The Dispatch Podcast cover image

The Dispatch Podcast

When A Weak Iran Goes Nuclear | Interview: Michael Singh

Feb 3, 2025
Michael Singh, managing director at The Washington Institute, draws on his extensive expertise in Middle East policy. He discusses the precarious situation of a weakened Iran potentially going nuclear. Topics include Iran's military challenges, the significance of its proxy operations, and the strategies needed to prevent a nuclear threat. Singh emphasizes the necessity of a maximum pressure campaign and the complexities of U.S.-Iran relations. He also predicts Iran's nuclear capabilities by 2029 and the need for a collaborative approach from the U.S. and Israel.
50:45

Episode guests

Podcast summary created with Snipd AI

Quick takeaways

  • Iran's proximity to achieving nuclear capabilities amidst its weakened military state presents a precarious threat to regional stability.
  • The proposed U.S. strategy combines economic pressure and support for internal opposition to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.

Deep dives

Iran's Current Nuclear Threat

Iran is now closer than ever to developing a nuclear weapon, with a breakout time reduced to just a few days. This means that if Iran decides to pursue nuclear armament, it could produce enough highly enriched uranium for a nuclear weapon within a week. The current Iranian regime is more vulnerable than it has been since 1979, having suffered significant military setbacks against Israeli forces. Yet, this paradox of being both exposed and close to nuclear capability presents a dangerously volatile situation for the region.

Get the Snipd
podcast app

Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
App store bannerPlay store banner

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode

Save any
moment

Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways

Share
& Export

Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more

AI-powered
podcast player

Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features

Discover
highlights

Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode