Most of these attacks have, until recently, been fairly restrained, all things considered. There's long been bravado by politicians on both sides of the mostly cold war-ish conflict, but they've generally told the other side what they would be hitting, and signaled just how far they would be going, telling them the extent of the damage they would cause, and why, which provides the other side ample opportunity to step off the escalatory ladder; everyone has the chance to posture for their constituents and then step back, finding an off-ramp and claiming victory in that specific scuffle.That back-and-forth in late-2024 largely stuck to that larger pattern, and both sides stuck with what typically works for them, in terms of doing damage: Israel flew more than 100 aircraft to just beyond or just inside Iran's borders and struck a bunch of military targets, like air defense batteries and missile production facilities, while Iran launched a few hundred far less-accurate missiles at broad portions of Israel—a type of attack that could conceivably result in a lot of civilian casualties, not just damage to military targets, which would typically be a no-no if you're trying to keep the tit-for-tat strikes regulated and avoid escalation, but because Israel has a fairly effective anti-missile system called the Iron Dome, Iran could be fairly confident that just hurling a large number of missiles in their general direction would be okay, as most of those missiles would be shot down by the Iron Dome, the rest by Israel's allies in the region, and the few that made it through or struck unoccupied land in the general vicinity would make their point.While this conflict has been fairly stable for decades, though, the tenor and tone seems to have changed substantially in 2025, and a recent wave of attacks by Israel is generally being seen as the culmination of several other efforts, and possibly an attempt by the Israeli government to change the nature of this conflict, perhaps permanently.And that's what I'd like to talk about today; Operation Rising Lion, and the implications of Israel's seeming expansion and evolution of their approach to dealing with Iran.—In mid-June of 2025, Israel's military launched early morning strikes against more than a dozen targets across Iran, most of the targets either fundamental to Iran's nuclear program or its military.The strikes were very targeted, and some were assassinations of top Iranian military leaders and nuclear scientists, like the Commander of the Revolutionary Guard, along with their families, including twenty children, who were presumably collateral damage. Some came from beyond Iran's borders, some were conducted by assets smuggled into Iran earlier: car bombs and drones, things like that.More attacks followed that initial wave, which resulted in the collapse of nuclear sites and airport structures, along with several residential buildings in the country's capitol, Tehran.This attack was ostensibly meant to hobble Iran's nuclear program, which the Iranian government has long claimed is for purely peaceful, energy-generation purposes, but which independent watchdog organizations, and pretty much every other non-Iranian-allied government says is probably dual-purpose, allowing Iran to produce nuclear energy, but also nuclear weapons.There was a deal on the books for a while that had Iran getting some benefits in exchange for allowing international regulators to monitor its nuclear program, but that deal, considered imperfect by many, but also relatively effective compared to having no deal at all, went away under the first Trump administration, and the nuclear program has apparently been chugging along since then with relative success; claims that Iran is just weeks from having enough fissile material to make a nuclear weapon have been common for years, now, but they apparently now have enough nuclear weapons-grade materials to make several bombs, and Israel in particular is quite keen to keep them from building such a weapon, as Iran's leaders, over the years, have said they'd like to wipe Israel off the face of the Earth, and nuclear weapons would be a relatively quick and easy way to make that happen.Of course, even without using such a weapon, simply having one or more is a sort of insurance policy against conventionally armed enemies. It ups the stakes in every type of conflict, and allows the nuclear-armed belligerent to persistently raise the specter of nuclear war if anyone threatens them, which is truly terrifying because of how many nuclear-related failsafes are in place around the world: one launch or detonation potentially becoming many, all at once, because of Dr. Strangelove-like automated systems that many militaries have readied, just in case.So the possibility that Iran might be on the brink of actually, really, truly this time making a nuclear weapon is part of the impetus for this new strike by Israel.But this is also probably a continuation of the larger effort to dismantle Iran's influence across the region by the current Israeli government, which, following the sneak attack on Israel by Hamas on October 7, 2023, and the subsequent invasion of the Gaza Strip by Israeli forces, has been trying to undermine Iran's proxies, which again, include quite a few militant organizations, the most powerful of which, in recent years, have been the trio of Hamas in Gaza, the Houthis in Yemen, and Hezbollah in southern Lebanon, right on Israel's border.Israel's invasion of Gaza, which has led to an absolutely catastrophic humanitarian situation for Gazan civilians, but has also led to the near-total collapse of Hamas as a functioning militant organization in the Strip, could be construed as a successful mission, if you ignore all those civilians casualties and fatalities, and the near-leveling of a good portion of the Strip.Israel was also able to take out a significant portion of Hezbollah's leadership via conventional aerial attacks and ground-assaults, and a bizarrely effective asymmetric attack using bombs installed in the pagers used by the organization, and it's been able to significantly decrease the Houthis' ability to menace ships passing through the Red Sea, using their own military, but also through their relationship with the US, which has significant naval assets in the area.Iran has long projected power in the region through its relationship with these proxies, providing them training and weapons and money in exchange for their flanking of Israel. That flanking was meant to keep Israel perpetually off-balance with the knowledge that if they ever do anything too serious, beyond the bounds of the controllable tit-for-tat, Cold War-style conflict in which they were engaged with Iran, they could suffer significant damage at home, from the north via Lebanon, from their southwestern flank via Gaza, or from a little ways to the south and via their coast from Yemen.Those proxies now largely hobbled, though, Israel found itself suddenly freed-up to do something more significant, and this attack is being seen by analysts as the initial stages of what might be a more substantial, perhaps permanent solution to the Iran problem. Rather than being a show of force or a tit-for-tat play, these might be the beginning days of an assault that's meant to enact not just a dismantling of Iran's nuclear program, but full-on regime change in Iran.And regime change means exactly what it sounds like: Iran's government is Islamist, meaning that it wants to enforce a fairly brutal, repressive version of Islam globally, and it already does so against its people. There have periodically been successful protests against these measures by Iranian citizens, especially by severely repressed women and minority groups in the country, including folks of different religions and LGBTQ identifying folks, among others, almost always these protests, and any other attempts to attain more rights and equality for people who aren't strictly Islamist men, generally result in violence, the black-bagging of protest leaders, extrajudicial killings and lifetime imprisonment and torture; a whole lot of really authoritarian, generally just villain-scale behavior by the Iranian government against anyone who steps out of line.So the Iranian government is pretty monstrous by most modern, democratic standards, and the Israeli government's seeming desire to crush it—to cry false on the regime's projection of strength, and create the circumstances for revolution, if that is indeed what they're doing—could be construed as a fairly noble goal.It perhaps serves the purposes of Israel, as again, Iran has said, over and over, that they want to destroy Israel and would totally do so, given the chance. But it arguably also serves the purpose of democratic-leaning people, and perhaps even more so folks who are suffering under the current Iranian regime, and maybe even other, similar regimes in the region. Which again, in terms of spreading democracy and human rights, sounds pretty good to some ears.That said, Israel is killing a lot of