Podcasts about national security studies

Lebanon is emerging as the newest flashpoint in the increasingly strained relations between Turkey and Israel, with the former's President Recep Tayyip Erdogan issuing a stark warning that Turkish security begins in Beirut. Earlier this month, Erdogan addressed his parliamentary deputies with a forceful condemnation of Israel's strikes on Lebanon and Syria, warning that Turkey's security now stretches beyond its borders, reaching as far as Damascus and Beirut. Tensions between Israel and Turkey have been steadily escalating, with Erdogan vocally supporting Hamas and leading the chorus of condemnation against Israel's military campaigns in both Gaza and Lebanon. “Lebanon is a new area of competition or dispute between Israel and Turkey," says Gallia Lindenstrauss of Tel Aviv's Institute for National Security Studies think tank. “There was definitely concern in Israel after hearing Erdogan's speech. The fact that he speaks about Syria and Lebanon as part of Turkey's security is, of course, a problem for Israel….I think this adds complexity to already a very tense relationship between Israel and Turkey." Shifting influence  In recent years, Turkey has quietly but steadily expanded its soft-power presence in Lebanon, dispatching aid and broadening the reach of its humanitarian groups. This comes as Iran's influence in the region loosens, signalled by the collapse of the Tehran-backed Assad regime in Syria and growing pressure on Iranian proxy Hezbollah in Lebanon. “Turkey is concerned about Lebanon because it can create new venues of Israeli zone of influence, when the power of Iran is on the decline,” said international relations professor Ozlem Tur, of Ankara's Middle East Technical University. Tur notes that Turkey is eager to seize the opportunities created by these shifting dynamics: “Turkey feels a vacuum of power – and who is going to fill it? And all of this is part of a larger geo-strategic position that Turkey wants to put itself in." Turkey expands influence in Africa through military training Erdogan has frequently accused Israel of trying to assert dominance across the region, especially in the Eastern Mediterranean, which is believed to hold vast untapped energy reserves. Ankara suspects Israeli influence was behind Lebanon's November 2025 landmark maritime demarcation deal with Cyprus, paving the way for potential exploration of offshore gas fields and energy cooperation in the Mediterranean – a deal Turkey argues undermines its interests, as well as those of the Turkish Cypriot administration and Syria.  “Lebanon joining the competition there is of course worrying [for Ankara]”, Tur added. "This maritime dimension adds to an already competitive environment, and it makes Lebanon a partner in this competition." Trump card Meanwhile, Turkey-Israel rivalries continue to escalate.  “The Israelis, especially the hard-liners, have been really working hard to get the United States on board with their plans to take Turkey as their next target,” said international relations professor Serhat Guvenc of Istanbul's Kadir Has University.  However, Guvenc suggests that Erdogan retains a trump card. so to speak.  "The personal rapport between the two leaders, Trump and Erdogan, has been an impediment to the materialisation of such American backing to whatever plan Israelis might have in regard to Turkey." Trump's recent criticism of Israel's bombing of Beirut and Israel's ongoing attacks on Lebanon after a peace agreement with Iran, will likely further strengthen Erdogan's hand with Trump, at a time when Washington is increasingly viewing Ankara as key to its regional goals. Turkey steps up as Europe's indispensable and uncomfortable defence partner “For stability, for mediation, for assistance... in these aspects definitely the US is looking for Ankara and looking for the role Ankara can play in relaxing tensions in the region,” said Lindenstrauss. "But Ankara itself is raising tensions and, of course, Erdogan's inflammatory rhetoric to Israel is not stabilising anything.” Trump is set to visit Ankara for next month's NATO summit, where Turkey's regional role will likely dominate discussions between US and Turkish leaders – a meeting poised to deepen Israel's unease and growing sense of isolation.

The US and Iran have signed their framework agreement to end the war. It comes after more than 100 days of fighting, economic and political warfare, and a death toll in the thousands. The two countries will now have only 60 days to negotiate a final peace agreement. During that time, they will each have to consider what they have gained and what they have lost as a result of this conflict. For the US, the glaring question is whether or not this was all worth it for a nuclear agreement that does not appear to have progressed since before the war. For Iran, the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz and attacks on Gulf states could affect its relations with its neighbours in the future. Meanwhile, Israel – which is not a party to the framework agreement – will have to balance the costs of insisting on weapons over diplomacy, and how the conflict has tested its relationship with the US. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher examines the wins and losses each side has endured and asks what comes next after the agreement takes effect. She speaks to Eric Brewer, deputy vice president of the Nuclear Materials Security Program, and Danny Citrinowitz, senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies think tank.

We're finally learning the details about President Trump's agreement with Iran...and what the deal entails. Joining me now LIVE to break it down is Ryan Vogel... the founding Director of the Center for National Security Studies at UVU

Al Arabiya har akkurat publisert intensjonsavtalen (MOU) mellom USA og Iran, etter angivelig å ha fått tak i en kopi av den 14-punkts avtalen som forventes å bli signert fredag mellom Washington og Teheran.I denne samtalen diskuterer Henrik Beckheim og Beni Sabti fra INSS den lekkede MOU-avtalen, samt det komplekse forholdet mellom Iran, Israel og USA, særlig i lys av en ny avtale som kan påvirke regional stabilitet.Sabti deler innsikt i hvordan avtalen kan styrke det iranske regimet, samt konsekvensene for både Israel og USA. Vi tar også opp spørsmål knyttet til Irans atomprogram og troverdigheten til regimets løfter i den lekkede MOU-avtalen.Beni Sabti er en ledende Iran-ekspert ved INSS — Institute for National Security Studies i Israel. Født i Iran i 1972, vokste Sabti opp under regimet etter den islamske revolusjonen. I 1987 rømte han fra Iran og flyktet til Israel, hvor han senere tjenestegjorde i IDF i 31 år, hovedsakelig som forsker med fokus på iransk kultur, påvirkning på kognisjon, beslutningstaking og medier.Et av hans hovedprosjekter var å etablere IDFs talsperson-plattformer på persisk — utformet for å kommunisere direkte med det iranske folket. Han har en mastergrad i statsvitenskap og offentlig kommunikasjon, og var tidligere forskningsstipendiat ved JISS i Jerusalem.Sabti er en hyppig kommentator om Iran både i Israel og internasjonalt, holder foredrag om en rekke Iran-relaterte temaer, og var faktisk en av de kulturelle rådgiverne for Apple TV-serien «Tehran».Nylig avslørte han lekkede interne undersøkelsesdata som viser at 92% av iranere hater regimet — funn fra en hemmelig meningsmåling bestilt av Irans presidentskap.Kapitler:00:00 Introduksjon av Beni Sabti01:10 Iran og USA: Den lekkede MOU-avtalen05:12 Konsekvenser av avtalen for Iran og regionen08:24 Hizbollah og Irans innflytelse i Libanon11:09 Finansiering av terrorisme og Irans økonomi14:45 Atomspørsmål og internasjonale sanksjoner20:57 Troverdigheten til Irans løfter24:59 Fremtidsutsikter***► Skaff deg boken min: Frykt og Stillhet - jødiske stemmer i Norge etter 7. oktober. Bestill her:  https://bok.norli.no/frykt-og-stillhet► STØTT ARBEIDET PÅ VIPPSOm du ønsker å støtte arbeidet med denne podcasten, kan du bidra med et stort eller lite beløp, etter eget ønske. All støtte settes pris på, og du bidrar til arbeidet med å lage flere episoder. Bruk Vippsnummer: #823278►  ⁠BLI ⁠⁠⁠⁠MEDLEM⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ Fremover vil de som er støttemedlemmer få tilgang til episodene først. Da støtter du podcasten med det samme som prisen av en kaffe hver måned. Setter stor pris på om du blir støttemedlem. Tusen takk.► Annonsere på Henrik Beckheim Podcast?Send en mail til post@henrikbeckheim.no ► MERCH: Kjøp klær, kopper, capser og mer: https://henrikbeckheim.com/store► Linker:⁠⁠Youtube⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Nettside⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠TikTok⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Instagram⁠⁠ | Podimo | ⁠⁠Facebook⁠⁠ | ⁠⁠Apple

As the U.S. led war with Iran approaches its fourth month, poised somewhere between escalation and a possible diplomatic off ramp, no relationship has been more important than the Trump administration's with Israel. Are American and Israeli tactics and strategy on Iran unaligned, if not fundamentally at odds? What about on Lebanon and Gaza? And where does the relationship between President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu stand, especially as Israel heads toward critical elections this fall?  Join Aaron David Miller as engages the Institute for National Security Studies' Danny Citrinowicz in a wide-ranging conversation analyzing the current state of the alliance and where the U.S.-Israel relationship goes from here, on Carnegie Connects.

