School of War Ep 265: Mark Dubowitz on Is Iran Next?
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Jan 12, 2026 
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and an expert on Iran policy, dives into the ongoing protests in Iran and potential U.S. and Israeli intervention. He discusses the implications of American strikes on the regime and argues that such actions could empower protesters. The episode also examines the rising influence of Reza Pahlavi, the son of the last Shah, and how fragmentation among Iranian elites is shaking the regime. Dubowitz critiques the Western left’s hesitance to confront the Islamic Republic directly.
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Reject Timed Negotiation Offers
- Do not be misled by Iranian offers to return to negotiations during crises because they aim to buy time and relief.
- President Trump should enforce his red line against mass slaughter rather than accept talks that forestall action.
Coordinate With Israel And Target Repression
- Coordinate U.S. action closely with Israel and share intelligence and operational planning.
- Use cyber and kinetic options to degrade IRGC, Basij, and intelligence capabilities that repress protesters.
Use Cyber To Restore Communications
- Use cyber tools to blind the regime's security apparatus and restore Iranian communications.
- Prioritize keeping Iranians online so they can mobilize and share evidence of repression globally.