Iranian civilians alongside military targets, and its efforts in Gaza have led to accusations that it's committing genocide in the region. Israeli leaders have themselves been accused of anti-democratic actions, basically doubling-down on the nation's furthest-right, most militant, and most authoritarian and theocratic impulses, which makes any claims of moral superiority a little tricky for them to make, at this point.There's a chance, of course, that all this speculation and analysis ends up being completely off-base, and Israel is really, truly just trying to hobble Iran a bit, taking out some of their missile launchers and missile- and drone-manufacturing capacity, while also pushing back their acquisition of nuclear weapons by some meaningful amount of time; that amount of time currently unknown, as initial reports, at least, indicate that many of the attacks on Iran's most vital nuclear research and development facilities were perhaps not as effective as Israel had hoped. There's a chance that if enough overall damage is done, Iran's government will enthusiastically return to the negotiating table and perhaps be convinced to set their nuclear program aside willingly, but at the moment both Iran and Israel seem committed to hurting each other, physically.On that note, so far, as of the day I'm recording this, Iran has launched around 100 missiles, killed a few dozen Israelis, and injured more than 500 of the same. The Iranian government has said Israel's strikes have killed at least 224 people and wounded more than 1,200; though a human rights group says the death toll in Iran could be quite a bit higher than official government numbers, with more than 400 people killed, around half of them civilians, so far.It's been nearly a week of this, and it looks likely that these strikes will continue for at least another few days, though many analysts are now saying they expect this to go one for at least a few weeks, if indeed Israel is trying to knock out some of Iran's more hardened nuclear program-related targets; several of which are buried deep down in the ground, thus requiring bunker-buster-style missiles to reach and destroy, and Israel doesn't have such weapons in their arsenal.Neutralizing those targets would therefore mean either getting those kinds of weapons from the US or other allies, taking them out via some other means, which would probably take more time and entail more risk, or doing enough damage quickly than Iran's government is forced to the negotiation table.And if that ends up being the case, if Israel is really just gunning for the nuclear program and nothing else, this could be remembered as a significant strike, but one that mostly maintains the current status quo; same Iranian leadership, same perpetual conflict between these two nations, but Israel boasting even more of an upper-hand than before, with less to worry about in terms of serious damage from Iran or its proxies for the next several years, minimum.It does seem like a good moment to undertake regime change in Iran, though, as doing so could help Israel polish up its reputation, at least a little, following the reputational drubbing it has taken because of its actions in Gaza. I doubt people who have really turned on Israel would be convinced, as doing away with an abusive, extremist regime, while doing abusive, extremist regime stuff yourself the homefront, probably won't be an argument that convinces many Palestinian liberation-oriented people; there's a chance some of those people will even take up the cause of Iranian civilians, which is true to a point, as many Iranian civilians are suffering and will continue to suffer under Israel's attacks—though of course that leaves out the part about them also suffering, for much longer, under their current government.That said, taking Iran out of the geopolitical equation would serve a lot of international interests, including those of the US—which has long hated Iran—and Ukraine, the latter of which because Russia has allied itself with the Iranian government, and buys a lot of drones, among other weapons, from Iran. That regime falling could make life more difficult for Russia, at least in the short term, and it would mean another ally lost in the region, following the fall of the Assad regime in Syria in late-2024.There's a chance that these same geopolitical variables could pull other players into this conflict, though: Russia could help Iran, for instance, directly or indirectly, by sending supplies, taking out Israeli missiles and drones, maybe, while the US could help Israel (more directly, that is, as it's apparently already helping them by shooting down some of Iran's counterstrike projectiles) by providing bunker-buster weapons, or striking vital military targets from a distance.Such an escalation, on either side, would probably be pretty bad for everyone except possibly Iran, though Israel has said it wants the US to join in on its side, as that would likely result in a much quicker victory and far fewer casualties on its side.The US government is pretty keen to keep out of foreign conflicts right now, though, at least directly, and Russia is pretty bogged down by its invasion of Ukraine; there's a chance other regional powers, even smaller ones, could act as proxies for these larger, outside forces—the Saudis taking the opportunity to score some damage on their long-time rival, Iran, for instance, by helping out Israel—but any such acts would expand the scope of the conflict, and it's seldom politically expedient to do anything that might require your people make any kind of sacrifice, so most everyone will probably stay out of this as long as they can, unless there are serious benefits to doing so.Show Noteshttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/June_2025_Israeli_strikes_on_Iranhttps://www.politico.com/news/magazine/2025/06/13/israel-iran-regime-attack-goal-column-00405153https://www.foreignaffairs.com/israel/real-threat-iran-tehran-most-dangerous-option-responding-israelhttps://www.twz.com/news-features/could-iran-carry-out-its-threat-to-shut-the-strait-of-hormuzhttps://www.jpost.com/israel-news/defense-news/article-857713https://kyivindependent.com/israel-asks-us-to-join-strikes-on-irans-nuclear-sites-officials-told-axios/https://www.timesofisrael.com/liveblog-june-15-2025/https://www.twz.com/air/israel-escalates-to-attacking-iranian-energy-targets-after-ballistic-missiles-hit-tel-avivhttps://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-strikes-news-06-14-25https://www.timesofisrael.com/idf-confirms-irgc-air-force-chief-top-echelon-killed-in-israeli-strike/https://time.com/7294186/israel-warns-tehran-will-burn-deadly-strikes-traded-nuclear-program/https://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06/14/world/israel-iran-newshttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/13/opinion/israel-iran-strikes.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/14/world/middleeast/drones-smuggled-israel-iran-ukraine-russia.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/live/2025/06/15/world/iran-israel-nuclearhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/15/world/middleeast/iran-military-leaders-killed.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2024/04/14/world/europe/israel-iron-dome-defense.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/14/world/middleeast/israel-iran-missile-attack.htmlhttps://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/14/world/middleeast/iran-israel-energy-facility-strikes-tehran.htmlhttps://www.cnn.com/world/live-news/israel-iran-strikes-news-06-15-25https://www.lawfaremedia.org/article/was-israel-s-strike-on-iran-a-good-idea--four-questions-to-askhttps://apnews.com/article/israel-iran-missile-attacks-nuclear-news-06-16-2025-c98074e62ce5afd4c3f6d33edaffa069https://www.nytimes.com/2025/06/16/world/middleeast/iran-israel-war-off-ramp.htmlhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_2024_Iranian_strikes_on_Israelhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/October_2024_Israeli_strikes_on_Iranhttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Axis_of_Resistancehttps://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2024_Lebanon_electronic_device_attacks This is a public episode. 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In this fiery and urgent monologue, the host confronts what they describe as the growing alliance between the Democratic Party and Iran, arguing that attempted assassinations of Republican leaders—like the recent alleged plot against Donald Trump—are proof that America is already at war with Iran and China. Citing military cooperation between China and Iranian-backed Houthis, and referencing unpunished attacks on U.S. and allied ships, the host calls out GOP figures like Thomas Massie for failing to recognize the threat. With sharp criticism of U.S. foreign policy, past administrations, and what they see as complicity by Democrats, the segment warns of a tipping point in history and demands decisive action before it's too late.