The exchange of strikes between Israel and Iran have highlighted the tensions between Donald Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu after more than 100 days of war.The US president wants the war to stop - now. The Israeli leader wants to keep going. Why? What else does he want to achieve? And why is Trump stopping him?Venetia Rainey chats to Danny Citrinowicz, senior researcher at Israeli think tank the Institute for National Security Studies, about why most Israelis think that the war has been a ‘colossal failure' and how he fears Iran's regime has been the real winner in all of this. Highlights:Why Israelis think the war has been a ‘colossal failure' Why Israel wants the Iran war to continue - and why Trump says noCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyDanny Citrinowicz, senior researcher INSS @citrinowiczCONTENT REFERENCED:WATCH: 100 days of US-Iran war: the winners and losers so farhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-3VEIOK3-SUIsraelis grow tired of Bibi and bomb sheltershttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/08/israelis-grow-tired-of-bibi-and-bombshelters/Netanyahu: Our war with ‘weak' Iran isn't finishedhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/07/iran-launches-missile-attack-on-israel/Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producers: Venetia Rainey & Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk ► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

U.S. President Donald Trump has tired of the Israel-Iran conflict, but a solution remains elusive as missile fire renewed Sunday following an Israeli attack on Beirut that provoked the Iranian regime. “I think he's had enough of us,” said Haaretz senior defense analyst Amos Harel, speaking on the Haaretz Podcast. “He's fed up with this region. This is taking a lot longer than he thought, and it was less successful than he assumed. He’s paying a huge price at home domestically because of the economic effects, and he doesn't seem that tough anymore.” Joining Harel on the podcast is former Mossad official Sima Shine, an Iran expert at Tel Aviv’s Institute for National Security Studies, who said that Iran clearly has the advantage in negotiations with the United States towards a long-term cease-fire. While she said she doesn’t believe that Tehran wants to prolong the war, she said, they will only end the fighting “on their terms.” “They are much more determined, they are willing to pay the price and therefore, they have the upper hand in negotiations” on the key issues – their nuclear capabilities and access to the Strait of Hormuz, despite the fact that their economic situation is “very bad.” As a result, she said, she believes that ultimately “Iran will dictate the terms” of any agreement. Read more: Israel Strikes Multiple Targets Across Iran, Including Petrochemical Plant 'I Call the Shots': Trump Urges Netanyahu Not to Retaliate After Iranian Missile Attack UN Nuclear Watchdog Says It's Been Unable to Inspect Iranian Facilities Report: Pentagon Officials Suspect Israel Tried to Spy on U.S. Officials Involved in Iran Talks Analysis by Amos Harel | As Israel Tips Back to War With Iran, Netanyahu Gets His Wish Israel's New 'Iran Spies': Young, Broke and Mostly CluelessSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The state's board of education is partnering with Google...to bring artificial intelligence to the classroom.  Joining me now LIVE with more is Brandon Amacher...with the UVU Center for National Security Studies

Prof. Kobi Michael, senior fellow at Misgav Institute for National Security and Institute for National Security Studies, delves into the significance of the Israeli takeover of the Beaufort Castle. (Photo: Israeli and Golani Brigade flags on Beaufort Castle/Reuters)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Margaret Hoover talks to General Tamir Hayman, former head of the IDF's military intelligence unit, about the state of the war in Iran, the status of negotiations over Iran's nuclear program, and what he believes the U.S. and Israel have gotten right and wrong so far.Hayman is now executive director of the Institute for National Security Studies, an independent think tank affiliated with Tel Aviv University and remains a reserve major general in the IDF.  He explains why he thinks the successful American military operation in Venezuela emboldened American leadership, causing arrogance as war plans were developed to overthrow the regime in Tehran.General Hayman responds to media reports that President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu wanted to install former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as leader and breaks down where that plan went awry.He reflects on declining support for Israel within the U.S and the strategic challenge it presents to Israeli national security, conveying that supporting Israel is in America's self interest.Support for Firing Line with Margaret Hoover is provided by Robert Granieri, Vanessa and Henry Cornell, The Fairweather Foundation, The Tepper Foundation, Peter and Mary Kalikow, The Beth and Ravenel Curry Foundation, Pritzker Military Foundation, Cliff and Laurel Asness, The Margaret and Daniel Loeb Foundation, The Marc Haas Foundation, Katharine J. Rayner, Charles R. Schwab, Lindsay and George Billingsley, The Meadowlark Foundation, Jared Stone, Al and Kathy Hubbard, and Craig Newmark Philanthropies.

Both of Israel’s wars in Iran have been “strategic failures” and critically damaged the country’s deterrence, Danny Citrinowicz, a former top Iran expert in Israeli military intelligence, told the Haaretz Podcast. He cited a long list of missteps and misguided assumptions that led to the failure of the solo military operation in 2025 and the joint U.S. attack in February. “We overestimated air power and underestimated Iranian resilience,” Citrinowicz said, resulting in the “worst possible strategic reality, with a more extreme, decentralized regime in Tehran,” and heightened tensions with the U.S. – all while highlighting Israel’s dependence on the U.S. as a weakness. While Iran once feared an attack by Israel, he noted, its leaders have now learned that they can be attacked by the two strongest air forces in the world and emerge with its regime intact, as well as “the capacity to launch missiles and drones, and theoretically has the potential to move to a nuclear bomb.” Moreover, in a boomerang effect, he noted, wars launched to deter Iran’s nuclear program have likely intensified Tehran’s motivation to acquire nuclear capacity in order to prevent future attacks. In his conversation with podcast host Allison Kaplan Sommer, Citrinowicz – a researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies – also discussed the intensifying conflict with Hezbollah in Lebanon, and U.S. President Donald Trump’s continued belief that Saudi Arabia will soon join the Abraham Accords, which he called a hope “detached from reality.” Read more: Iran and U.S. Trade Air Strikes After Trump Dismisses Report of Hormuz Deal Trump's Iran Deal: Netanyahu's 2018 Dream Is The World's 2026 Nightmare Analysis | Israel Demands to Disarm Its Regional Enemies, but Refuses to Pay the Price Trump: Not Sure Iran Deal Possible Unless Saudis, Qatar Join Abraham Accords U.S. May Need Years to Rebuild Weapons Stockpiles Depleted in Iran War, Report SaysSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

We're keeping an eye on a potential peace agreement between the U-S and Iran. President Trump has NOT approved it yet...but if he does...it could reopen the Strait of Hormuz.  Joining me LIVE is the director of UVU's Center for National Security Studies... Ryan Vogel

