

The Roots of Iran’s Nuclear Program w/ Mark Dubowitz
35 snips Jun 16, 2025
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, brings a wealth of knowledge on Iran's nuclear ambitions. He discusses the science of uranium enrichment and how U.S. policies have evolved from Obama to Trump to Biden. Dubowitz emphasizes the heightened stakes for Israel and global stability following recent events, advocating for understanding the complex dynamics shaping Iran's geopolitical landscape. He also outlines the implications of military confrontations involving Israel amidst changing strategies in U.S.-Iran relations, making this a timely and insightful discussion.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Dubowitz's Career Pivot
- Mark Dubowitz started working on Iran policy after being upset by BBC's 9-11 coverage.
- He switched careers from venture capital to join a think tank focusing on Iran sanctions.
Why Iran's Nukes Matter
- Iran's nuclear ambitions threaten the US, Israel, and regional stability due to its revolutionary ideology.
- Iran seeks nuclear weapons to spread its influence and counter US and Israeli military power.
Iran's Shia Islamist Ambition
- The Islamic Republic was founded to establish the first modern Shiite Islamist state.
- Ayatollah Khomeini aimed to dominate the Muslim world and challenge Sunni-majority regimes like Saudi Arabia.