The Daily Signal Victor Davis Hanson: Obama Dreamed of an Iranian-Led Axis to Counter Israel, Then Trump Destroyed It
Sep 2, 2025
The podcast dives into the dramatic decline of Iran's power in the Middle East, highlighting the impacts of targeted strikes and sanctions from the U.S. and Israel. Victor Davis Hanson discusses the failed strategy of using Iran as a counterweight to Israel, pointing out that this approach only fueled internal strife within Iran. The conversation reveals how a shift in tactics has tilted the balance in favor of Israel and more moderate Arab states, suggesting a volatile future for the region.
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Iran Exposed As A Paper Tiger
- Victor Davis Hanson argues Iran is near collapse after military and nuclear setbacks exposed it as weak.
- He links Israel's strikes and U.S. removal of nuclear assets to Iran's current paralysis and paranoia.
Assassinations Deterring Iran's Experts
- Targeted killings and strikes have made Iranian scientists and generals vulnerable and fearful.
- Hanson argues visible assassinations deter open affiliation with Iran's nuclear and military projects.
Domestic Strain Fueling Iranian Instability
- Hanson emphasizes Iran lacks popular support and suffers severe economic and social breakdowns.
- He points to outages, inflation, and sanctions as drivers of internal dissent and regime fragility.