As Israel is fighting enemies on multiple fronts, it can't afford to lose any of its vital strategic assets. And according to Dr. Avishay Ben Sasson-Gordis, a researcher at Tel Aviv's Institute for National Security Studies, it is in danger of losing one of those assets: the support of American Jews. "The loss of the special relationship between Israel and the US will force Israel to reconsider its security priorities and matter greatly to the security and foreign policy of the State of Israel," Sasson-Gordis told the Haaretz Podcast. "Within that, the Jewish community over the decades has been a major pillar of that support." A new report co-authored by Sasson-Gordis details the data behind the deterioration of support and explains the reasons for the dramatic drop – even as the Trump White House is offering "unprecedented levels of support" for Israel. The report is intended as a wake-up call for Israeli leaders and offers a list of policy recommendations designed to stave off the deterioration. Polls show that among the U.S. public at large, "Israel is in the red in terms of net public support in every audience except older Republicans – even traditional groups that the current government and previous Israeli governments have seen as stalwart supporters of Israel." The Jewish community faces a "generational cliff," he said, as American Jews, particularly young Jews, are deeply influenced by the multi-front wars waged by Israel. "If you're today a young American Jew who is not very strongly affiliated with Israel to begin with, then the experiences that you've had – either on campus or where you work or on social media – cause you to wonder whether supporting Israel is worth it for you socially and morally." But even older members of the U.S. Jewish establishment, including institutional leaders, he said, "feel like Israel is not listening to them and is not interested in their opinions, even as they are increasingly affected by Israeli actions on the ground." Read more: Most U.S. Jews Do Not Identify as 'Zionists,' Even When They Support Israel, JFNA Survey Finds Netanyahu Minister to Reform Rabbi MK Kariv: 'You're Marrying Dogs in Your Delusional Synagogues' Analysis by Joshua Leifer: J Street Isn't Out of Touch With American Jews, but Israel's Settler Right Is 'A Critical Mass of U.S. Jews Is Now Disgusted With Israel' Analysis by David Rosenberg: The Future of American Jewry Looks Bleak Read the full INSS reportSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Today on the show, it's been more than a month since the U.S. and Iran began a shaky ceasefire, and a peace deal is under active consideration. Fareed is joined by Danny Citrinowicz, a senior researcher at the Tel Aviv-based Institute for National Security Studies and former head of the Iran branch of Israel's military intelligence, to discuss what a real negotiated peace might look like. Then, this July marks the 250th anniversary of America's founding. Pulitzer Prize-winning historian and author Beverly Gage went on a road trip across the country visiting historic sites, museums, and national monuments to better understand America's complex past. She tells Fareed what she learned. Her new book chronicling her trip is “This Land Is Your Land: A Road Trip Through U.S. History.” GUESTS: Danny Citrinowicz (@citrinowicz), Beverly Gage (@beverlygage) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Despite US President Trump's announcement on Thursday of a three-week extension to the Israel-Lebanon ceasefire, Hezbollah continues to manipulate a powerless Lebanese government, says Prof. Kobi Michael, a senior fellow at the Misgav Institute for National Security and at the Institute for National Security Studies. He spoke with KAN's David Ze'ev. (Photo: Kiryat Shmona under attack, April 2026. Ayal Margolin/Flash90)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Turkey's foreign minister has warned it could be Israel's "next enemy" as the war with Iran appears headed for closure, and called for a Middle East security pact amid rising tensions between the two countries.  "After Iran, Israel cannot live without an enemy – it has to develop a rhetoric to shape public opinion," declared Turkish Foreign Minister Hakan Fidan in a television interview on Monday. "We see that not only Netanyahu's administration, but also some figures in the opposition – though not all – are seeking to declare Turkey the new enemy." Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has become one of the region's most vocal critics of Israel's military campaigns in Gaza, Lebanon and Iran, fuelling a surge in bilateral tensions. In response, Israel accuses Erdogan of backing terrorist organisations, including Hamas, whom Erdogan has called “liberation fighters". Diplomatic ties have withered, leaving only a skeleton crew in each respective embassy. Iraq turns to Turkey for oil exports as Middle East war reshapes routes Turkish-Israeli relations have a history of highs and lows, but current tensions are unprecedented, argues Turkish security analyst Arda Mevlutoglu. "Turkey is considering Israel a security threat because of the unpredictability factor of the Israeli government,” he said, noting that Israel's unpredictability, combined with a breakdown in mutual understanding, is causing deep unease within Ankara's corridors of power. “Mutual understanding is especially critical when it comes to establishing at least a minimum amount of security environment, and the lack of such ability forces Turkey to take precautionary measures in both diplomatic, strategic and military domains as well,” he said. Baku's 'silent diplomacy' Fidan on Monday also called for the formation of a Middle East security pact – following follows Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's recent warning of an emerging radical Sunni alliance in the region, which he said is threatening Israel. Alarmed by the escalating tensions, Azerbaijan – one of the few countries with strong ties to both Turkey and Israel – has quietly entered the fray. “We are behind the scenes through the silent diplomacy, effectively contributing to de-conflict certain elements of the misunderstandings and also building a certain trust and channels of communication between the two parties,” said Hikmet Haciyev, assistant to Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev and head of the country's Department of Foreign Affairs. Turkey-Azerbaijan alliance strained by opposing stances on Israel With Turkey and Israel both having a military hold in Syria, the country is a potential flashpoint. The Baku talks saw the creation of a hotline between Turkish and Israeli militaries to avoid any accidental clashes between their air forces, which routinely fly over Syria. But with two Israeli ministers last year calling for the assassination of the Syrian President Ahmed al-Assad, a key ally of Erdogan, Syria remains a hotspot, and Fidan warned on Monday that Israel could target Syria after the Iran conflict. Washington's role Turkey expert Gallia Lindenstrauss of Tel Aviv's Institute for National Security Studies, while acknowledging Baku's role, says more needs to be done. “I would say tensions between Turkey and Israel are high enough that the United States also has to be involved. And I think there's a wider understanding in Washington that they should play this role." Asli Aydintasbas, head of the Turkey Project at the Washington-based Brookings Institution think tank, agrees. Turkey pushes for European missile defence deal amid Iran tensions "Washington certainly has to step in and do more in order to mediate between Turkey and Israel. This is a very, very dangerous rivalry and it has the hallmarks of emerging into a long-term enmity,” she warned. However, Aydintasbas questions Washington's readiness and ability. “Traditionally, it's been the US role, actually, to mediate between Turkey and Israel. The Trump administration, though, is not very focused on it. This is not the kind of stuff the Trump administration excels in – the painstaking, cumbersome work of diplomacy, of roadmaps, confidence-building measures and so on," she said. The formidable strength of both the Israeli and Turkish militaries serves as a strong deterrent against open conflict. Yet, as both nations vie for influence across overlapping arenas – from the Gulf States to the Horn of Africa and the Eastern Mediterranean – the risk of escalation and regional destabilisation continues to cast a long shadow.

In this interview, we speak with Sima Shine, a former senior Mossad official and leading voice at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies about the rapidly evolving confrontation between Israel, Iran and the United States. As Washington intensifies economic pressure and military posturing, we explore the strategic calculus behind sanctions, blockades and the threshold for direct strikes on critical infrastructure such as Kharg Island. Shine unpacks whether economic warfare can achieve deterrence, or whether it risks tipping into a broader regional conflict. We also examine the role of Iran's proxy network, including Hezbollah, the limits of ceasefire frameworks and how intelligence assessments shape decision-making in real time. Ultimately, the conversation asks: are we witnessing a controlled pressure campaign, or the early stages of a much wider war?

Putting the blame on failed peace talks squarely on Iran, President Trump ordered the US Navy to impose a blockade on Iranian ports, threatening to sink any Iranian ships that come near them. This move is intended to deal a devastating blow to Iran's already frail economy, but the country's top negotiator shrugged it off and warned American consumers they'd soon be "nostalgic" for lower gas prices. Joining the show to discuss all this is Danny Citrinowicz, a Senior Fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies and former head of the Iran branch of Israeli military intelligence.  Also on today's show: Former US House Republican Adam Kinzinger; Former US Ambassador to Hungary David Pressman; author A. Mechele Dickerson    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Following several Iranian missile strikes targeting Turkey, Ankara is accelerating its efforts to create its own missile defence system dubbed the “steel dome”. According to reports, it is in talks to procure Europe's latest anti-missile system. But Ankara's aspirations are unnerving Israel – as well as its neighbours, Greece and Cyprus. Air raid warnings during an Iranian missile strike on the Turkish city of Adana, home to a Nato airbase, served as a stark reminder of Turkey's vulnerability to such attacks. While all the missiles were intercepted by Nato forces, Turkish security analyst Arda Mevlutoglu says the attacks are spurring Ankara on to procure the French-Italian SAMP/T anti-missile system. "Turkey's existing air defence system inventory, as well as the maturing air defence systems, are not capable of countering medium-range ballistic missiles or long-range ballistic missiles," he said. "So Turkey needs an urgent operational gap filler to address the ballistic missile threats. And the next-generation version of the SAMP/T seems to be the only option." Iraq turns to Turkey for oil exports as Middle East war reshapes routes Turkey's technological advances Along with procuring the missile system, Ankara is seeking a joint production and development agreement. Turkish defence companies are making rapid advances in missile technology, and Turkish firms are already working closely with several Italian arms manufacturers, including Leonardo, which is involved in the SAMP/T development. This burgeoning relationship is facilitated by close diplomatic ties between the Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan.  However, strained Turkish-French relations have blocked Ankara's previous attempts to buy SAMP/T. Paris hasn't commented on Ankara's latest efforts, but Alessia Chiriatti of the Institute of International Affairs, an Italian think tank, says Rome will likely be working hard to overcome any French opposition. “It's a window of opportunity, not a guaranteed outcome. The defence and security dossier is very, very central, for both the private sector and the public sector, between Italy and Turkey." Chiriatti says the purchase of the SAMP/T missile system is more than just an arms sale. “The discussions are less about a simple arms purchase, but more about a broader configuration of Turkey's defence strategy and relationship with Europe, and with Italy and France." Ukraine seeks defence ties in Middle East as Zelensky visits Damascus 'Anti-Israeli rhetoric' SAMP/T missiles are seen by Ankara as key to the development of its Steel Dome programme to provide a comprehensive air defence system, akin to Israel's Iron Dome. However, advances in Turkey's missile systems aren't confined to defence. This month saw the unveiling of offensive hypersonic missiles – unnerving Israel, given rising bilateral tensions, warns Gallia Lindenstrauss of Tel Aviv's Institute for National Security Studies. "Not a day passes without very harsh rhetoric coming from Turkey towards Israel,” she said. "And it's not just rhetoric that is criticising Israel's actions, [but] many times rhetoric that is delegitimising Israel as a whole." She added: “We see also, of course, the growing Turkish capabilities. Turkey, after the 12-day war in June, said it would advance its missile programme, its long-range and medium-range missile programmes. Israelis are now suffering from the damage missiles do. Israel doesn't completely understand why Turkey needs missiles." Iraq turns to Turkey for oil exports as Middle East war reshapes routes Europe's shifting priorities European Union members Greece and Cyprus, which have a number of territorial disputes with Turkey, are also voicing concerns over Ankara's rearming and, in particular, its missile programme. In the past, Athens has successfully lobbied its European partners – in particular France – over the sale of sophisticated weapons to Turkey. However, security expert Federico Donelli of Trieste University says that given Turkey's strategic location neighbouring Russia and the Middle East, and as home to NATO's second largest army, Greek and Cypriot influence is on wane “I don't think they will be able to make a stop to this process,” he predicts. "The priority of the European countries is security. And to be able to collaborate more in the defence sector and to be an ally with a state like Turkey will definitely be useful in some way to address some big challenges, including the Russian one." The future of the sale of the SAMP/T missile system to Turkey remains unclear, with critics warning such a deal threatens to add to growing regional instability. But with the Iran war and its uncertain outcome creating a potential new threat to Europe, coupled with that from Russia, the importance of Turkey to European security will only add weight to calls for greater cooperation.