PRESIDENT TRUMP DIRECTS ICE TO EXPAND DEPORTATION EFFORTS IN AMERICA'S LARGEST CITIESIS ISRAEL BACKING THEMSELVES INTO A CORNER ... FIGHTING HAMAS, HOUTHIS, AND NOW IRANPRESIDENT TRUMP CUTS CANADA TRIP SHORT AND HEADS BACK TO DC TO HANDLE “IMPORTANT MATTERS"THE MAN SUSPECTED OF SHOOTING 2 MINNESOTA LAWMAKERS IS IN CUSTODY AFTER SURRENDERING TO THE POLICE ... LARGEST MANHUNT IN THAT STATE'S HISTORY
On The A.M. Update, Aaron McIntire covers a volatile weekend. Israel's “Rising Lion” operation escalates into a third day of war with Iran, with Tel Aviv enduring hypersonic missile barrages and Israel striking Tehran's nuclear sites, military bases, and oil facilities, killing key figures like the IRGC's intelligence chief. Netanyahu tells Fox News Israel aims to prevent Iran from arming proxies like the Houthis with nuclear weapons, while Trump, on Truth Social, denies U.S. involvement but warns Iran of severe consequences if attacked, urging a peace deal. McIntire sees Israel's goal as regime change, noting Netanyahu's calls to Iranians to rise up. In Minnesota, tragedy strikes as Democratic state lawmakers are targeted in politically motivated shootings; Rep. Melissa Hortman and her husband are killed, while Sen. John Hoffman survives. The suspect, Vance Bolter, a bizarre figure with a varied past, allegedly impersonated a police officer. The “No Kings” protests, expected to spark riots, remain peaceful but draw “geriatric” crowds, with Randi Weingarten's flailing speech and a fear-mongering grandma highlighting media-driven hysteria. A Los Angeles chopper reporter's drunken rant about his divorce during a protest broadcast epitomizes California chaos. Senate Majority Leader John Thune endorses the “Big Beautiful Bill,” promising historic spending cuts. Reports of Trump pausing ICE raids on certain industries spark fears of a “generational sellout” among supporters. A Politico correction reveals journalistic incompetence, and a New York Times story about a woman's AI chatbot obsession leading to domestic violence raises alarms about AI's dangers. McIntire critiques partiality toward Israel, arguing Iran's nuclear ambitions justify action, and links Middle East destabilization to Western adventurism and Iran's terrorism sponsorship. Israel Iran war, Rising Lion, Tel Aviv missile strikes, Tehran attacks, Netanyahu, Trump peace deal, Minnesota shootings, Melissa Hortman, Vance Bolter, No Kings protests, Randi Weingarten, Big Beautiful Bill, John Thune, Trump ICE raids, Politico correction, AI chatbot dangers, Tucker Carlson, Candace Owens, Iran regime change, Middle East destabilization, Western adventurism, Islamists
Two explosive broadcasts unravel a tangled web of intelligence failures, assassination attempts, and global proxy warfare. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu stuns Fox News by alleging Iran tried to assassinate Donald Trump twice—contradicting U.S. intelligence officials and raising questions about who truly controls America's security apparatus. As Bret Baier, Dan Bongino, and CIA veteran Dan Hoffman weigh in, the deep state's opacity and missing documents deepen the mystery. Meanwhile, Iran's proxy war escalates—from targeting U.S. naval vessels via the Houthis to embedding itself within domestic unrest. These segments expose what some call a covert alliance between the Democrat Party and Iran, built on cash, denial, and unchecked geopolitical ambition.
Two explosive transcripts reveal a rapidly escalating conflict involving Israel, Iran, and the United States. First, it's uncovered that Israel's Mossad constructed a covert drone base inside Iran, used to launch strikes against Iranian ballistic missile infrastructure. Then, Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu claims Iran has attempted to assassinate former President Trump—twice—framing Iran as both a nuclear threat and a strategic ally of the U.S. Democrat Party. With enriched uranium stockpiles, proxy militias like the Houthis and Hezbollah, and even China aiding in regional attacks, the situation points to a dangerous convergence of global adversaries and a deeply divided American foreign policy.
Tara and Lee kick off the show with personal stories from a memorable Father's Day weekend before diving into a seismic geopolitical shift in the Middle East. They unpack Israel's bold military operations inside Iran to disrupt its nuclear ambitions, the strategic disinformation campaign involving Trump and Netanyahu, and the broader implications of Iranian-backed attacks by the Houthis in the Red Sea. With rumors of regime destabilization in Iran and the possible involvement of U.S. bunker-busting bombers, Tara and Lee explore whether this signals a turning point in American and Israeli policy toward Iran—and what it means for global security.
