3/20/25 Ken Klippenstein on How the US Would Wage War on Iran
Mar 24, 2025
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Ken Klippenstein, an investigative journalist known for his work at The Intercept and The Nation, dives deep into U.S. military planning regarding Iran. They discuss Trump's recent strikes in Yemen and examine the complex connections between the Houthis and Iran. Klippenstein reveals the intricacies of U.S.-Iran relations, the challenges of military strategies, and the implications of nuclear capabilities in modern warfare. The conversation critiques American foreign policy and highlights missed diplomatic opportunities, shedding light on the potential consequences of escalating tensions.
Recent U.S. military actions, particularly Trump's targeted strikes in Yemen, signify an escalation that could provoke Iranian aggression complicating regional dynamics.
The Pentagon's updated war plans for Iran reflect a strategic shift toward air power and cyber warfare, highlighting evolving conflict definitions and potential nuclear implications.
Deep dives
Escalation of Strikes Against Houthi Forces
Recent military actions against Houthi forces in Yemen have drawn attention due to their significant escalation compared to past strikes. Unlike previous operations under the Biden administration, which were largely ineffective, the recent strikes under the Trump administration specifically targeted command and control facilities and senior leadership within the Houthi ranks. Such targeted strikes raise the level of involvement and could potentially provoke a serious response from the Houthis, including attacks on U.S. assets and allies. National Security Advisor Mike Waltz has indicated that these attacks will be interpreted as acts of aggression by Iran, further complicating the regional dynamics.
Changing Dynamics in U.S.-Iran Relations
The complex relationship between Iran and Yemen's Houthi rebels continues to be misrepresented in mainstream media, often framing the Houthis as mere Iranian puppets. Historically, Iran's influence over the Houthis has been overstated, with the two having a more nuanced relationship marked by periods of conflict and divergence in interests. For instance, Iran advised the Houthis against seizing control of Yemen's capital in 2014, fearing a violent backlash from Saudi Arabia. This misconception can lead to dangerous oversimplifications of the regional power dynamics and already inflamed tensions, as many believe a stronger Iranian influence threatens U.S. interests in the area.
Pentagon's Updated War Plans for Iran
Recent procurement records reveal that the Pentagon is updating its war plans for Iran, a process that rarely occurs and indicates escalating concerns within the U.S. military establishment. This comprehensive planning effort now involves multiple branches of the U.S. government and reflects changes in the nature of warfare, suggesting that the Pentagon is preparing to address not just conventional responses but also low-intensity conflicts that have been ongoing. Moreover, recent military exercises involving nuclear-capable B-52 bombers near Iranian borders highlight the seriousness of these preparations. Analysts suggest that these updates may be driven by a perceived shift in regional dynamics and a growing sense that military action against Iran could garner more support domestically and among U.S. allies, despite the potentially catastrophic consequences of such actions.
The Complexity of Modern Warfare
The current landscape of warfare has transformed dramatically, relying more on air power and cyber warfare instead of traditional ground troops, as reflected in recent U.S. military strategies. This shift complicates the definition of war, as advances in technology allow for conflicts to be fought without direct troop engagements, leading to misunderstandings and complacency in public discourse. Military planners are updating strategies to account for the use of both conventional arms and low-yield nuclear options, which could normalize the use of nuclear weapons in conflict scenarios. It's crucial for the anti-war movement and the public to recognize these changes to prepare for potential escalations that might not manifest in traditional forms, thus avoiding the pitfalls of past military involvements.
Ken Klippenstein joins Scott to discuss some articles he recently wrote about the plan the American government has for fighting a war with Iran. They start with a discussion of Trump’s strikes on the Houthis of Yemen and then get into all Klippenstein’s learned about how Washington would go about fighting a hot war against the Iranian regime.
Kenneth Klippenstein is an American journalist who worked at The Intercept. Prior to joining The Intercept, Klippenstein was the D.C. Correspondent at The Nation, and previously was a senior investigative reporter for the online news program The Young Turks. Follow his work on Substack