Insiders are getting paid... for betting big on the war in Iran. Just this week... bets on the US-Iran ceasefire agreement made some people hundreds of thousands of dollars. Joining me now LIVE is Brandon Amacher.. from Utah Valley Universities Center for National Security Studies...

President Trump told Iran to expect massive military attacks on its civilian infrastructure... if they don't open up the Strait of Hormuz by 6 pm Utah time tomorrow. Joining me now live is the Director of the Center for National Security Studies at UVU, Ryan Vogel.

ONLINE EVENT via Zoom on 24 March 2026Gudrun Harrer in conversation with Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Danny Citrinowicz and Walter FeichtingerTHE IRAN WAR: FROM REGIONAL CONFLICT TO GLOBAL CONSEQUENCESThe Iran war and its political and economic repercussions in the region – even if eventually it should be halted – carry the danger to evolve into one of the most consequential geopolitical crises in recent years. The conflict began on 28 February 2026, when coordinated airstrikes by the United States and Israel targeted sites across Iran, triggering a wave of Iranian retaliatory missile and drone attacks against Israel and Arab countries. What US president Donald Trump thought to be a limited strategic military operation against the Iranian regime has since expanded into a wider confrontation affecting multiple countries, global energy markets, and international security.This panel discussion will examine the causes, escalation dynamics, and potential outcomes of the conflict. We will react to latest developments.Mehrzad Boroujerdi, Vice Provost and Dean of College of Arts, Sciences, and Education at Missouri University of Science and Technology.Danny Citrinowicz, nonresident fellow with the Atlantic Council's Middle East Programs, fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies. Previously, he was senior fellow at the Institute of Policy and Strategy (IPS) and the Abba Eban institute at Reichman University.Walter Feichtinger, former Austrian brigadier in the Austrian Armed Forces and a political scientist. From 2002 to 2020, he was Director of the Institute for Peacekeeping and Conflict Management at the National Defence Academy in Vienna.Moderation:Gudrun Harrer, Lecturer in Modern History and Politics of the Near and Middle East at the University of Vienna and the Diplomatic Academy of Vienna; former Senior Editor at Der Standard (until 2025).

As Azerbaijan is hit by drone attacks and its security forces claim to have arrested Iranian agents planning attacks against Israeli interests, fears of contagion in the Iranian war are rising. For Turkey, which has a defence alliance with Azerbaijan, its relationship with Baku is complicated by the latter's close ties with Israel. On 5 March, drones attacked the airport of Azerbaijan's Nakhchivan exclave, which borders Iran. Baku blamed Iran, a charge Tehran denies. Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev condemned the attack as “terrorism” and warned Tehran of a severe response if the attacks continued. The drone strikes are viewed by Baku as a warning over its close ties with Israel. “There are some verbal attacks from [social media] accounts associated with the [Iranian] Revolutionary Guards that Azerbaijan should expel Israeli agents and things like that. We responded that we are not part of this conflict,” explained Farid Shafijev, chairman of the Baku-based government-affiliated think tank, the Center for Analysis of International Relations. “We are watching closely, and the Azerbaijani military is on high alert in case of any new provocations." Following the drone attack, Azerbaijani security forces claimed to have arrested Iranian agents planning attacks against Israeli interests, including the Baku Tbilisi Ceyhan crude oil pipeline – which is believed to provide around 30 percent of Israel's oil needs, shipped from the Turkish port of Ceyhan. Could the war in Iran lay a path for peace between Armenia and Azerbaijan? Azeri minority in Iran "Azerbaijan has been a strategic partner for many years,” explained Gallia Lindenstrauss, an Israeli foreign policy specialist at the Institute for National Security Studies, an independent think tank in Tel Aviv. She claims the Iranian war is strengthening the relationship between Azerbaijan and Israel, which she explains in part thrives on "the location of Azerbaijan as a neighbouring state to Iran, which also fears Iran in an existential way, similar to Israel". Despite Baku's claims of neutrality, Iranian suspicion of Azerbaijan over its ties with Israel are also fuelled by Iran's large Azeri minority. In recent weeks, Iranian security forces have arrested dozens of ethnic Azerbaijanis accused of working for “foreign powers". Turkey warns against drawing Iran's Kurds into Middle East war “The Azeri minority in Iran is a huge number – 20 to 25 million people – densely populating the territory of two huge provinces of Iran,” explains Azerbaijan expert Zaur Gasimov of the German Academic Exchange Service, a joint organisation of German universities that fosters international relations.  Their Azeri identity remains strong, with the language widely spoken despite being banned in secondary schools. However, Gasimov says ethnic Azerbaijanis are well integrated into Iranian society – but Tehran remains suspicious of this minority, given its past. “If we look back to the history of the Second World War, there was an Azerbaijani republic from 1941 to 1946 with its capital in Tebriz. That, of course, forged certain sensitivity on the Iranian side." Azerbaijani President Ilham Aliyev has voiced growing support for Iran's Azeri minority. "Independent Azerbaijan is a place of hope for Azerbaijanis living in Iran,” he declared after March's drone attacks. “Azerbaijan does not want the breakup of Iran and chaos inside Iran,” stressed Shafiyev. But he says Baku's priority is the treatment of Azeris in Iran. “There might be different scenarios. The escalation of the war, the internal disturbances, civil war, things can go in different directions, and among the public in Azerbaijan, this is a very sensitive issue, the security and wellbeing of the Azerbaijan population in Iran." Turkey fears it will pick up the bill for Washington's war in Iran Delicate diplomacy While Azerbaijan's involvement in the Iran conflict would likely be welcomed by its ally Israel, it would cause alarm for Turkey – given its commitment to Baku's defence under a 2021 treaty and its strong opposition to the war against Iran. “It would put Ankara and Turkey in a difficult place,” said retired Turkish ambassador Timur Soylemez, "but I don't think we are anywhere near that." Soylemez acknowledges the Iran war requires Turkish diplomacy to finesse its close relationship with Azerbaijan, which is also deepening ties with Israel, whom Turkey increasingly views as a threat to itself and the wider region. “The relationship between Azerbaijan and Iran has always been a tricky one, and of course, the [Azeri] diaspora is another very important dimension of that relationship," he added. "But that has been a relationship that has been carefully managed for a very long time, and I think both sides will continue to carefully manage it and not see this war as an opportunity to play with this fault line."

