President Trump’s decision to bomb three Iranian nuclear sites has thrown the Middle East into uncertainty.
In this razor-sharp Substack Live, I was happy to sit down with
to discuss Trump’s strikes on Iran, analyze Iran’s retaliatory strikes on U.S. bases, break down the risks for escalation, the potential for de-escalation, and the fractures in the GOP that this military intervention has exposed.Iran’s retaliatory strikes were reportedly telegraphed in advance to Qatar. Most missiles were intercepted. So far, there have been no casualties or major damage. This could be a symbolic response on Iran’s part, perhaps seeking to de-escalate. Rick and I discussed the possibility of short-term de-escalation, but also the possibility that Trump’s strikes may result in a deeper long-term threat of Iran deciding that pursuing a nuclear weapon is a survival necessity.
We explored how Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has manipulated Trump into attacking Iran and why this move risks dragging America into another endless conflict. As Rick pointed out, this wasn’t a strategic flex—it was a reactive decision shaped by poor counsel and Fox News-driven pressure.
We also unpacked the widening rift inside the Republican Party. There was a legacy right-wing media vs. new MAGA media power struggle over the past week. Fox News was pushing Trump toward escalation. Bannon, Tucker, and others were pushing him toward non-intervention. Fox News won this round pretty quickly.
This dynamic has highlighted a major rift. It’s a revealing moment. As Iran strikes back and the global order teeters, the GOP is increasingly showcasing fractures in its coalition that Democrats can take advantage of,
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