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Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, returns to School of War to discuss the newly released memorandum of understanding between the United States and Iran. What does the deal actually say? What are its biggest strategic implications? And is it comparable to the JCPOA—or something worse? 01:19 - Paragraph 1: Lebanon and Hezbollah 09:45 - Paragraphs 2–3: Sovereignty and the 60-day clock 11:24 - Paragraph 4: Lifting the blockade 16:37 - Paragraph 5: The Strait of Hormuz 23:48 - Paragraph 6: A $300 billion reconstruction fund 33:49 - Paragraph 7: Ending all sanctions 35:43 - Paragraph 8: Nuclear weapons and enrichment 39:12 - Paragraph 9: Maintaining the status quo 40:44 - Paragraph 10: Oil waivers and sanctions relief 43:48 - Paragraph 11: Releasing frozen funds 46:56 - Paragraph 12: Monitoring compliance 47:52 - Paragraph 13: Negotiating the final deal 50:59 - Paragraph 14: A UN Security Council resolution 51:13 - Squandering battlefield leverage Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more at The Free Press. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Show recorded June 8, 2026: In this episode, Mike and Laureen examine the controversy surrounding Ye/Kanye West's upcoming sold-out concerts at Raymond James Stadium and ask whether his past antisemitic rhetoric should prompt calls for cancellation. They discuss whether West's public apology is sufficient to address years of hate speech and the impact his comments have had on the Jewish community and beyond. The conversation then shifts to the Middle East, featuring commentary from Fox News' Jon Scott and Trey Yingst, reporting from Israel on Iran's recent missile attacks and the ongoing security challenges facing the region. The episode also includes analysis from the Foundation for Defense of Democracies' Mark Dubowitz and Richard Goldberg, who provide insight into Iran's strategy, regional tensions and the status of the Iran-Israel ceasefire. Additional updates cover developments in the Gaza Strip, the humanitarian and military situation on the ground and what recent events could mean for the future of stability in the region. Throughout the episode, the hosts explore themes of accountability, security and the consequences of words and actions on both a personal and international scale. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing The Third Opinion Podcast.
Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ Did the Iran war solve the problem, postpone it or make it worse? That fundamental debate has emerged over the outcome of the war with Iran. The campaigns degraded Iran's military infrastructure, but it also ended with a new, possibly more dangerous Supreme Leader in power, Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear capability largely intact. Dan is joined by former Israeli Military Intelligence chief Tamir Hayman and FDD CEO Mark Dubowitz to discuss whether the war was a strategic success, a missed opportunity, or an unfinished chapter in a conflict that is far from over. Listen to Mark's podcast, The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz. In this episode: 04:51 - What is the most likely outcome of the U.S.-Iran negotiations? 08:00 - What were the tactical achievements of the US and Israeli attacks? 10:03 - Was the war strategically worth it? 19:42 - Can and will Trump still finish the job? 24:44 - Was the plan to have Kurds help topple the Iranian regime credible? 32:30 - Was Ahmadinejad a realistic replacement candidate? 35:42 - How formidable a foe is Mojtaba Khamenei? 41:48 - Is Iran more dangerous today than before the war? More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
Did the Iran war solve the problem, postpone it or make it worse? That fundamental debate has emerged over the outcome of the war with Iran. The campaigns degraded Iran's military infrastructure, but it also ended with a new, possibly more dangerous Supreme Leader in power, Iran controlling the Strait of Hormuz, and Iran's nuclear […]
Show recorded on May 26, 2026: Mike and Laureen continue examining the fast-moving and fluid developments unfolding in the war with Iran. The hosts discuss the newly announced memorandum of understanding (MOU), focusing on the uncertainty surrounding what the agreement actually includes and what its broader implications may be. The episode also highlights podcaster Dan Senor's conversation with Israeli journalist Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, as they unpack the details of the MOU and explore what could happen next. The hosts examine remarks from Jim Himes, a member of Congress's bipartisan "Gang of Eight," which by law receives classified briefings from the administration, Pentagon and CIA regarding the status of the war. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the public relations and social media challenges the Jewish community may face in the months ahead. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to The Third Opinion Podcast!