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, join host diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. The war in Iran has reached a new, somewhat odd, phase. After hammering the Islamic Republic for four weeks, US President Donald Trump dropped a bombshell announcement this week -- that he was in talks with Tehran over an end to the war. Iran initially denied the talks, then acknowledged that there were contacts, and released a series of demands for the war to end. Now, the US and Israel continue to strike Iran, the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, and Trump talks about Iran talks. Raz Zimmt, Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, joins Lazar to make sense of what is happening inside Iran, and where the war might go from here. He explains who is running Iran, and why the country is moving in an even more hardline direction. Zimmt argues that Iran's motivation for building a nuclear weapon has gone up drastically, and Ali Khamenei's fatwa against one is no longer in place now that he is dead. The regime shows no signs of cracking, Zimmt argues, though its military industries and capabilities have been badly degraded. If talks with the US fail, he says, the war seems headed for further escalation. That may come in the form of an invasion of Kharg Island, which Zimmt says is the wrong way to force Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Gabriella Jacobs and video edited by Yitzhak Ledee.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

It has been a month since Israel, along with the US, launched strikes on Iran, leading the Middle East into yet another conflict it tried to avoid. Iran has responded by firing waves of missiles and drones, mostly towards its Gulf neighbours but also at Israel, where attacks have become increasingly disruptive. While the American public are largely divided over the war, in Israel, surveys showed the majority were in favour, at least in the beginning. But weeks later, the cost is mounting. Some of the attacks have caused damage, injuries and deaths. People's daily routines and livelihoods have been affected. Meanwhile, Lebanon has once again been drawn into conflict. In this episode of Beyond the Headlines, host Nada AlTaher looks at the effects of the war on Israeli society and the state, and asks whether public support is starting to wane. She speaks to The National's Jerusalem correspondent Thomas Helm, Tel Aviv-based political analyst Dahlia Scheindlin and Danny Citrinowicz, senior fellow at the Institute for National Security Studies.

SBS Chief Foreign Correspondent in conversation with Israeli opposition leader and former Prime Minister, Naftali Bennett, Sima Shine from the Institute for National Security Studies and Likud MK, Amit Halevi.

In this timely episode of IsraelCast, host Steven Shalowitz speaks with Iran expert Beni Sabti for a timely and deeply personal conversation recorded from near Tel Aviv in the midst of missile sirens and shelter runs. Sabti, born in Iran and now a leading researcher at the Institute for National Security Studies, brings a rare lens shaped by lived experience under the Islamic Revolution and decades of work analyzing Iranian culture, propaganda, and regime behavior.

James and Al celebrate Talarico's win in Texas and share their excitement about the 2026 midterm elections, given the Democratic field's growing strength and Trump's weakening support among Republicans.  Then, they welcome Senior Fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations, Max Boot, to discuss the war in Iran.  Together, they investigate the true reasons for the attack, the dangers posed by military intervention, the stability of the wider Middle East, and the effect on the MAGA movement and public opinion. Email your questions to James and Al at politicswarroom@gmail.com or tweet them to @politicon.  Make sure to include your city– we love to hear where you're from! More from James and Al:Get text updates from Politics War Room and Politicon.Watch Politics War Room & James Carville Explains on YouTube.James Carville & Al Hunt have launched the Politics War Room SubstackGet updates and some great behind-the-scenes content from the documentary CARVILLE: WINNING IS EVERYTHING, STUPID by following James on X @jamescarville and his new TikTok @realjamescarvilleGet More From This Week's Guest: Max Boot: Twitter | Threads | Website | WaPo | CFR | Author Please Support Our Sponsors:Quince:Upgrade your spring fashion and get 365-day returns and free shipping on high-quality, stylish, and affordable clothing you'll wear for years to come when you go to quince.com/warroom.  Now available in Canada.

In this episode, recorded during a media briefing on 3 March, Richard Pater speaks with Danny Citrinowicz about the trajectory of the campaign so far and what may come next. Citrinowicz explores the strategic logic behind targeting Iran's nuclear and missile infrastructure, pressure on Gulf states, and who could become Iran's new Supreme Leader. Danny Citrinowicz is a Senior Researcher in the Iran and the Shi'ite Axis Program at the Institute for National Security Studies. He served 25 years in a variety of command positions units in Israel Defence Intelligence (IDI) including as the head of the Iran branch in the Research and Analysis Division (RAD) in the Israeli defence intelligence.

Max Boot with Larry DiamondWhat Is the Endgame? U.S. Policy and the Future of Venezuela and BeyondRecorded Wednesday, February 25, 2026In this episode of America at a Crossroads, Max Boot and Larry Diamond examine the trajectory of U.S. foreign policy in Venezuela and its broader implications for democracy, authoritarianism, and global stability.The conversation explores:• The current state of Venezuela's political and economic crisis• The effectiveness of U.S. sanctions and diplomatic strategy• Democratic backsliding worldwide• The future of American leadership in supporting democratic movements• Strategic lessons for U.S. policy beyond Latin AmericaMax Boot is a Russian-American author, historian, and foreign policy commentator. He is the Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow in National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and a contributor to The Washington Post. His most recent book, Reagan: His Life and Legend, was released in 2024.Larry Diamond is a leading scholar of democracy studies and a senior fellow at Stanford University's Freeman Spogli Institute for International Studies.Subscribe for future episodes of America at a Crossroads and join the conversation on the critical issues shaping democracy at home and abroad.

On this week's episode, Israel Policy Forum Policy Advisor and Tel Aviv-based journalist Neri Zilber hosts Raz Zimmt, director of the Iran program at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies and a former Israeli military intelligence analyst. They discuss the latest round of negotiations between the U.S. and Iran, the chances of diplomacy succeeding, what Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamanei is actually thinking, the dire situation inside Iran, what a U.S. war against Iran may look like, the day after any such conflict, and more. Read our new report, Disarming Hamas: A Framework for Lasting Security, here.Support the showFollow us on Instagram, Twitter/X, and Bluesky, and subscribe to our email list here.

Staunchly allied with Turkey, Somalia has become a flashpoint in Turkey's rivalry with Israel. Ankara recently deployed fighter jets to Mogadishu in the latest signal that it is determined to protect its strategic interests in the Horn of Africa after Israel recognised the breakaway region of Somaliland. In a conspicuous display of military strength, Turkish F-16 fighter jets roared over the Somali capital, Mogadishu, in late January. According to Turkish officials, the deployment was aimed at protecting Turkish interests and supporting Somali efforts to counter an insurgency by the radical Islamist group al-Shabaab.  It follows Israel's recognition of Somaliland in December, which Ankara condemned as a threat to Somalia's territorial integrity. Turkish international relations expert Soli Ozel said the jets send a message to Israel: "Don't mess with our interests here." Somalia is poised to become the latest point of tension between the countries, he predicts. "I don't think they will fight, but they are both showing their colours. Israel's recognition of Somaliland and the Turks sending F-16s and drones are attempts to set limits to what the other party can do," he said. "Could it get out of hand? I don't know. It may." The risky calculations behind Israel's recognition of Somaliland Mutual suspicion The episode reflects broader strains in Israeli-Turkish relations, which remain fraught over Ankara's support of Hamas and Israel's war in Gaza. "It's a new chapter in the competition between the two countries, which are now the dominant military powers in the Middle East," said Norman Ricklefs, CEO of geopolitical consultancy Namea Group. According to Gallia Lindenstrauss, an Israeli foreign policy specialist at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv, Israel is not seeking to challenge the interests of Turkey or Somalia. Instead, she argues Israel's recognition of Somaliland and its commitment to deepening cooperation are motivated by the breakaway's state strategic location facing Yemen, where Houthi rebels launched attacks against Israeli cities last year. "The Houthis were the last ones who were still launching missiles against Israel, from the Iranian proxies. This is the most major threat for Israel," she said.  However, Lindenstrauss acknowledges that both sides increasingly view each other's actions with suspicion. "What Israel sees as defence, Turkey sees as something against Ankara." Rival blocs Turkey's suspicions could grow if Israel deploys military hardware in Somaliland to counter threats from Yemen, a move an anonymous Israeli expert suggested is Israel's aim. Ricklefs warns Israel needs to tread carefully, given the significant investments Turkey had made in Somalia over the past 15 years. Turkey has its largest overseas military base and embassy in Somalia, while Ankara has signed agreements with Mogadishu to explore potential energy reserves, as well as a naval accord. "Turkey is running the [Mogadishu] port, counterterrorism training, charities, NGOs, and all that kind of stuff. So it appears very important to Turkey's regional strategic ambitions," said Ricklefs. He noted that Somalia's location on the Horn of Africa, with coastlines in the Gulf of Aden and Indian Ocean, makes it "key for regional influence". With Somalia naval deal, Turkey steers into strategic but volatile region Lindenstrauss observed that the Turkish-Israeli rivalry over Somalia is further complicated by the emergence of two competing axes: "On the one hand, you see Greece, Cyprus, Israel, the UAE. On the other hand, you see Turkey, Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, Egypt and Qatar," she explained.   "They are loose axes, but you do see that on many issues, these two axes think differently. And that's also a cause of the rising tensions." Ricklefs noted that tensions have already spilled over into confrontation elsewhere. “We've already seen the pretty strong competition leading to violence in Libya, between blocs aligned with the Emirates and, on the other side, blocs aligned with Turkey in Libya," he said. As for whether the same could happen in Somalia, Ricklefs said he doesn't believe the situation has yet reached that point.  "I don't think we're there just yet with Somaliland and Somalia," he said. "And frankly, the only party that can play a mediating role, a conflict-reducing role, in this situation is the United States."