As Israel and Iran trade missile strikes, we examine how a surprise attack aimed at Iran's nuclear program has escalated into a dangerous conflict with hundreds dead. With oil prices surging and world leaders scrambling to prevent a broader regional war, we break down what triggered this crisis... and what it means for global stability. And in headlines today The prosecution has delivered part of their closing address in the trial against alleged mushroom killer Erin Patterson accusing Patterson of lying about feeding her children the tainted beef wellington leftovers; The G7 summit is underway in Canada, all the world leaders including US President Donald Trump calling for an end to the conflict between Israel and Iran; A juror has been dismissed from Sean 'Diddy' Combs sex trafficking trial; More concerns for Justin Bieber after an online rant saying he knows he's broken and has anger issues stemming from trauma THE END BITSSupport independent women's media Check out The Quicky Instagram here Mamamia studios are styled with furniture from Fenton and Fenton visit www.fentonandfenton.com.au GET IN TOUCHShare your story, feedback, or dilemma! Send us a voice note or email us at thequicky@mamamia.com.au CREDITS Hosts: Taylah Strano & Claire Murphy Guest: Dr Jessica Genauer, Senior Lecturer in International Relations at Flinders University Audio Producer: Lu Hill Become a Mamamia subscriber: https://www.mamamia.com.au/subscribeSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
FAN MAIL--We would love YOUR feedback--Send us a Text MessageThe drumbeat of conflict reverberating through the Middle East has drawn global attention, but behind the headlines lies a methodical strategy that deserves deeper understanding. Following the catastrophic events of October 7th, 2023—Israel's own 9/11—we've witnessed the systematic dismantling of Iran's proxy network throughout the region.This episode examines Israel's calculated response to Hamas and other Iran-backed groups, tracing how Israeli forces have degraded Hamas's military capabilities, decimated Hezbollah's leadership, curtailed Iraqi and Syrian militias, and contained Houthi threats from Yemen. We explore how this campaign has now reached Iran itself, with Israel targeting military infrastructure to prevent nuclear capabilities while facing reprisals against civilian areas. The contrast between these approaches speaks volumes about the conflict's moral dimensions.What does it mean that only two theocracies in the world—Iran and Yemen—are actively exporting religious violence? How might Israel's campaign against Iran's military effectiveness create conditions for expanded peace in the region? As we witness history unfold, understanding these dynamics helps us grasp not just the headlines, but the profound shifts reshaping the Middle East's future. our book of the day is "Sledgehammer" by David FriedmannKey Points from the Episode:• The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia unexpectedly endorsed President Trump's Middle East peace plan, alongside many other nations• Turkey was historically cooperative with Israel until President Erdogan's leadership beginning in 2003• Iran has been exporting hate and violence in the region for nearly 50 years through proxies like Hezbollah and Hamas• Since October 7th, 2023, Israel has systematically degraded Hamas, weakened Hezbollah, and curtailed Iraqi and Syrian militias• Israel is now directly confronting Iran's military capabilities, particularly its nuclear program• Of all world theocracies, only Iran and Yemen are actively exporting violence through physical means• The 2020 Abraham Accords created unprecedented peace agreements between Israel and UAE, Bahrain, Sudan and Morocco• These agreements achieved peace without requiring Israel to make territorial concessionsOther resources: Israel's Sept 11thLM#38--Israel's 9-11, part 1LM#39--Israel's 9-11, part 2--Don't look awayLM#54--Black Saturday, October 7th -- One Year LaterWant to leave a review? Click here, and if we earned a five-star review from you **high five and knuckle bumps**, we appreciate it greatly, thank you so much!
THREE YEARS AGO, THE FUTURE PERIL IS TODAY: 3/4: The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy Hardcover – by Brandon J. Weichert (Author) There has been an ongoing shadow war between the West and Iran, one that could explode and plunge the world into a third world war. The Biden Administration's move to make peace at any cost with the mad mullahs of Iran may be the very spark for a regional war that turns into a global conflict, the likes of which not seen since the 1940s. As the Biden Administration pines for a return to the ill-fated Iran nuclear deal, Tehran makes ready to consolidate its growing power in the Middle East at America's expense. For the last decade, Iran has consistently expanded its own reach and influence across the region—all while judiciously building up its military capabilities. As America looks for a way out of the Middle East and a return to the Obama-era nuclear agreement, Iran enhances the ability of its terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen, to threaten the security of Israel and to destabilize the Saudi regime. Each time the Biden Administration signals its willingness to negotiate with Iran, Iran gets more aggressive. In the words of one Saudi official, Iran is a "paper tiger with steel claws." These steel claws have extended to encompass the whole region, and they include Iran's growing arsenal of complex drones, precision-guided munitions, EMP weapons, and their nuclear weapons arsenal. Thankfully, there is a path forward for the United States and the solution can be found in the policies outlined by the previous Trump Administration; in the form of the Abraham Accords and daring "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. But time is not on America's side. Should President Biden continue down the destructive, illusory path to "peace" with Iran, he will not only have abandoned America's long-standing allies, but he will have also helped to trigger the very conflict he seeks to avoid. After all, as Ronald Reagan once quipped, world wars do not start "because America is too strong." They start because the United States is deemed too weak by its rivals. In The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy, author Brandon Weichert explores how the next world war is unfolding right before our eyes and explains how the American government can avoid it while maintaining its position of strength and support for its allies. AUGUST 1942
THREE YEARS AGO, THE FUTURE PERIL IS TODAY: 1/4: THe Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy Hardcover – by Brandon J. Weichert (Author) There has been an ongoing shadow war between the West and Iran, one that could explode and plunge the world into a third world war. The Biden Administration's move to make peace at any cost with the mad mullahs of Iran may be the very spark for a regional war that turns into a global conflict, the likes of which not seen since the 1940s. As the Biden Administration pines for a return to the ill-fated Iran nuclear deal, Tehran makes ready to consolidate its growing power in the Middle East at America's expense. For the last decade, Iran has consistently expanded its own reach and influence across the region—all while judiciously building up its military capabilities. As America looks for a way out of the Middle East and a return to the Obama-era nuclear agreement, Iran enhances the ability of its terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen, to threaten the security of Israel and to destabilize the Saudi regime. Each time the Biden Administration signals its willingness to negotiate with Iran, Iran gets more aggressive. In the words of one Saudi official, Iran is a "paper tiger with steel claws." These steel claws have extended to encompass the whole region, and they include Iran's growing arsenal of complex drones, precision-guided munitions, EMP weapons, and their nuclear weapons arsenal. Thankfully, there is a path forward for the United States and the solution can be found in the policies outlined by the previous Trump Administration; in the form of the Abraham Accords and daring "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. But time is not on America's side. Should President Biden continue down the destructive, illusory path to "peace" with Iran, he will not only have abandoned America's long-standing allies, but he will have also helped to trigger the very conflict he seeks to avoid. After all, as Ronald Reagan once quipped, world wars do not start "because America is too strong." They start because the United States is deemed too weak by its rivals. In The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy, author Brandon Weichert explores how the next world war is unfolding right before our eyes and explains how the American government can avoid it while maintaining its position of strength and support for its allies.