Subscribe to Inside Call me Back. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ If Trump signs an interim deal with Iran, what leverage is left to dismantle Iran's nuclear program? As reports swirl around a possible U.S.-Iran agreement, Dan sits down with Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to sort through what's actually on the table — and what could unravel next. The conversation centers around the core dilemmas facing Washington, Jerusalem, and the Gulf: whether this moment represents strategic containment of Iran or the beginning of a slow retreat from the leverage created by the war. They debate the risks of a “Hormuz for Hormuz” deal, the future of Iran's nuclear stockpile, the limits of economic pressure, and whether the military gains can survive a prolonged diplomatic pause. Hovering over the entire conversation is a deeper question: after months of escalation, what would victory look like now? In this episode: - What's Actually in the Emerging U.S.-Iran Deal - The “Hormuz for Hormuz” Tradeoff - Iran's Uranium Stockpile - Could Trump Sustain Military and Economic Pressure? - The Gulf States' Interests - Hezbollah, Lebanon, and the Axis of Resistance - What Israelis Think of The Deal - Will This Be Remembered as a Turning Point — or the Moment the West Blinked? More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
If Trump signs an interim deal with Iran, what leverage is left to dismantle Iran's nuclear program? As reports swirl around a possible U.S.-Iran agreement, Dan sits down with Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to sort through what's actually on the table — and what could unravel next. The conversation centers around the core dilemmas […]
JB White records this one at night for the first time ever, and somehow delivers one of his more loaded episodes. He walks through two sharp posts on Trump's China visit: Rob Cunningham's framing of the industry CEO delegation as a negotiation over the global financial operating system, and AJ Inapi's systematic breakdown of every pillar of Chinese global leverage that the Trump administration has already dismantled. JB then reads Mark Dubowitz's staggering 13-point summary of what has been done to Iran since the conflict began: nuclear program in ruins, missile production near zero, regime decapitated, proxy network shattered, economy in freefall. He also covers Tennessee Democrats stripped of committee assignments after setting fires in the statehouse, Gene Robinson's blunt truth about Democratic plantation politics and black independent thought, and teases the full Bitcoin Wizard Petro Bitcoin walkthrough for Friday.
Hugh discusses the conflict with Iran, the Senate reconciliation bill, and talks with Mary Katharine Ham, Noah Rothman of National Review, Washington Examiner's Sarah Bedford, Jonathan Williams of ALEC, Mark Dubowitz from FDD, Alex Gray of American Global Strategies, former Senator Jim Talent, and Sarah Isgur, author of "Last Branch Standing."See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Subscribe to Inside Call me Back to listen to our 4-part series with Ronen Bergman. ____ Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ According to a recent CBS / YouGov poll, 41% of Americans think that the war with Iran is going well, while 59% believe it is going badly. Can a war be won when the country fighting it doesn't agree on whether it's going well? As the U.S. moves to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following failed negotiations, the debate is no longer just about battlefield gains, it's about strategy, legitimacy, and what success really means. Dan Senor brings together former U.S. Ambassador to Israel Dan Shapiro and FDD CEO Mark Dubowitz for a good-faith debate on where the war stands and where it should go next. From military progress to political will, and from alliance dynamics to endgame scenarios, this conversation unpacks the fault lines shaping the American debate. In this episode: Where do things stand after the failed U.S–Iran talks and the Hormuz blockade? How Dan and Mark define whether the war is “going well” What the U.S. and Israel have actually achieved militarily Can the war be won if the Iranian regime remains intact What economic, political, and human costs should Americans expect from this war? How is the war affecting U.S. alliances and global standing? Is the best path forward to escalate, contain, or shift strategy? What happens if the war ends before achieving its core objectives? This episode was sponsored by United Hatzalah. Donate today at IsraelRescue.org/CallMeBack. Add this number to your phone right now if you live in Israel – 1221, and for those visiting it's 972-2-5-383838. Listen to Mark's podcast The Iran Breakdown. More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
According to a recent CBS / YouGov poll, 41% of Americans think that the war with Iran is going well, while 59% believe it is going badly. Can a war be won when the country fighting it doesn't agree on whether it's going well? As the U.S. moves to blockade the Strait of Hormuz following […]
Did Iran blink, or did the U.S. pull back too soon? At the 11th hour, the U.S. and Iran agreed to a two-week ceasefire, stepping back from a major escalation. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is set to resume under the ceasefire—but the core issues driving the war remain unresolved. Dan is joined by […]
Mark Dubowitz, chief executive of FDD, joins Aaron to discuss the ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran. What are the fears surrounding the talks? Where are the two sides close on the proposed ceasefire, and where are they miles apart? What should we look for to indicate how the talks are going? Looming over everything is the question of whether the negotiating table can, at times, be more dangerous than the battlefield. Times: 02:03 Nature of the ceasefire 04:22 Do we have the upper hand? 08:04 Trump vs. Iranian trap 09:31 Iran's fragile position 11:49 Broader American strategy 14:59 Negotiation demands 18:57 Lebanon factor 22:48 Who is Mohammad-Bagher Ghalibaf? 27:45 J.D. Vance's analogy 30:44 Strait of Hormuz 33:03 Recession fears 36:29 Hormuz circumvention 38:05 Battle for Hormuz 39:00 Global chokepoint lessons Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack
As a two-week ceasefire between the U.S. and Iran begins, Brian explores whether the deal is a masterstroke or a "fragile" mistake. With insights from Martha MacCallum and former CIA chief Dan Hoffman, we break down the 10-point proposal and the reality of ongoing drone attacks in the Gulf. Plus, NASA's Derrol Nail joins to discuss the historic Artemis II moonshot. [00:00:00] David Bellavia [00:18:26] Dan Hoffman [00:45:55] Derrol Nail [00:55:13] Mark Dubowitz [01:13:37] Khosro Isfahani [01:27:08] Martha MacCallum Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Subscribe to Ark News Daily ____ Subscribe to Inside Call me Back to listen to our 3-part series with Ronen Bergman. ____ Did Iran blink, or did the U.S. pull back too soon? At the 11th hour, the U.S. and Iran agree to a two-week ceasefire, stepping back from a major escalation. Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz is set to resume under the ceasefire—but the core issues driving the war remain unresolved. Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to break down what was actually agreed to, why Israel's security establishment is uneasy, and whether this pause reflects strategic success—or a missed opportunity. Is this a real off-ramp…or just a temporary pause before the next phase? In this episode: - A Ceasefire at the Brink: What Was Actually Agreed - The Strait of Hormuz Reopens—but Under Whose Terms? - The Missing Pieces: Nuclear Program and Missiles Still Unresolved - Israel's Alarm: Why the Security Establishment Is Worried - Did Iran Blink—or Gain Leverage? - Trump's Red Lines: What Must a Final Deal Include? - Political Risks: Israel, the U.S., and the Blame Game - Endgames: Diplomacy, Regime Pressure, or Renewed War This episode was sponsored by the Jewish Communal Fund. Learn more about JCF's donor advised funds at jcfny.org. Listen to Mark's podcast The Iran Breakdown. More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Yuval Semo
On today’s episode of The Scott Jennings Show, Scott broadcasts live from Washington, D.C., breaking down a fragile two-week ceasefire in Iran and what it means for Operation Epic Fury, alongside analysis from Mark Dubowitz and Josh Kraushaar on whether it can hold and how the region is reacting. He also dives into the 2026 midterm battle with Alex Latcham’s $350 million strategy to defend the Senate, and covers a shocking immigration-related crime case in Kentucky with reporter Jennie Taer. In Hour 2, Scott examines a major investigation into $180 billion in fraud in California with Ryan Thorpe, discusses the ongoing DHS shutdown and ActBlue concerns with Congressman Jim Jordan, and wraps with a look at the broader political and economic landscape shaping the road ahead. Call Lear Capital at 800-880-2424 or visit https://LearScott.com https://www.balanceofnature.com See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Is the U.S. winning the war with Iran? Even though President Trump claims success, it doesn't quite feel like it — oil and gas prices are high, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, and the Iranian regime is still in place. Mark Dubowitz, the chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a prominent Iran hawk, explains why “total victory” is within reach in spite of the cost. I pressed him on the gap between Trump's desire for a quick deal and his desire to end the Islamic Republic. 00:00 - Intro 00:03:49 - Is Iran biding its time until Trump leaves office? 00:07:07 - Three phases to regime change 00:09:42 - Iran's military capabilities and the Strait of Hormuz 00:14:54 - How will the next American president treat Iran? 00:18:48 - The battle for the Strait of Hormuz 00:23:27 - Will Iran attack its neighbors? 00:28:43 - Will Trump cut a deal? 00:38:19 - Does Israel think Trump is its best chance? 00:43:04 - Risk of U.S. alienation from Israel 00:48:01 - The cost of inaction and the Iranian people Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify. You can also subscribe via your favorite podcast app here https://www.nytimes.com/activate-access/audio?source=podcatcher. For more podcasts and narrated articles, download The New York Times app at nytimes.com/app. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
For more than two decades at FDD, Foreign Podicy host Cliff May and Mark Dubowitz have tracked the evolution of America's enemies—from al Qaeda to the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism in Tehran. Long before many grasped the threat, Mark focused on the Islamic Republic's ideological war, its open commitment to jihad against the “Great Satan” and “Little Satan,” and a decades-long campaign too often misunderstood. On the one-year anniversary of Mark's FDD podcast, The Iran Breakdown, Cliff sits down with him to unpack what too many still miss: what the regime believes, how it wages war, and why it matters now more than ever.
For more than two decades at FDD, Foreign Podicy host Cliff May and Mark Dubowitz have tracked the evolution of America's enemies—from al Qaeda to the world's leading state sponsor of terrorism in Tehran. Long before many grasped the threat, Mark focused on the Islamic Republic's ideological war, its open commitment to jihad against the “Great Satan” and “Little Satan,” and a decades-long campaign too often misunderstood. On the one-year anniversary of Mark's FDD podcast, The Iran Breakdown, Cliff sits down with him to unpack what too many still miss: what the regime believes, how it wages war, and why it matters now more than ever.
