This Is Not A Drill with Gavin Esler Israel-Iran — Will Trump drag America into the conflict?
5 snips
Jun 19, 2025 In a gripping discussion, Paul Salem, a seasoned expert on the Middle East and former president of the Middle East Institute, unpacks the fraught dynamics between Israel and Iran. As tensions escalate, they explore the possibility of U.S. military involvement under Trump, and how his supporters are divided over intervention strategies. Salem also sheds light on the challenges facing Iran's regime amidst internal dissent, and the cautious responses from Arab nations. The conversation is a deep dive into the complexities of geopolitics in this volatile region.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Israel Drives Conflict Agenda
- The conflict is mainly between Israel and Iran, with Israel driving the agenda and pressuring the US to act against Iran's nuclear program.
- Israel's destruction of Iran's air defenses creates a rare opportunity to target Iran's nuclear facilities, forcing difficult decisions for the US.
Risks of US Air Strikes on Iran
- Iran's air defenses are weakened but not eliminated, creating risk for US air strikes with bombers like the B-2.
- Retaliation risks include attacks on US bases and Gulf energy infrastructure, posing multiple risks to US interests.
Iran's Limited Options
- Iran's options are bleak, facing weakened defenses and limited diplomatic recourse.
- Retaliating against the US or Gulf states would worsen Iran's situation and provoke further escalation.