THREE YEARS AGO, THE FUTURE PERIL IS TODAY: 4/4: The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy Hardcover – by Brandon J. Weichert (Author) There has been an ongoing shadow war between the West and Iran, one that could explode and plunge the world into a third world war. The Biden Administration's move to make peace at any cost with the mad mullahs of Iran may be the very spark for a regional war that turns into a global conflict, the likes of which not seen since the 1940s. As the Biden Administration pines for a return to the ill-fated Iran nuclear deal, Tehran makes ready to consolidate its growing power in the Middle East at America's expense. For the last decade, Iran has consistently expanded its own reach and influence across the region—all while judiciously building up its military capabilities. As America looks for a way out of the Middle East and a return to the Obama-era nuclear agreement, Iran enhances the ability of its terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen, to threaten the security of Israel and to destabilize the Saudi regime. Each time the Biden Administration signals its willingness to negotiate with Iran, Iran gets more aggressive. In the words of one Saudi official, Iran is a "paper tiger with steel claws." These steel claws have extended to encompass the whole region, and they include Iran's growing arsenal of complex drones, precision-guided munitions, EMP weapons, and their nuclear weapons arsenal. Thankfully, there is a path forward for the United States and the solution can be found in the policies outlined by the previous Trump Administration; in the form of the Abraham Accords and daring "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. But time is not on America's side. Should President Biden continue down the destructive, illusory path to "peace" with Iran, he will not only have abandoned America's long-standing allies, but he will have also helped to trigger the very conflict he seeks to avoid. After all, as Ronald Reagan once quipped, world wars do not start "because America is too strong." They start because the United States is deemed too weak by its rivals. In The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy, author Brandon Weichert explores how the next world war is unfolding right before our eyes and explains how the American government can avoid it while maintaining its position of strength and support for its allies. 1953
THREE YEARS AGO, THE FUTURE PERIL IS TODAY: 2/4: The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy Hardcover – by Brandon J. Weichert (Author) There has been an ongoing shadow war between the West and Iran, one that could explode and plunge the world into a third world war. The Biden Administration's move to make peace at any cost with the mad mullahs of Iran may be the very spark for a regional war that turns into a global conflict, the likes of which not seen since the 1940s. As the Biden Administration pines for a return to the ill-fated Iran nuclear deal, Tehran makes ready to consolidate its growing power in the Middle East at America's expense. For the last decade, Iran has consistently expanded its own reach and influence across the region—all while judiciously building up its military capabilities. As America looks for a way out of the Middle East and a return to the Obama-era nuclear agreement, Iran enhances the ability of its terrorist proxies, like Hezbollah in Lebanon or the Houthis in Yemen, to threaten the security of Israel and to destabilize the Saudi regime. Each time the Biden Administration signals its willingness to negotiate with Iran, Iran gets more aggressive. In the words of one Saudi official, Iran is a "paper tiger with steel claws." These steel claws have extended to encompass the whole region, and they include Iran's growing arsenal of complex drones, precision-guided munitions, EMP weapons, and their nuclear weapons arsenal. Thankfully, there is a path forward for the United States and the solution can be found in the policies outlined by the previous Trump Administration; in the form of the Abraham Accords and daring "maximum pressure" campaign against Iran. But time is not on America's side. Should President Biden continue down the destructive, illusory path to "peace" with Iran, he will not only have abandoned America's long-standing allies, but he will have also helped to trigger the very conflict he seeks to avoid. After all, as Ronald Reagan once quipped, world wars do not start "because America is too strong." They start because the United States is deemed too weak by its rivals. In The Shadow War: Iran's Quest for Supremacy, author Brandon Weichert explores how the next world war is unfolding right before our eyes and explains how the American government can avoid it while maintaining its position of strength and support for its allies. 1930
A weekend so profound in it's news that I am going to push this beyond the paywall. Let's start abroad… Israel-Iran Conflict Erupts with Fatal StrikesThe military confrontation between Israel and Iran intensified over the weekend, pushing the region toward a broader conflict. After Israel initiated Operation Rising Lion, Iranian ballistic missiles and drones pierced Israeli defenses, leading to 13 fatalities and hundreds of injuries. Iran, in turn, reported nearly 400 deaths, many of them civilians, following retaliatory strikes on its infrastructure and military assets.Israeli airstrikes included the bombing of energy depots in Tehran and targeted assaults on military aircraft. The Israeli government, under Prime Minister Netanyahu, emphasized that the current response was merely the beginning of a broader campaign intended to dismantle Iran's nuclear ambitions and proxy forces.Meanwhile, President Donald Trump denied American involvement but warned of U.S. retaliation should Iran target American interests. A backchannel veto of a potential Israeli strike on Supreme Leader Ayatollah Khamenei suggests complex coordination between the U.S. and Israel.Iran's capacity to fund regional proxies like Hezbollah, Hamas, and the Houthis has drastically diminished. This could signal a potential collapse of its foreign influence model. Mossad operations inside Iran, along with America's preemptive repositioning of military personnel, hinted at foreknowledge of the Israeli offensive. As the G7 summit approaches, international leaders are poised to make de-escalation a top priority.Political Assassination Rocks MinnesotaA horrifying attack in Minnesota has left two dead and two more wounded in what authorities are calling a politically motivated assassination. State Representative Melissa Hortman and her husband were killed, while State Senator John Hoffman and his wife were critically injured. The suspect, Vance Luther Boelter, remains at large.Boelter, 57, reportedly used a fake police vehicle and latex disguise to enter the homes of his victims. A manifesto and target list naming politicians and abortion providers were discovered, suggesting a premeditated campaign of terror. Boelter, with a background in security and missionary work, sent