Subscribe here to Inside Call me Back ------- Please take 5 minutes to fill out Ark Media's LISTENER SURVEY ____ Was America dragged into the Iran war by Israel, as some commentators seem to suggest? An out-of-context statement by State Secretary Marco Rubio seems to give credence to the conspiratorial accusation that America is fighting Israel's war in Iran. Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to discuss the truth behind these claims, the delicate politics behind the decision to launch the war, and how it all plays out in American public discourse. They also cover the possible succession of Iran's Supreme Leader, the campaign against Iran's nuclear and missile capabilities, and the broader strategy shaping the conflict—along with what outcomes Israel and the U.S. would ultimately consider a victory. In this episode: - Strike in Qom and the disruption of Iran's leadership succession - The possible rise of Mojtaba Khamenei - What the past 72 hours reveal about the military campaign - Why Qom matters inside the Islamic Republic - The emerging strategy to pressure the regime internally - The debate in the U.S. over how the war began - Iran's strategy for surviving the conflict - What Israel and the U.S. would consider a victory More Ark Media: Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings. Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo
Was America dragged into the Iran war by Israel, as some commentators seem to suggest? An out-of-context statement by State Secretary Marco Rubio seems to give credence to the conspiratorial accusation that America is fighting Israel's war in Iran. Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to discuss the truth behind these claims, […]
Hugh discusses the war in Iran with Haviv Rettig Gur, Mark Dubowitz, Abe Greenwald, Dr. Michael Oren, Byron York, Sen. Joni Ernst, John Ashbrook, and David Drucker.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Recorded on March 2, 2026: This week's episode confronts one of the most consequential geopolitical developments in recent memory: the joint U.S. and Israeli strike on Iran. While Mike and Laureen find common ground on several key points, they engage in a spirited and at times heated debate over the legitimacy and long-term implications of the American attack. The program features analysis from leaders at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, including Executive Director Jonathan Shanzer, CEO Mark Dubowitz and Senior Advisor Rich Goldberg. Their discussion explores the reported death of Iran's Supreme Leader, Ali Khamenei, along with other top Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) leaders, reactions from Iranians and the high-stakes question of who — or what — could replace the current regime. The episode also includes perspective from independent journalist and podcaster Thom Hartmann, offering additional context and commentary on the rapidly shifting political landscape. Thank you for listening, sharing and subscribing to the Third Opinion Podcast.
Please take 5 minutes to fill out Ark Media's LISTENER SURVEY ____ The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes against Iran, and the region is now at war. In this emergency episode of Call Me Back, Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to break down the opening operation, Iran's retaliation across the region, and the high-stakes question at the center of it all: Is this about degrading nuclear and missile capabilities, or is this the beginning of regime change? They discuss the decapitation strategy targeting Iran's senior leadership, the possibility that Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei has been killed, the international response, and what comes next. As sirens sound in Israel and ballistic missiles fly across the Gulf, this is real-time analysis of a historic turning point in the Middle East. In this episode: - Operation Epic Fury and Roaring Lion: How the war began - Iran's regional retaliation and the widening battlefield - Targeting the leadership: Decapitation and the Khamenei question - Nuclear reconstitution, Pickaxe Mountain, and the missile threat - Regime change or strategic degradation? - International reaction and Gulf alignment - The American message and what it signals - How this ends and what comes next More Ark Media: Subscribe to Inside Call me Back Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo
The United States and Israel have launched coordinated strikes against Iran, and the region is now at war. In this emergency episode of Call Me Back, Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to break down the opening operation, Iran's retaliation across the region, and the high-stakes question at the center of it […]
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of FDD, joins the show to bring us up to speed on the rapidly developing full-scale conflict between the United States-Israel and Iran. ▪️ Times 01:19 Iranian leaders targeted 04:48 10/7 roots 07:39 Ambitious war aims 12:41 Scope 15:59 Regime change 20:11 Iranian response 23:42 Playing with fire 28:13 Partnership Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack
Brian reviews the historic, record-breaking State of the Union address, analyzing President Trump's performance and his direct challenge to Democrats regarding border security. We break down the most viral moments, from the "stand up" challenge to the controversy surrounding the USA Hockey team's White House visit. [00:00:00] Bret Baier [00:18:26] Rich Lowry [00:29:43] Rep. Bryan Steil [00:36:50] Lucas Tomlinson [00:55:15] Mark Dubowitz [01:13:40] Karl Rove [01:32:02] Julian Epstein Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
HEADLINE 1: Iran wants to buy anti-ship missiles from China.HEADLINE 2: India's prime minister touched down in Israel today.HEADLINE 3: In case you missed it, Syria recently transferred thousands of ISIS prisoners to Iraq. --FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Erin Molan, former television presenter for Sky News Australia and host of The Erin Molan Show.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces:"What if the Iranian Regime Is Stronger Than Trump Thinks?" - Reuel Marc Gerecht and Ray Takeyh, The New York Times"How Did the United States End Up on the Same Side as the Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen?" - Bridget Toomey, FDD Insight"The Islamic Republic's Weaponization of Global Terror" - Mark Dubowitz and Edmund Fitton-Brown, The Iran Breakdown
FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Chief Executive Mark Dubowitz.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief
Please take 5 minutes to fill out Ark Media's LISTENER SURVEY ____ As American military assets flow into the Middle East and Tehran prepares its response to Washington's demands, Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to assess whether President Trump is leaning toward diplomacy or decisive military action. They break down what's real, what's signaling, what would be the goals and scope of an American attack, and whether Israel is preparing to take part in it. In this episode: - Is Trump leaning toward a strike or a deal? - What “zero enrichment” really means and why it matters - Pickaxe Mountain and Iran's rebuilding nuclear infrastructure - The scale of U.S. military deployments in the region - Israel's preparedness and the missile defense dilemma - Hezbollah, Gulf states, and regional spillover risks - Symbolic strike or regime-level operation? - How politics, legacy, and red lines shape Trump's decision More Ark Media: Subscribe to Inside Call me Back Explore Israel Votes Listen to For Heaven's Sake Listen to What's Your Number? Watch Call me Back on YouTube Newsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav Eyal Instagram | Ark Media | Dan X | Dan Dan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of Israel Get in touch Credits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Ava Weiner, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo
Please take 5 minutes to fill out Ark Media's LISTENER SURVEY ____ As American military assets flow into the Middle East and Tehran prepares its response to Washington's demands, Dan is joined by Nadav Eyal and Mark Dubowitz to assess whether President Trump is leaning toward diplomacy or decisive military action. They break down what's […]
Show recorded 2.3.26: Hosts Mike and Laureen break down the week's top headlines, beginning with the solemn moment the hostage watch clock stopped on day 843 following the return of the remains of Ran G'vili to Israel. They examine the IDF's report citing 73,000 fighter deaths in Gaza, and the controversy surrounding International Holocaust Remembrance Day commemorations that failed to mention Jews. The conversation also turns to troubling headlines out of New York City, including antisemitic incidents such as a car ramming outside a synagogue in Crown Heights and the decision by Encyclopedia Britannica to replace "Israel" with "Palestine." Dan Senor speaks with Mark Dubowitz, founder of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and foreign policy advisor Yonatan Adiri about the likelihood of American military action, potential retaliation and the broader regional fallout. And children's entertainer Ms. Rachel addresses the controversy after she says she inadvertently "liked" and then deleted an overtly antisemitic post. She speaks with Barak Schwartz about how the incident went viral and the backlash that followed. Thank you for listening, subscribing and sharing The Third Opinion Podcast!
Tensions between United States' allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates seem to be ratcheting up with the central problem being Yemen. The two countries are supporting different factions in Yemen with the Saudis backing the recognized government, and the UAE supporting the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). It is coming at a time that complicates U.S. goals in the the region, and fractures a unified front against shared enemies like Iran and their proxies. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation of the Defense of Democracies, who says the Trump Administration has to get more involved between the two countries before a major conflict breaks out. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tensions between United States' allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates seem to be ratcheting up with the central problem being Yemen. The two countries are supporting different factions in Yemen with the Saudis backing the recognized government, and the UAE supporting the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). It is coming at a time that complicates U.S. goals in the the region, and fractures a unified front against shared enemies like Iran and their proxies. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation of the Defense of Democracies, who says the Trump Administration has to get more involved between the two countries before a major conflict breaks out. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Tensions between United States' allies Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates seem to be ratcheting up with the central problem being Yemen. The two countries are supporting different factions in Yemen with the Saudis backing the recognized government, and the UAE supporting the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). It is coming at a time that complicates U.S. goals in the the region, and fractures a unified front against shared enemies like Iran and their proxies. FOX's Eben Brown speaks with Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation of the Defense of Democracies, who says the Trump Administration has to get more involved between the two countries before a major conflict breaks out. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Since his interview with President Trump on January 8, Hugh has conducted a series of longer interview with American and Israeli experts not currently in intelligence jobs, on the likely war with Iran. They are collected in this podcast. The guests are President Trump, Haviv Rettig Gur, Mark Dubowitz, Behnam Ben Taleblu, Rear Admiral Mark C Montgomery (USN, Ret), Danielle Pletka, Dr. Michael Oren, former Senator Jim Talent, Richard Goldberg, Eli Lake, Abe Greenwald, and Karim Sadjadpour.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
HEADLINE 1: Turkish authorities detained six people suspected of spying for Iran.HEADLINE 2: The Saudis are in town, led by the crown prince's brother.HEADLINE 3: South Africa reportedly is moving ahead with investigations into naval drills that took place in early January.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Senior Research Analyst Ahmad Sharawi.For all past episodes: https://bit.ly/3LENwPr--Featured FDD Pieces:"Iran Protests Highlight South Africa's Broken Moral Compass" - David May, The Algemeiner"Two Bad Apples Threaten to Spoil the Gaza Board of Peace" - Natalie Ecanow and Sinan Ciddi, National Review"In the Eye of the Storm" - Mark Dubowitz and Rich Goldberg, The Iran Breakdown
HEADLINE 1: A delegation of Hamas officials arrived on Monday in…wait for it…Turkey.HEADLINE 2: This is not a parody: Hamas wants to be part of Gaza's new government.HEADLINE 3: The USS Abraham Lincoln arrived in Middle Eastern waters yesterday.AND BONUS HEADLINE 4: The IDF is still hammering Hezbollah in Lebanon.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with Council on Foreign Relations Senior Fellow Elliott Abrams, who formerly served as U.S. Special Representative for Iran and Venezuela.For all past episodes: https://bit.ly/3LENwPr--Featured FDD Pieces:"Israel's hostage agony finally ends — but its Gaza mission is far from over" - Mark Dubowitz, New York Post"Iranian Influence Operation Floods X With Anti-Protest Messaging" - Max Lesser and Maria Riofrio, FDD Policy Brief"Why Is Saudi Arabia Abandoning Peace?" - Hussain Abdul-Hussain, The National Interest
Is a U.S. strike on Iran back on the table? How could it reshape the Middle East? And what role could the Middle East play in the new world order taking shape these days? Dan Senor speaks with Mark Dubowitz and Yonatan Adiri about the rising likelihood of U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic, […]
Is a U.S. strike on Iran back on the table? How could it reshape the Middle East? And what role could the Middle East play in the new world order taking shape these days? Dan Senor speaks with Mark Dubowitz and Yonatan Adiri about the rising likelihood of U.S. military action against the Islamic Republic, which targets are being considered, and how Iran could retaliate. They also unpack Israel's internal debates on how to respond, the Saudi UAE rift and what it means for normalization, Turkey's expanding footprint, and why India is becoming a more important regional player.In this episode...- Is a U.S. strike on Iran coming and what would actually be hit- How Iran might retaliate and the debates inside Israel over next steps- Whether military action is meant to pressure the regime or help bring it down- Why Trump paused an attack and the regional forces shaping that call- Saudi Arabia's recalculation, its rift with the UAE, and the impact on normalization- Turkey's rise and why India is becoming a quiet power broker in the regionThis episode was sponsored by Maimonides Fund: Sign up for the SAPIR journal at sapirjournal.org/CallMeBackFrom the episode:- Listen to Yonatan's podcast What's Your Number?- Listen to Mark's podcast The Iran BreakdownMore Ark Media:Want to join Ark Media? Check out our careers page for new openings.Subscribe to Inside Call me BackListen to For Heaven's SakeListen to What's Your Number?Watch Call me Back on YouTubeNewsletters | Ark Media | Amit Segal | Nadav EyalInstagram | Ark Media | DanX | DanDan Senor & Saul Singer's book, The Genius of IsraelGet in touchCredits: Ilan Benatar, Adaam James Levin-Areddy, Brittany Cohen, Martin Huergo, Mariangeles Burgos, and Patricio Spadavecchia, Yuval Semo
