The Lawfare Podcast Lawfare Daily: The Israel/Iran Conflict: What Do We Know So Far?
Jun 18, 2025
Suzanne Maloney, a foreign policy expert at the Brookings Institution, and Joel Braunold, managing director at the S. Daniel Abraham Center for Middle East Peace, delve into the escalating Israel-Iran tensions. They discuss Israel's recent military strikes, driven by security concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions. The duo unpacks U.S. foreign policy's uncertainty, emphasizing the shifting dynamics in the region and the potential for dramatic changes in international relations. Their insights paint a complex picture of conflict and diplomacy in a fragile landscape.
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Israel’s Timing on Iran Attacks
- Israel acted now partly due to fears of a weak US negotiation with Iran advancing a flawed nuclear deal.
- The Israeli government seized what it saw as a last opportune moment before Iran rearmed.
Historic Israeli Attack Unfolds
- Israel’s attack was a spectacular and historic operation against Iranian nuclear and military targets.
- The effectiveness raises uncertainty about the conflict’s future trajectory and US involvement.
Why Israel Struck Now
- Israel sees the post-October 7 context, weakened Iranian proxies, and Syria’s collapse as a window to strike Iran.
- They want to prevent Iranian nuclear advances and capitalize on Iran’s weakened state.