a farewell text to his roommate before the attacks and has since vanished.Authorities continue to investigate the full extent of Boelter's motivations, but his prior service on a Minnesota government workforce board and links to evangelical missions underscore the unpredictable nature of ideological radicalization. Political leaders have called for unity and condemned the violence as a tragic escalation of political extremism.No Kings Day Protests and D.C. Parade Are Mercifully DocilePresident Trump's 79th birthday coincided with massive "No Kings Day" protests, as hundreds of thousands across more than 2,000 cities demonstrated against what organizers describe as authoritarian governance. Backed by groups such as the ACLU and teachers unions, the protests, both domestic and international, were largely peaceful, although one protester in Salt Lake City was injured by a firearm discharged from within the crowd.In Washington, D.C., the U.S. Army's 250th anniversary parade presented a striking contrast. With more than 6,000 troops, historical reenactors, and military hardware on display, the event drew cheers and selfies rather than vitriol. Even MSNBC coverage noted the upbeat atmosphere, starkly different from the usual tension of Trump rallies.Despite criticism of the $45 million price tag and corporate sponsorships by firms like Northrop Grumman and Coinbase, the event appeared largely apolitical. Trump delivered a brief, focused speech and administered the enlistment oath to 250 new Army recruits, marking the occasion as a rare moment of bipartisan recognition for military service.Episode Chapters and Time Codes* Intro and Father's Day Reflections (00:00:00)* Israel-Iran Conflict Analysis (00:02:18)* Michael Leiter Interview on Israeli Defense (00:04:08)* Strategic Implications and U.S. Positioning (00:08:12)* Domestic Fallout and Trump's Dilemma (00:13:54)* Netanyahu's Political Calculations (00:18:02)* Minnesota Assassinations and National Impact (00:20:06)* Senator Klobuchar's Tribute (00:20:06)* Suspect Background and Manhunt Details (00:22:36)* Reflections on Political Violence (00:26:32)* No Kings Day Protests Recap (00:33:49)* Army Parade Overview and Public Response (00:35:28)* Final Thoughts on American Expression (00:44:01) This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.politicspoliticspolitics.com/subscribe
* Iran launches fresh barrage of retaliatory missiles on Israel * Israel kills 42 Palestinians, including aid seekers, in Gaza * Israel attempts to assassinate Houthi leader * Tens of thousands rally across US against Trump * Gunman shoots Minnesota lawmaker, wounds another in targeted attack
How did you sleep on Thursday night? When I first learned that Israel's war with Iran had begun in earnest, I, like so many of you, did not sleep much at all. Because of the 7-hour time difference between Boston and Israel, in the early hours of Friday morning I was able to reach Micah Goodman, our beloved teacher and friend who lives in Kfar Adumim, twenty minutes outside of Jerusalem. What Micah had to say was both inspiring and concerning at the same time.First the inspiring part. Micah shared that Israel's attack on June 13 exceeded its wildest dreams. As Micah put it, the start of the war was all of Israel's best military victories—the Six Day War, Entebbe, the destruction of Iraq's nuclear reactor in Osirak in 1981, the exploding pagers that crippled Hezbollah—all at once. Using intelligence, covert operations, Mossad agents on the ground in Iran and drone technology, Israel was able to eliminate Iran's leading generals and nuclear scientists in their homes, in their beds, in targeted attacks, in which Israel did not also kill their families. Why were Iran's leading generals and nuclear scientists at home, in the first place? Why weren't they in a bunker? Micah answers his own question by observing that we cannot prepare for something that has never before happened in history. What Israel accomplished on June 13 had never before been accomplished in the history of war, the kind of chutzpah, planning, skill and savvy that allowed these targeted assassinations. Add to that Israeli fighter jets that evaded Iranian air defenses, allowing Israel to attack more than 100 sites. Micah observed that Israel's morale is very high.But there is a but. Micah and his wife and their teen-age daughters, like so many Israeli families, spent their night in a bunker. Shul throughout Israel has been cancelled. Micah's public lectures for next week have been cancelled. All public events have been cancelled. Since the airport is closed, Israelis are worrying about food. Where will their food come from? Israel imports much of its food supply. He went to the grocery store on Friday morning, worried about whether his family will have enough food, and the store was jam-packed with nervous grocery shoppers, and the shelves were largely empty.So there is edge in Israel. Iran remains formidable. The Houthis remain formidable. There still is Hamas. There still is Hezbollah. While the beginning of the war could not have gone any better, where it will go next, nobody knows. There is what Micah calls “radical uncertainty” about what this war will mean for Israel's future and for the region.What do we do with this complex picture? How do we understand and respond to it? What does it mean to us? What does it ask from us?
Israel bombs Iran's nuclear sites, Ray proposes nukes-for-jobs diplomacy, and the Houthi rebels become UN tech support in Ray's fantasy global empire. Also: pirates in the desert, Dave & Busters for peace, and why Michelangelo's David might be hiding a corpse. Plus thoughts on plane crashes, diaper diplomacy, and the Dead Sea.
A potentially historic military operation is unfolding as CBS reports Israel is fully prepared to launch a strike on Iran. With uranium enrichment violations confirmed by the IAEA and fears of nuclear material reaching terror groups like Hamas and the Houthis, the U.S. has begun evacuating non-essential personnel from the Middle East. This explosive broadcast connects the dots between Iran's nuclear deceit, Chinese drone support, and weak U.S. deterrence, arguing that failure to act decisively could bring nuclear terrorism to American shores. As Israel takes the lead, questions loom: Will the U.S. support the mission? Can Iran be stopped before the world faces a nuclear nightmare?
Tensions between the U.S. and Iran reach a boiling point as Iran refuses to halt its uranium enrichment and reportedly violates multiple nuclear agreements. President Trump signals military preparations while Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth confirms evidence of Iran's nuclear weapon pursuits. This segment explores the growing threat of Iranian proxies like the Houthis, assassination plots against U.S. officials, and possible Israeli-led strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. With China's reported involvement and economic leverage over the U.S., the stakes couldn't be higher. Is military action inevitable—and what could that mean for the future of global stability?
