Unholy: Two Jews on the News Special update - Israel at war with Iran | With Dr. Suzanne Maloney
Jun 13, 2025
Suzanne Maloney, a Vice President at the Brookings Institution and an authority on Iranian affairs, discusses the recent escalation between Israel and Iran. She unpacks Israel's airstrikes targeting Iran's nuclear sites and the immediate fallout. The conversation delves into the strategic military calculations by both nations, highlighting fears of Iranian retaliation and the intricacies of regional stability. Maloney also examines how these events could affect Iran's nuclear ambitions, showcasing the complexities of modern geopolitical tensions in the Middle East.
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Israel's Targeted Strike Strategy
- Israel launched a large-scale, sophisticated operation targeting top Iranian security officials and nuclear scientists.
- The aim was to disrupt leadership rather than deeply penetrate nuclear sites, given Israel's solo approach.
Disruption of Iran's Military Leadership
- The assassinations disrupted Iran's military command and shocked its leadership deeply.
- Individuals assassinated were senior commanders key to coordinating Iran's military and nuclear responses.
Strike Preserves Nuclear Sites
- Israel's operation preserved much of the nuclear physical infrastructure while hitting key figures and air defenses.
- The strike was designed to compensate for limited strike capabilities with deep intelligence and multifaceted tactics.