A two-hundred-year-old presidential speech has shaped how the United States sees its role in the world ever since. At the time, it sounded like a modest declaration from a young and uncertain nation. What would come to be known as the Monroe Doctrine would grow into something far more powerful... and far more controversial.Christopher Nichols, Professor of History at Ohio State University, joins us for this episode. Chris is the Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies and his works include ‘Rethinking American Grand Strategy' and ‘Promise and Peril: America at the Dawn of the Global Age'. He has previously appeared on Ep. 261 ‘President Eisenhower: War on Soviets and Segregation'Edited by Aidan Lonergan. Produced by Tom Delargy. Senior Producer is Freddy Chick.Sign up to History Hit for hundreds of hours of original documentaries, with a new release every week and ad-free podcasts. Sign up at https://www.historyhit.com/subscribe.  All music from Epidemic Sounds.American History Hit is a History Hit podcast. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Dr. David “Wally” Walton is a retired Army Special Forces officer with 25 years of experience in the SF community. His career spans service with the 7th Special Forces Group, Joint Special Operations Command (JSOC), and the Special Warfare Center and School.Dr. Walton's extensive operational experience includes deployments to Iraq, Afghanistan, and across Latin America. Since retiring in 2013, he has transitioned into academia, teaching National Security Studies and Executive Leadership. His research portfolio covers Security Strategy, Organizational Culture and Dynamics, and Human Performance. He has a deep understanding of security studies, encompassing everything from tactical operations to strategic policy discussions.Currently an instructor at JSOC, Dr. Walton is a Subject Matter Expert in Special Forces Assessment and Selection. He specializes in Land Navigation, runs a prep program designed for SFAS candidates, and is the author of multiple books about preparing for SFAS. More about Dr. Walton:Website: https://tfvoodoo.com/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/tf_voo_doo/Timestamps:00:00:23 Introduction to Dr. David Walton00:01:42 Changes within SFSS and Coaching00:20:22 Being Trained in Land Navigation00:30:43 Better Prepared Candidates00:53:34 The Sandman Event00:59:29 Selection Rates and Working Through the Stages01:05:23 No Dependencies in the SFSS Course01:09:47 The "Awaiting Training" Phase 01:11:33 What has Dr. David Walton Changed in Coaching?01:17:08 How Many Books has Dr. Walton Written?01:21:52 Books Everyone Should Read01:26:32 Outro

Greenland has become a geopolitical flashpoint. President Trump wants control of it, or at least sovereignty over some areas for military purposes, arguing that the United States gaining some territorial rights in Greenland is a necessity for U.S. security. But some leaders worry that a power grab could pit NATO against the U.S. and weaken an already fragile world order. Now we debate: Is U.S. Control of Limited Territory In Greenland a Strategic Necessity?  Arguing Yes:  Alexander B. Gray, Senior Fellow at the American Foreign Policy Council; Former Deputy Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff of the White House National Security Council  Michael Pillsbury, Senior Advisor for the President's Office at The Heritage Foundation  Arguing No:  Kori Schake, Senior Fellow and the Director of Foreign and Defense Policy Studies at the American Enterprise Institute (AEI)  Max Boot, Jeane J. Kirkpatrick Senior Fellow for National Security Studies at the Council on Foreign Relations; Columnist at The Washington Post  Emmy award-winning journalist John Donvan moderates  Join the conversation on Substack—share your perspective on this episode and subscribe to our weekly newsletter for curated insights from our debaters, moderators, and staff.  Follow us on YouTube, Instagram, LinkedIn, X, Facebook, and TikTok to stay connected with our mission and ongoing debates.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Guest: Grant Newsham. Newsham critiques the weaknesses of national security studies that expect Chinese attack only at Taiwan, arguing this narrow focus leaves the U.S. vulnerable to broader PRC strategic threats.1793

Mary Dudziak, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law at Emory University, and Christopher Nichols, Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies and Professor of History at the Ohio State University, sit down with James M. Lindsay to unpack a new CFR survey of historians on the best and worst foreign policy decisions in U.S. history.   Mentioned on the Episode:   Christopher McKnight Nichols, Promise and Peril: America at the Dawn of a Global Age   Joshua Kurlantzick, A Great Place to Have a War   CFR.org, The Ten Best and Ten Worst U.S. Foreign Policy Decisions   Opinions expressed on The President's Inbox are solely those of the host or our guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

For two-and-a-half centuries, the United States has faced a challenging world. Some of its responses have made Americans proud. Others have not. CFR asked members of the Society for Historians of American Foreign Relations what they considered the best and worst U.S. foreign policy decisions. In this episode, panelists discuss the results of the project and the evolution of America's role in the world.   Host: David M. Rubenstein, Cofounder and Cochairman, The Carlyle Group; Chairman, Board of Directors, CFR   Guests: Mary L. Dudziak, Asa Griggs Candler Professor of Law, Emory University School of Law; CFR Member   James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR   Christopher M. Nichols, Wayne Woodrow Hayes Chair in National Security Studies and Professor of History, The Ohio State University   Want more comprehensive analysis of global news and events sent straight to your inbox? Subscribe to CFR's Daily News Brief newsletter.   To keep tabs on all CFR events, visit cfr.org/event. To watch this event, please visit it on our YouTube channel: America at 250 Series: The Best and Worst Decisions in U.S. Foreign Policy

Beni Sabti is an Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies. Sabti was born in Iran in 1972 where he lived until he moved to Israel in 1987. He served in the IDF primarily as a researcher, mostly in projects relating to Iranian culture and influence on cognition, decision making and media. Today Sabti gives us a meta view of the protests engulfing Iran and their potential impact regionally and globally.

After years of negotiations, the Turkish military may finally be close to acquiring American F-35 fighter jets. United States President Donald Trump has suggested a deal could be near, despite Israel warning that the sale would threaten its security amidst rising tensions with Turkey. “We're thinking about it very seriously,” Trump said when asked by a reporter about the sale of F-35 fighter jets to Turkey during a visit this week by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. The sale has been blocked for years due to Turkey's purchase of the Russian S-400 missile system. A recent Bloomberg report suggested Ankara may be prepared to return the missiles, though Turkish officials have denied this. Political commentator Asli Aydintasbas, a fellow at the Brookings Institution, says that the strengthening relationship between Trump and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan means both sides are working to resolve the impasse. “He [Trump] himself is working with Turkey through his very effective ambassador, Tom Barrack, to find a solution,” said Aydintasbas. “There will be stiff opposition from the Greek lobby, Israelis and other regional players. But we've seen Trump skirt such opposition when it came to the Saudi Arabia F-35 sale.” Military edge Israeli security experts warn that Turkey's acquisition of F-35 jets poses a greater security risk to Israel than the Saudi deal due to the Turkish military's expertise, which threatens to challenge Israel's technological advantage. Currently, Israel maintains a significant edge as the Turkish air force operates decade-old jets, a factor that is increasingly important amid rising regional tensions. “There was definitely a concern in the spring that there might be a confrontation in the skies of Syria between Israel and Turkey,” said Gallia Lindenstrauss of the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Syria in crossfire as Turkish-Israeli rivalry heats up over Assad's successors She stresses the risk of confrontation has significantly diminished thanks to “de-confliction talks”, brokered by Azerbaijan. A Syria “hotline” now exists between Israel and Turkey to prevent what Lindenstrauss describes as “accidents between the Israeli Air Force and the Turkish Air Force”. Yet the need for such measures underscores how strained ties are. “The fact that it exists, of course, does point to the fact that things are not necessarily calm,” Lindenstrauss acknowledged. Provocative alliances Israel's conflict in Gaza has heightened tensions with Turkey. On New Year's Day, hundreds of thousands protested in Istanbul in support of Palestinians. Tensions escalated further as Israel increased military cooperation last month with Greece and Cyprus. Both Greece and Cyprus have unresolved territorial disputes with Turkey in the Mediterranean and Aegean Seas. “Israelis are provoking especially Greeks and Greek Cypriots,” said Murat Aslan of Seta, a Turkish pro-government think tank. “The Israeli pilots are educating and training Greek pilots. They are operating [drones] across the Aegean Sea. And they sold many complex missile systems. So that means Israelis are provoking Greece just to challenge Turkey here in the Aegean Sea.” In his New Year's address, Erdogan said he was closely monitoring what he describes as threats and provocations against Turkey and Turkish Cypriots. Aslan predicts Ankara will not remain passive. “If there is a pattern in the west of Turkey that Greeks and Israelis are cooperating, for the sake of Turkish security interests, for sure there will be a reaction,” he warned. Israel talks defence with Greece and Cyprus, as Turkey issues Netanyahu warrant Greece, which is also acquiring the F-35, has joined Israel in opposing Turkey's purchase of the jet, warning it would alter the balance of power. While Trump has expressed support for the Turkish sale, analyst Aydintasbas notes the US president is learning the limitations of his power when it comes to Israel. “Trump is going through what a lot of US presidents have experienced: frustration, and a question – ‘wait a minute, who's the superpower here?'” she said. “Because of the power dynamic in the US-Israeli relationship, it sometimes does point to a situation in which Israelis, though the weaker side technically, end up having the upper hand because of their enormous influence in the public space.” Aydintasbas predicts that, despite Trump's friendship with and admiration for Erdogan, the US president will be unwilling to pay the political price of securing the Turkish jet sale. “This is an issue on which Trump is not willing to fight the US Congress... and essentially ignore the US law,” she said. For the self-described master dealmaker, it may prove a deal too far.