The globalist resistance, pro-America, media has been completely exposed as nothing more than a new form of mockingbird press. The big patriot leaders are in unison calling for the end of “third world immigration” and even “non-white immigration,” becoming the very thing the left accused them of all along - while ignoring the fact that Asians, for example, commit little crime, use few drugs, and are some of the top earners and contributors to the country. All the hopes and dreams of “promises made, promises kept,” are evaporating in real time, with few able to further justify the increasingly obvious: the downfall of the Republic has been monetized and archetypically framed. With riots all across the country, fears of a black and white racial war have instead manifested as Mexican and American; the fear of outright civil war has manifested as a problem-reaction-solution of absolute information control and military martial law in the name of defending the country. Now the “No Kings” movement has nationwide protests planned for June 14th, 2025, the day of Saturn. Rather than arresting the organizers behind that, and the riots via the communist Indivisible, the AG has instead sued a coffee shop for antisemitism. The protests are meant to resist the massive military parade and presidential birthday parade in Washington on the same day. Don't like it? You will be met with “very big force,” says the President, if you don't like his “big parade.” BIG beautiful bill anyone? Not even Roman emperors held military parades for their birthdays, but they did hold them for victories in battle. So either the Trump camp is totally delusional, considering nationwide civil war as victory, or the display is meant to put the final nail in the Constitutional coffin. It all culminates with the US suddenly pulling all nonessential staff from embassies across the Middle East and putting the country on high alert the same week. The word is Iran is prepared to strike Israel's nuclear sites and Israel is fully poised to strike Iran (thus, the Houthis are warning of war too), and regardless of what the fake Donald-Benjamin feud suggests, the US will sacrifice its own citizens for the jewish state, which itself will, under the Samson Option, destroy the entire world if it doesn't get its way. Hence, the fake (maybe real) threat of Benjamin Netanyahu circulating the Internet: “if we do fall, many parts of the world will fall with us.” *The is the FREE archive, which includes advertisements. If you want an ad-free experience, you can subscribe below underneath the show description.-FREE ARCHIVE (w. ads)SUBSCRIPTION ARCHIVEX / TWITTER FACEBOOKYOUTUBEMAIN WEBSITECashApp: $rdgable Paypal email rdgable1991@gmail.comEMAIL: rdgable@yahoo.com / TSTRadio@protonmail.comBecome a supporter of this podcast: https://www.spreaker.com/podcast/the-secret-teachings--5328407/support.
In this episode of The President's Daily Brief: Germany's top intelligence chief warns that Russia may soon test NATO's resolve in the Baltics—potentially by deploying so-called “little green men.” A third Chinese national is now facing charges for smuggling biological materials into the U.S., raising concerns about an emerging pattern. The U.N.'s nuclear watchdog believes North Korea is building a new uranium-enrichment site, pointing to Kim Jong-un's plans to expand his nuclear arsenal. Back of the Brief: Israel's navy strikes the Houthi-controlled Yemeni port city of Hodeida—the first seaborne assault of the conflict. To listen to the show ad-free, become a premium member of The President's Daily Brief by visiting PDBPremium.com Please remember to subscribe if you enjoyed this episode of The President's Daily Brief. YouTube: youtube.com/@presidentsdailybrief StopBox: Get firearm security redesigned and save with BOGO the StopBox Pro AND 10% OFF @StopBoxUSA with code PDB at https://stopboxusa.com/PDB! #stopboxpod Birch Gold: Text PDB to 989898 and get your free info kit on gold True Classic: Upgrade your wardrobe and save on @trueclassic at https://trueclassic.com/PDB #trueclassicpod Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world. Military reporter Emanuel Fabian and political reporter Tal Schneider join host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer and Defense Minister Israel Katz agreed on Israel’s response to Hamas’s counter-offer to a US proposal for a hostage-ceasefire deal at their meeting yesterday, Army Radio reports. The response has been forwarded to mediators, the report says. Officials are now awaiting the terror group’s response, but in the meantime, fighting continues on the ground in Gaza. Fabian fills us in. In a first, Israeli Navy missile boats on Tuesday morning launched strikes against infrastructure at the Houthi-controlled port of Hodeida in western Yemen. Fabian explains the pros and cons of using the naval forces instead of the air force for similar future attacks. The UK, Canada, Australia, New Zealand and Norway said Tuesday that they would freeze assets and bar the entry of National Security Minister Itamar Ben Gvir and Finance Minister Bezalel Smotrich for having “incited extremist violence” against Palestinians in the West Bank. Schneider weighs in on all the various diplomatic efforts on the table designed to pressure Israel to stop the Gaza war, including the upcoming conference in New York co-sponsored by France and Saudi Arabia on the topic of the two-state solution. Leaders of opposition parties decided this morning to submit a private bill to dissolve the Knesset, starting the process of four votes that may -- or may not -- lead to new elections. Schneider dives into the thorny topic and explains the forces pulling strings behind the scenes. Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates. For further reading: Palestinians say 20 killed near aid site; IDF says troops fired at Gazans who posed threat Israeli Navy carries out Yemen strikes for 1st time, targeting Houthi port IDF shoots down Yemen missile; multiple interceptors launched as it breaks up UK, Canada and 3 other nations sanction Ben Gvir and Smotrich over settler violence Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. This episode was produced by the Pod-Waves and video edited by Thomas Girsch. IMAGE: Illustrative: An LRAD missile is launched from the Sa’ar 6-class corvette INS Magen during a test in November 2022. (Israel Defense Forces)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Josh Hammer recounts his harrowing experience seeking shelter in Israel from a Houthi-fired ballistic missile with his wife and daughter. Josh also weighs in on the Los Angeles riot debate back home in the U.S.See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.
