Slate Daily Feed Political Gabfest | Let’s Plunge, New York
Jun 26, 2025
Steven Cook, a Senior Fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations, delves into President Trump's controversial bombing of Iran's nuclear facilities, discussing its geopolitical implications and the necessity for diplomacy. The conversation also touches on Zohran Mamdani's stunning victory in the NYC mayoral primary, showcasing the shifting political landscape. Additionally, revelations from a whistleblower expose misconduct related to deportation orders during the Trump administration, raising serious ethical concerns within the Justice Department.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Exaggeration of Iran Bombing Effects
- President Trump's claim of totally obliterating Iran's nuclear facilities is exaggerated and lacks verification.
- Preliminary intelligence suggests the bombing set Iran's program back by only months, not years.
Iranian Military Weakness Revealed
- The relatively mild Iranian response to bombings reveals limitations in their military capabilities.
- Despite fears, Iran and its proxies show restraint, indicating a weaker regime than often perceived.
Risks of Unlawful Military Action
- Bombing Iran without imminent threat violates principles of international and US law requiring congressional war declarations.
- Military action risks making diplomacy harder and incentivizes Iran to pursue nuclear weapons.