Welcome to The Times of Israel's Lazar Focus. Each Friday, catch diplomatic correspondent Lazar Berman for a deep dive into what's behind the news that spins the globe. This week, we’re joined by Eran Ortal, a brigadier-general (res.) in the Israel Defense Forces (IDF) and a leading military theorist. Ortal commanded The Dado Center for Interdisciplinary Military Studies, and wrote "The Battle Before the War: The Inside Story of the IDF's Transformation," which came in second place for the Institute for National Security Studies's 2025 Tshetshik Prize. Months before the October 7 invasion of southern Israel by Hamas, Ortal warned in an interview with The Times of Israel that the country's "military situation is eroding, not improving," and that “time is not on our side." Ortal explains what glaring problems he saw in the military in which he served for decades. He says that the IDF concept in its initial decades enabled it to win its famous victories over far more numerous foes. He then lays out why the IDF's center of gravity moved from the armored corps to the Air Force and intelligence services. Over time, says Ortal, Israel also moved away from its focus on decisive victory, and pursued a series of indecisive deterrence operations against non-state enemies like Hamas and Hezbollah. While there were efforts underway in the IDF to implement a wide-ranging series of reforms in the years before October 7, the Hamas attack took place before they had the desired effect. Israel, he says, went to war with an army that had not been properly trained and resourced, which affected the course of the war in Gaza. Looking forward, the IDF must go through another transformation, Ortal argues. Those who argue for continuing to prioritize airpower are mistaken, as are those who call for a return to a focus on mass ground maneuver. Instead, there must not only be investment in AI, drones, and a network that brings them to the troops on the battlefield; Israel also needs a new strategy that employs cutting-edge technology to achieve decisive victory over its enemies. Lazar Focus can be found on all podcast platforms. This episode was produced by Ari Schlacht. IMAGE: Israeli soldiers are seen during an army raid in the West Bank town of Tubas, November 26, 2025. (AP Photo/Majdi Mohammed)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Washington is stepping up diplomatic efforts to address Israeli objections to a possible Turkish role in an International Stabilisation Force in Gaza, a move that could affect plans to disarm Hamas and advance US President Donald Trump's Gaza peace plan. Trump is due to host Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu on 29 December in Florida. The meeting is the latest attempt to revive the Gaza plan, which aims to move from a ceasefire towards the creation of a new governing arrangement in Gaza, the deployment of an international force and the disarmament of Hamas. On Friday, Turkish and Egyptian officials met their US counterparts in Miami. With a ceasefire in place in Gaza, Washington is pushing the next phase of its plan, which would include Turkish troops in an International Stabilisation Force. From Washington's perspective, Turkey's involvement is considered essential to the plan, said Asli Aydintasbas of the Brookings Institution. Turkey and Iran unite against Israel as regional power dynamics shift Israeli objections Hamas disarmament depends on the creation of a new Palestinian governing entity and the presence of international peacekeepers, with Turkey acting as a guarantor, Aydintasbas said. “Without Turkey in this process, decommissioning Hamas weapons would not occur. That is implicit in the agreement.” Turkey's close ties with Hamas are well known, with senior Hamas figures reportedly hosted in Turkey. While Turkey's Western allies label Hamas a terrorist group, President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has said its members are liberation fighters. Trump has publicly thanked Ankara for using its influence to encourage Hamas to accept the peace plan. Israel opposes any Turkish military presence in Gaza, fearing Turkey would support Hamas rather than disarm it. Israel is also concerned about cyber attacks attributed to Hamas operating from Turkish territory and doubts Turkey would act in Israel's interests, said Gallia Lindenstrauss, a Turkey analyst at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. “There's a risk of an accident between Israeli and Turkish forces, given the already high tensions and suspicions. It's hard to see a positive outcome,” she said. Israel has struggled to persuade Trump to back its position. “The US has its own priorities, and is receptive to Ankara due to strong Trump-Erdogan relations,” Lindenstrauss added. Turkey ready to help rebuild Gaza, but tensions with Israel could be a barrier Turkey's position Erdogan, who has cultivated close ties with Trump, has said Turkey is ready to send soldiers to Gaza. Reports have claimed Turkey has a brigade on standby for deployment. Turkey's relationship with Hamas is a “double-edged sword”, said Ozgur Unluhisarcikli, head of the German Marshall Fund office in Ankara. From Israel's point of view, Turkey is too close to Hamas, but “if you want to contribute to disarming them, dialogue is needed”. Any Gaza mission would be risky, but the Turkish army has decades of experience, Unluhisarcikli said. “It has a proven track record in terms of post-conflict stabilisation from the Balkans to Afghanistan. They have proven they can operate in such environments.” Despite strained diplomatic ties, the Turkish and Israeli militaries still maintain open communication. The two countries operate a hotline to avoid clashes between their air forces over Syria, demonstrating continued military coordination despite political tensions. Turkey warns Kurdish-led fighters in Syria to join new regime or face attack Regional doubts Egypt and Saudi Arabia distrust Turkey's ties with Hamas and question its intentions in Gaza, Unluhisarcikli said, with concerns that echo memories of Ottoman-era rule. On Monday, US Ambassador to Turkey Tom Barrack met Netanyahu in an effort to ease Israeli concerns. However, prospects for a breakthrough are likely to depend on this month's meeting between Netanyahu and Trump. Incentives may be offered to encourage Israel to accept Turkey's role, but the issue is unlikely to be resolved that way, said Asli Aydintasbas of the Brookings Institution. “Because this is such a fundamental and existential issue for Israel, I don't think incentives will work,” she said. “As to whether or not Trump would go so far as to withhold military or financial aid, it would be very unlikely. Rather, it may just let this situation sort of fester. I don't think the Americans have a clear plan to push forward if the answer from Netanyahu is to say no.”