On Friday's Mark Levin Show, Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a so-called ‘Maryland dad' was sent to an El Salvador prison and brought back to the U.S. today by AG Pam Bondi to face criminal charges. Despite evidence of his crimes, including human trafficking and domestic violence, Democrats, media, and some judges defended him, claiming Trump acted dictatorially and that Garcia lacked due process. They lied; he got due process with an immigration judge and an immigration board. Senators Chris Van Hollen and his Democrats still publicly supported him. How will we ever get this country under control given that the Democrat Party hates America? Rep Jamie Raskin argues that even under the Alien Enemies Act, due process is necessary, referencing a D.C. Circuit judge who noted that Nazi saboteurs in the U.S. during World War II received due process hearings as a historical precedent for legal fairness. This is the example that Raskin uses? The Nazis had a trial and were executed in less than 3 months. Also, the FBI and DHS are highlighting threats to Jewish and Israeli communities. It's interesting all the violence goes one way. You don't see Jews trying to kill Palestinians. This is what open borders and the Democrat party gets you. Afterward, there's a hit piece out on the Director of the White House Presidential Personnel Office Sergio Gor. The piece claims that Gor influenced Trump to withdraw Jared Isaacman's nomination as NASA administrator, allegedly to target Elon Musk, who recommended Isaacman. However, the withdrawal stemmed from Isaacman's donations to Democrats, including $100,000 to a Schumer-aligned PAC, $50,000 to Josh Shapiro's campaign, and other Democratic contributions, with no support for Trump until after the election. This background made Isaacman unsuitable for a key role in a Republican administration. Later, Iran reportedly ordered thousands of tons of ballistic missile components from China, potentially enabling the production of around 800 missiles. Iran is stalling nuclear negotiations with the U.S. while bolstering its missile capabilities and supplying groups like the Houthis in Yemen. These actions, supported by China, are efforts to undermine Israel and Western interests. Finally, Mark honors the 81st anniversary of D-Day. If we had lost on D-Day we would have lost WW2. The casualties were enormous, yet these brave young men put their lives on the line, many knowing they would die. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu confirms an allegation by lawmaker Avigdor Liberman that Israel is arming criminal groups in Gaza. Also, wildcard athlete Lois Boisson competes with top-ranked tennis players at the French Open in Paris. And, a look at how the Houthis in Yemen kept the US navy under constant pressure. Plus, a new project that documents seagulls devouring whatever they can find.Listen to today's Music Heard on Air. Learn about your ad choices: dovetail.prx.org/ad-choices
A Father's Mission: Honoring the Legacy of Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram In this deeply moving episode, Marcus and Melanie sit down with Chet Ingram, the father of Navy SEAL Nathan Gage Ingram, who was lost at sea in January 2024 during a mission off the coast of Somalia. Alongside fellow SEAL Christopher J. Chambers, Gage perished while attempting to board a vessel suspected of smuggling Iranian weapons bound for the Houthi rebels. The mission turned tragic when Chambers was swept overboard, and Gage, in a heroic act of brotherhood, dove in after him — both were lost to the ocean's current. Chet, and Gage's best friend Ryan, reflect on Gage's remarkable journey from Roanoke, Virginia, to the elite ranks of SEAL Team Three. He shares how his son's determination and selfless character defined every part of his life, including his final moments. Chet also opens up about the heartbreak of losing a son, the holes left behind, and the hope he's now pursuing through the Nathan Gage Ingram Foundation — a mission to support military families in their own times of need. We also discuss the Navy's investigation into the incident, which pointed to preventable failures, and how Chet has chosen to turn pain into purpose, even participating in a memorial paddle just miles from where his son is honored in San Diego. From personal grief to public service, from private tears to lasting legacy — this conversation is a powerful tribute to a son, a hero, and a father's unwavering love. In This Episode You Will Hear: • American Airlines pilots, called “100 Vets Who Give a Damn” are retired pilots. They give me opportunity to speak, and make a little money for the foundation. (3:21) • I'm that dad that when the kids are 4 years old and they're looking for a soccer coach, I volunteered. (16:47) • I teach biomechanics and fast pitch softball. (16:55) • He [Gage] had a lot of heart, played football - still the smallest guy in the world, but as a cornerback, he'd fight you for that ball. (18:05) • He [Gage] was watching this movie one night. Afterwards, he decided to go for a 4-mile run in the ice. He came back and said “Dad, I'm gonna be a Navy SEAL. (21:50) • Financially all I ever asked God for was to be comfortable. Never more than I deserved. (28:17) • Gage and I did the 100k – (6.23 miles) and we did it in just under 4 hours. (42:40) • Gage loved the kiddos and the puppies. (53:49) • In an attempt to board the Dhow, going up that unstable ladder, and with the proximity of the boat, it jumped the rail. Chris attempted it and didn't make good contact and fell 9 feet. (59:14) • The biggest reward was that between his graduation and boot camp, I asked him to accept Jesus, and he did. (60:20) • I can't change the past, but how can I help change the future, based on my experience. (62:27) • As far as we know those boys are still kickin' water. He's still sittin' in a bar drunk, just waiting for people to come. (62:43) • [Marcus] We have to have a bar under the sea. (62:47) • I tell people, he can walk in that door any minute. You don't know, man. (66:17) • That's what happened that day. They knocked on the door, and we're till living that nightmare. (70:26) • There are guys getting out now that are able to talk to me about certain things. The incredible impression that Gage made on them. (81:28) • I want to represent Gage in the highest way possible. (81:47) • I want the foundation to represent what he would've been, what I knew him to be, how he was raised to be, and being validated by stories that are coming back from other people. I think I'm on the right path to basically be a damn good human. (82:11) • I feel like I'm walking uphill backwards. But at least I'm moving forward. (83:16) • There aren't big problems; it's how you choose to approach them (87:57) • Think across the horizon. (88:11) • I can't offer medical therapy, but I ain't seen anybody with an issue having a problem when their having fun. (90:35) • Gage's retreat – Adventure Therapy Program - is what is what it's titled. (90:51) • People always remember him laughing. He never thought he was better than anybody else. He always treated people with love and respect. (107:53) Support Chet and Nathan Ingram www.nathangageingram.org Support TNQ - IG: team_neverquit , marcusluttrell , melanieluttrell , huntero13 - https://www.patreon.com/teamneverquit Sponsors: - cargurus.com/TNQ - armslist.com/TNQ - partnersinbuilding.com - Navyfederal.org - - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com - WARFARE IN THEATERS APRIL 11th Watch Trailer here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JER0Fkyy3tw First Look Link: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3DWuqiAUKg&t=3s - - PXGapparel.com/TNQ - bruntworkwear.com/TNQ - Selectquote.com/TNQ - Groundnews.com/TNQ - You can find Cremo's new line of antiperspirants and deodorants at Target or Target.com - shipsticks.com/TNQ - Robinhood.com/gold - strawberry.me/TNQ - stopboxusa.com {TNQ} - ghostbed.com/TNQ [TNQ] - kalshi.com/TNQ - joinbilt.com/TNQ - Tonal.com [TNQ] - greenlight.com/TNQ - PDSDebt.com/TNQ - drinkAG1.com/TNQ - Shadyrays.com [TNQ] - qualialife.com/TNQ [TNQ] - Hims.com/TNQ - Shopify.com/TNQ - Aura.com/TNQ - Policygenius.com - TAKELEAN.com [TNQ] - usejoymode.com [TNQ]