The Hugh Hewitt Show: Highly Concentrated The Uprising in Iran
Jan 13, 2026
Dr. Michael Oren, a historian and former Israeli ambassador, discusses the implications of the Iran protests and explores military options for the U.S. Mark Dubovitz, an Iran expert, outlines the protest scale and the regime's brutalities, suggesting targeted actions against Iranian missile programs. Retired Admiral Mark Montgomery reviews naval capabilities and the importance of U.S. deterrence. Together, they analyze strategic responses to the crisis and the potential for aiding the Iranian populace in their fight against oppression.
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Trump’s Credibility As Leverage
- Hugh Hewitt argues President Trump’s repeated threats to Iran have built high credibility that could deter the regime.
- He warns that backing off now would risk eroding that credibility and empower Iran’s delay tactics.
Protests Alone May Not Topple Regime
- Michael Oren is skeptical the protests alone will topple Iran given regime manpower and coercive capacity.
- He sees a negotiated or reoriented outcome as plausible, possibly reducing Iran’s hostility without total collapse.
Target Repression And Restore Communications
- Mark Dubovitz recommends targeting Iran's repression apparatus and restoring communications to expose abuses.
- He advises striking missile capabilities before Israel does to deter massive Israeli retaliation risk.