For years, regional rivalries have limited cooperation between Turkey and Iran. Now, shared security concerns over Israel are providing common ground. During a recent Tehran visit, the Turkish foreign minister called Israel the region's "biggest threat". Turkish foreign minister Hakan Fidan, hosted in Tehran by his Iranian counterpart Abbad Aragchi, declared that both countries see "Israel as the biggest threat to stability in the Middle East", because of its "expansionist policies". Ankara is increasingly angry over Israel's military operations in Syria, which it considers a threat to security. Syria's new regime is a close Turkish ally. With the Iranian-backed Syrian regime overthrown and Iran's diminishing influence in the Caucasus, another region of competition with Turkey, Tehran is viewed by Ankara as less of a threat "Ankara sees that Tehran's wings are clipped, and I'm sure that it is also very happy that Tehran's wings are clipped", international relations expert Soli Ozel told RFI. Ozel predicts that diminished Iranian power is opening the door for more cooperation with Turkey. Cooperation "Competition and cooperation really define the relations. Now that Iran is weaker, the relationship is more balanced. But there are limits, driven by America's approach to Iran", said Ozel. Murat Aslan of SETA, the Foundation for Political, Economic, and Social Research, a Turkish pro-government think tank, points out that changing dynamics inside Iran also give an impetus to Turkish diplomatic efforts towards Tehran. Israel talks defence with Greece and Cyprus, as Turkey issues Netanyahu warrant "Iran is trying to build a new landscape in which they can communicate with the West, but under the conditions they have identified", observes Aslan. "In this sense, Turkey may contribute. So that's why Turkey is negotiating or communicating with Iran just to find the terms of a probable common consensus." However, warming relations between Turkey and Iran are not viewed in a favourable light by Israel, whose ministers have in turn accused Turkey of being Israel's biggest threat. Tensions are rising over Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan's strong support of Hamas, which Ankara's Western allies have designated as a terrorist organisation. "Obviously, Israel does not want to see Iranian and Turkish relations warm as Israel sees Iran as an existential threat and hence anything that helps Iran is problematic from Israel's perspective", warns Turkey analyst Gallia Lindenstrauss at the Institute for National Security Studies in Tel Aviv. Turkey warns Kurdish-led fighters in Syria to join new regime or face attack This month, Israeli security forces accused Hamas of operating a major financial operation in Turkey under Iranian supervision. Many of Hamas' senior members are believed to reside in Istanbul. American ally Israeli concerns over Turkey's improving Iranian ties will likely be exacerbated with Turkish officials confirming that a visit by President Erdogan to Iran has been "agreed in principle". Ankara also has a delicate balancing act to make sure its Iranian dealings don't risk antagonising its American ally, given ongoing tensions between Tehran and Washington. Good relations with Washington are vital to Ankara as it looks to US President Donald Trump to help ease tensions with Israel. "For Israel, the United States shapes the environment right now", observes Aslan. "The Turkish preference is to have an intelligence diplomacy with Israelis, not to have an emerging conflict, but rely on the American mediation and facilitation to calm down the situation", added Aslan.

Armin Krishnan is an Associate Professor and Director of Security Studies at East Carolina University, where he teaches foreign policy, international security, and intelligence studies. He has received his MA in Political Science, Sociology, and Philosophy at Ludwig-Maximilians University in Munich in 2001, his MA in Intelligence and International Relations at the University of Salford, UK, in 2003, and his PhD in Security Studies at the University of Salford, UK, in 2006. He has worked as a Research Associate at the University of Southampton, UK, before joining the University of Texas at El Paso in 2009 to teach in the Intelligence and National Security Studies program as a Visiting Assistant Professor. In 2013 he joined the Department of Political Science of East Carolina University as a tenure-track faculty. He is the author of many journal articles and six books on different aspects of contemporary warfare, such as military service contracting, autonomous weapons systems, targeted killings, neurowarfare, paramilitary operations, and fifth generation warfare. His current research interests include the political and military implications of blockchain technology, the Havana Syndrome, and hyperwar.

Syrians marked the first anniversary of the overthrow of Bashar al-Assad and his iron-fisted rule this week with jubilant celebrations in major cities, as the divided nation struggles to find stability and recover after years of war. The new leader, President Ahmed al-Sharaa, told a large crowd of supporters that his government had "laid out a clear vision for a new Syria as a state that looks towards a promising future", calling it a historic break from a "dark chapter". KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Carmit Valensi , the head of the Syria program at the INSS, the Institute for National Security Studies. (Photo:AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Iran remains a major threat to Israel and the United States – with clear ambitions to expand its influence and terror activity into the Western hemisphere, said Danny Citrinowicz, a former IDF military intelligence officer and Iran expert at the Institute for National Security Studies, speaking on the Haaretz Podcast. Those ambitions were recently highlighted when a U.S. official revealed an advanced plan by Iran to assassinate Israel’s ambassador to Mexico, using a base of operations in Venezuela. The official said the plot was foiled earlier this year. “Venezuela is the hub” of Iran’s activity in the region, Citrinowicz said, adding that Tehran is developing relationships with other South American countries with a sizable Shi’ite Muslim population and “controlled by the left” in the hope of uniting against a common enemy: the United States and its allies. “Iran can find a mutual language with every country that opposes the West,” he said. In his conversation with host Allison Kaplan Sommer, Citriowicz also discussed Iran’s renewal of its nuclear capabilities, as reported by the New York Times, and the potential Israeli response to the prospect that they appear to be increasing their missile capabilities to the point where they can rain thousands more explosives on Israel than they did in June’s 12-day war. “We’re in a very risky and unstable situation, and I don't think we’ve seen the last of the clashes between Israel and Iran.” Read more: What the Next Israel-Iran Missile War Will Look Like The Israeli Influence Operation Aiming to Install Reza Pahlavi as Shah of Iran Israeli FM: Iran Tried to Attack Multiple Israeli Embassies and Diplomats, Not Only Envoy in Mexico Paradox of Success: Israelis Fail to See That the Next Iran War Will Be Worse Opinion by Danny Citrinowicz | How a Historic Israel-Iran Non-aggression Pact Could Change the Middle EastSee omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Adam interviews Dr. Kyle Balzer and Bob Peters on their recent article in Breaking Defense. They discuss the future of the Sentinel ICBM program, particularly the potential for mobile basing options. They explore the cost implications, strategic effectiveness, and the need for political engagement to advocate for a more robust nuclear deterrent. The conversation emphasizes the importance of adapting to a changing threat environment, particularly with the rise of peer competitors like China, and the necessity of public discourse on nuclear strategy.Kyle Balzer is a Jeane Kirkpatrick Fellow at the American Enterprise Institute, where he specializes in US nuclear strategy and policy. He is currently working on a book project, The Revivalist: James R. Schlesinger and the Rebirth of Cold War U.S. Nuclear Strategy. It examines the origins of diagnostic net assessment and competitive nuclear strategies. His work has been published in Breaking Defense, National Review Online, The Hill, The National Interest, and War on the Rocks. Robert J. Peters is Chief of the Strategic Integration Directorate within the Strategic Trends and Effects Department (STED) at the Defense Threat Reduction Agency (DTRA). He leads efforts to generate actionable insights on counter-WMD and emerging threats, assess agency effectiveness, and foster strategic dialogues with allies through research and exercises.Previously, Peters was a Senior Research Fellow at the National Defense University's Center for the Study of Weapons of Mass Destruction. He also served as Special Assistant to the DASD for Countering WMD at the Office of the Secretary of Defense-Policy, and held roles at Northrop Grumman and the Potomac Institute.He holds an MA in National Security Studies from Georgetown University and a BA in Political Science and History from Miami University. His published work includes articles in Strategic Studies Quarterly, 38 North, and the Nonproliferation Review.Article Link: Forge ahead with the Sentinel ICBM, but consider making it mobile - Breaking DefenseSocials:Follow on Twitter at @NucleCastFollow on LinkedIn: https://linkedin.com/company/nuclecastpodcastSubscribe RSS Feed: https://rss.com/podcasts/nuclecast-podcast/Rate: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/nuclecast/id1644921278Email comments and topic/guest suggestions to NucleCast@anwadeter.org

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun on Thursday ordered the country’s military to confront any future Israeli incursions into southern Lebanon, following an overnight raid by Israeli forces in the border village of Blida that left a local municipal worker dead. The incident comes amid growing debate within Lebanon over whether the situation along the Israeli border is heading toward renewed conflict. The pro-Hezbollah newspaper Al-Akhbar reported that U.S. envoy Thomas Barrack has postponed a visit to Lebanon, citing a lack of progress and indicating Washington is unlikely to pressure Israel or intervene at this stage. KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Res Brig Gen Assaf Orion, an International Fellow at the Washington Institute for Near East Policy and a member of Israel's INSS, the Institute for National Security Studies. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Israel has made it clear that it will not accept Turkish troops deployed in Gaza as part of a post-war arrangement. To discuss the role of Turkey and what Ankara wants, KAN's Mark Weiss spoke with Dr Gallia Lindenstrauss, a senior Research Fellow at the INSS, the Institute for National Security Studies. (Photo: AP)See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Robert Bruce Adolph - a former Infantry Staff Sergeant - is a retired US Army Special Forces Lieutenant Colonel and UN Chief Security Advisor, as well as once a university lecturer on American History, US Government and World Politics. He is the author of the well-reviewed book “Surviving the United Nations: A true story of violence, corruption, betrayal, and redemption.” Robert holds graduate degrees in both International Affairs and National Security Studies and Strategy. His commentaries, articles and book reviews have appeared in over fifty newspapers, magazines, professional journals and academic publications for over four decades. He has additionally lived and worked in seventeen different countries in Europe, Asia, Africa, and the Middle East. Today he is an international speaker, commentator, and security consultant. Discover more at www.robertbruceadolph.com.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.