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Behnam Ben Taleblu

Senior director of the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, specializing in Iranian politics, security forces, and protest dynamics.

Top 10 podcasts with Behnam Ben Taleblu

Ranked by the Snipd community
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28 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 58min

PDB Situation Report | January 10th, 2026: Former CIA Caracas Chief Explains What's Next For Venezuela & Iran’s Regime On The Brink

Rick DeLatore, a retired CIA operations officer and former Chief of Station in Caracas, discusses the recent US operation that removed Nicolás Maduro, detailing the challenges of transitioning power in Venezuela. He outlines the complexities of foreign influence and the internal corruption within the military. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, analyzes the escalating protests in Iran, highlighting their shift from economic grievances to a direct challenge to the regime's legitimacy and the potential implications for its future.
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28 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 42min

Ep 261: Behnam Ben Taleblu on the (Next!) Iran-Israel War

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies specializing in Iran's missile and security programs, joins the discussion. He delves into Iran's missile advancements and the implications for U.S. and Israeli defense strategies. The conversation covers Iran's reliance on China for missile components, the risks posed by its ballistic missile capabilities, and the balancing act of regional power between Israel, Iran, and Turkey. Ben Taleblu also emphasizes the need for effective U.S. strategies to address the evolving threat landscape.
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16 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 1min

PDB Situation Report | February 1st, 2025: Is Iran Setting A ‘Trump Trap’? & America’s Own ‘Iron Dome’ System

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow focused on Iranian strategy, discusses how Tehran is influencing its proxy forces to avoid conflict with Trump, interpreting this as a sign of weakness. Brandon Weichert, a national security editor and author, dives into the proposed 'Iron Dome'-like missile defense system, exploring its space-based technology and the challenges posed by hypersonic threats. The conversation also emphasizes the complexities in U.S.-Iran negotiations amidst internal unrest and critiques past diplomatic strategies.
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13 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 53min

Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives into Iran's urgent nuclear ambitions. He emphasizes the critical moment for the U.S. and allies to take decisive action against a nuclear-capable Iran. The discussion highlights complex strategies for prevention, weighing military action against diplomatic negotiations. Ben Taleblu also draws parallels with North Korea's situation, exploring regional destabilization risks and the pressing need for a renewed focus on containment and reconciliation.
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12 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 54min

BONUS RELEASE: Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?

In this thought-provoking discussion, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Barbara Slavin, a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, tackle the urgent issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions. They debate the consequences of a potentially nuclear-armed Iran, weighing the risks of military action against diplomatic options. The conversation highlights the geopolitical fallout for the U.S. and its allies, exploring the historical context, strategies for engagement, and the implications for regional stability.
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9 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 23min

FDD Morning Brief | feat. Behnam Ben Taleblu (Jun. 18)

Behnam Ben Taleblu is the Senior Director of FDD's Iran Program and a leading expert on Iran's military strategy. In this discussion, he dives into Iran's growing missile capabilities and Israel’s effective countermeasures, revealing the shifting landscape of regional power. He also addresses the Iranian people's struggle against their regime, highlighting their national pride amid discontent. Additionally, Taleblu analyzes the complexities of U.S. military involvement and emerging geopolitical maneuvers, including potential dangers posed by outside interventions.
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Jun 23, 2025 • 36min

FDD Morning Brief | Damage Assessment: U.S. Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Sites (Jun. 23)

In this discussion, retired Admiral Mark Montgomery, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a noted analyst on Iranian dynamics, and Bradley Bowman, a military strategy expert, delve into recent U.S. strikes on Iran's nuclear sites. They dissect the tactical execution and complexities of these operations. The group also examines the rising threats to U.S. bases in the Middle East and Israel's air superiority over Iran. Furthermore, they address the perilous alliances forming between Iran, China, Russia, and North Korea, underscoring the geopolitical implications for regional security.
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Jan 21, 2026 • 22min

The Iranian Uprising – with Behnam Ben Taleblu

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives into Iran's unprecedented unrest. He discusses the regime's brutal internet shutdown and its far-reaching implications. Ben Taleblu highlights how economic factors and U.S. political messaging have influenced public sentiment against the regime. He also proposes strategic non-kinetic options and urges for targeting the leadership to weaken the regime's grip. His insights reveal the potential for a societal shift in Iran, questioning the longevity of the Islamic Republic.
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Jan 12, 2026 • 28min

Will this protest wave rewrite Iran's future? | feat. Behnam Ben Taleblu

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at FDD's Iran Program, dives deep into the current wave of protests in Iran, labeling them as the most significant anti-regime movement in decades. He highlights the struggle during the internet blackout and the stark rise in casualties. Discussing the unique demographic shift, Ben identifies this uprising's evolution from a call for reform to demands for revolution. He emphasizes the importance of international support and the risks associated with negotiating with the regime, calling for strategic measures to empower the protesters.
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Jan 7, 2026 • 23min

Evening Edition: The Relationship Between Venezuela, Iran And Hezbollah Terrorists

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, offers keen insights into the complex ties between Iran, Venezuela, and Hezbollah. He delves into Iran's military cooperation with Venezuela, including drone transfers and defense strategies. The discussion highlights Hezbollah's transformative presence in South America and the historical context of Iran's influence in the region. Ben Taleblu also warns about the U.S. response to ongoing Iranian operations and its implications for future regional security.

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