HEADLINE 1: The Trump administration designated three branches of the Muslim Brotherhood as terrorist organizations yesterday.HEADLINE 2: More than a year has passed since the assassination of Hamas mastermind Yahya Sinwar. You'll recall he was the man primarily responsible for the 10/7 slaughter.HEADLINE 3: The Kurdish National Army — which is the military wing of the Kurdistan Freedom Party — captured the IRGC headquarters in the western Iranian town of Kermanshah.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer delivers timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with FDD Founder and President Cliff May.Learn more at: https://www.fdd.org/fddmorningbrief/--Featured FDD Pieces:"Trump Administration Foreign Policy Tracker: January" - FDD Experts"Southern Exposure: Trump's Arrest of Maduro Brings Opportunities and Dangers" - Cliff May feat. Carrie Filipetti, Foreign Podicy"Mark Dubowitz: The regime clings to its ninth life" - Bill Roggio and Mark Dubowitz, Generation Jihad"Don't make the mistake Obama did, Mr. President, enforce your Iran ‘red line'" - Ahmad Sharawi, New York Post
Hugh discusses the Iran protests and possible actions by President Donald Trump, and talks with Dr. Michael Oren, Steve Hilton & Gloria Romero, Sen. Tom Cotton, Mark Dubowitz, Adm. Mark Montgomery (USN, Ret.), David Bahnsen, and Sebastien Lai.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
After military defeat abroad and at home where the economy also has collapsed, the Islamic Republic is weaker than ever, and the Iranian people know it.The regime is facing a nationwide uprising unlike anything seen in decades with Iranians across class, age, and ideology back in the streets, and they're no longer asking for reform. They're demanding an end to the Islamic Republic itself. Meanwhile, President Trump warned that U.S. military action is on the table if the regime slaughters protesters. As we record, a brutal crackdown is underway with reports of hundreds of Iranians killed and tens of thousands arrested. Is this the moment?Bill asks FDD CEO and Iran Breakdown host Mark Dubowitz.Your top Iran protest resources:— We're tracking the Iran protests at fdd.org/iranprotests. — Mark's podcast, The Iran Breakdown, is required listening. Start here with his interview with Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.— Follow FDD's Iran experts on X, including Mark, Behnam, Saeed, Janatan
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of FDD, joins the show to bring us up to speed on widespread Iranian protests, the chances of American or Israeli intervention, and what intervention might achieve. ▪️ Times 02:15 Will we strike? 05:34 New Iran talks? 07:03 Nuclear concessions? 10:35 Intervention possibilities 15:10 The Shah's son and the Islamic regime 24:28 How do these protests compare to the past? 34:29 Public perceptions Follow along on Instagram, X @schoolofwarpod, and YouTube @SchoolofWarPodcast Find more content on our School of War Substack
WHAT CAN ISRAEL EXPECT FROM ITS NEIGHBORS?HEADLINE 1: The IDF carried out strikes against several Hezbollah weapons storage facilities in south Lebanon.HEADLINE 2: Israeli prosecutors charged seven men suspected of smuggling arms from Syria into Israel.HEADLINE 3: Israeli prosecutors charged seven men suspected of smuggling arms from Syria into Israel.--FDD Executive Director Jon Schanzer provides timely situational updates and analysis, followed by a conversation with former Israeli acting National Security Advisor BG (Res.) Prof. Jacob Nagel. Learn more at: fdd.org/fddmorningbrief--Featured FDD Pieces:"New York, New York, it's a socialist town" - Clifford D. May, The Washington Times"Trump's Gaza peace plan is doomed — unless he shuts down terror-boosting UNRWA" - Enia Krivine and Richard Goldberg, New York Post"Is Iran Unraveling?" - Mark Dubowitz, The Iran Breakdown
President Trump and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced a 20-point ceasefire plan offered to the terror group Hamas. Hamas must lay their weapons down, return all hostages and following the war, Gaza will be under control of a coalition of countries aimed to rebuild. President Trump gave Hamas just days to decide on the deal, that time frame is ending shortly, and said the he will let Israel do what they need to do if it is rejected. FOX's John Saucier speaks with Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for the Defense of Democracies and host of 'The Iran Breakdown' podcast, who says Hamas should accept the deal but history has shown they most likely will not, and that will bring heavy consequences on them. Click Here To Follow 'The FOX News Rundown: Evening Edition' Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Debate on Iran war between Scott Horton and Mark Dubowitz. Scott Horton is the author and director of the Libertarian Institute, editorial director of Antiwar.com, host of The Scott Horton Show, and for the past three decades, a staunch critic of U.S. foreign policy and military interventionism. Mark Dubowitz is the chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, host of the Iran Breakdown podcast, and a leading expert on Iran and its nuclear program for over 20 years. This debate was recorded on Tuesday, June 24, after the Iran-Israel ceasefire was declared. Thank you for listening ❤ Check out our sponsors: https://lexfridman.com/sponsors/ep473-sc See below for timestamps, transcript, and to give feedback, submit questions, contact Lex, etc. Transcript: https://lexfridman.com/iran-israel-debate-transcript CONTACT LEX: Feedback - give feedback to Lex: https://lexfridman.com/survey AMA - submit questions, videos or call-in: https://lexfridman.com/ama Hiring - join our team: https://lexfridman.com/hiring Other - other ways to get in touch: https://lexfridman.com/contact EPISODE LINKS: Mark's X: https://x.com/mdubowitz Mark's Podcast: https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLmEsAFBNkqsMQnt5pypwEX0ul0NyIjd3E The Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD): https://www.fdd.org/ Scott's X: https://x.com/scotthortonshow Scott's YouTube: https://youtube.com/@scotthortonshow Scott's Podcast: https://www.scotthortonshow.com/ Scott's Website: https://scotthorton.org/ Scott's Books: https://amzn.to/3T9Qg7y The Libertarian Institute: https://libertarianinstitute.org/ Antiwar.com: https://antiwar.com/ SPONSORS: To support this podcast, check out our sponsors & get discounts: Hampton: Community for high-growth founders and CEOs. Go to https://joinhampton.com/lex Notion: Note-taking and team collaboration. Go to https://notion.com/lex Shopify: Sell stuff online. Go to https://shopify.com/lex Oracle: Cloud infrastructure. Go to https://oracle.com/lex LMNT: Zero-sugar electrolyte drink mix. Go to https://drinkLMNT.com/lex OUTLINE: (00:00) - Introduction (00:36) - Sponsors, Comments, and Reflections (08:02) - Iran-Israel War (16:45) - Iran's Nuclear Program (48:37) - Nuclear weapons and uranium (1:00:40) - Nuclear deal (1:26:14) - Iran Nuclear Archive (1:48:50) - Best case and worst case near-term future (2:24:15) - US attack on Iran - Operation Midnight Hammer (2:47:48) - Nuclear proliferation in the future (3:08:46) - Libertarianism (3:21:35) - Foundation for Defense of Democracies (FDD) (3:37:10) - Trump and Peacemaking process (3:42:08) - WW2 (3:55:08) - WW3
On Saturday night at 7:50 pm ET, President Donald Trump announced that the U.S. had entered the war against Iran when he posted: “We have completed our very successful attack on the three Nuclear sites in Iran, including Fordow, Natanz, and Esfahan. All planes are now outside of Iran air space. A full payload of BOMBS was dropped on the primary site, Fordow. All planes are safely on their way home. Congratulations to our great American Warriors. There is not another military in the World that could have done this. NOW IS THE TIME FOR PEACE! Thank you for your attention to this matter.” In the minutes after this historic announcement we assembled six of the top experts on this issue: Haviv Rettig Gur, Michael Doran, Mark Dubowitz, Amit Segal, Eli Lake, and Matt Continetti. We discussed it all: what we actually know about the strikes; what it means for Iran's nuclear capabilities, how Iran might respond; why Trump struck now; what this means for the Middle East; and what Trump's national address signalled to the American public, to Israel, and most importantly to Iran. We'll note we recorded this Saturday night starting at 8:30 pm ET as a Free Press live event, and we will be hosting more in days to come. Go to groundnews.com/Honestly to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan and unlock world-wide perspectives on today's biggest news stories. Beekeeper's Naturals is offering you an exclusive offer: Go to beekeepersnaturals.com/BARI to get 20% off your order. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, has long focused on Iran's nuclear ambitions and advised multiple U.S. administrations on policy toward Iran. I invited him on Conversations with Coleman to explain the Iran nuclear issue at a deep level. We discussed the science of uranium enrichment, the differing Obama, Trump, and Biden policies on containment, and the history of Iran's nuclear ambitions from the 1979 Revolution to today. Mark laid out the stakes of preventing a nuclear-armed Iran—not just for the United States, but for global stability—and the consequences of getting it wrong. Mark emphasized how the calculation on confronting Iran has changed for Israel since October 7, 2023. While the U.S. has followed a doctrine of de-escalating to de-escalate—favoring diplomacy, economic incentives, and restraint—Israel now believes it must escalate to de-escalate. This conversation was recorded before Israel launched its attack on Iran, striking nuclear facilities, Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps military bases, missile launchers, and commanders' residences. It's now more important than ever to understand the context for the articles and commentary that you're going to see over the next weeks and months. Subscribe to The Free Press for all of our ongoing reporting about the conflict at TheFP.com. Go to groundnews.com/coleman to get 40% off the unlimited access Vantage plan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
In this bonus episode, we dive into the latest on Israel vs. Iran. Plus, Mark Levin, Mark Dubowitz, and Congressman Ro Khanna stop by to discuss. - - - Today's Sponsors: Perplexity is an AI-powered answer engine that searches the internet to deliver fast, unbiased, high-quality answers, with sources and in-line citations. Ask Perplexity anything here: https://pplx.ai/benshapiro IFCJ - Bring comfort and relief to Israel and her people by donating at https://BenForTheFellowship.org - - - Socials: Follow on Twitter: https://bit.ly/3cXUn53 Follow on Instagram: https://bit.ly/3QtuibJ Follow on Facebook: https://bit.ly/3TTirqd Subscribe on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3RPyBiB - - - Privacy Policy: https://www.dailywire.com/privacy