I - On Defense Podcast - podcast cover

I - On Defense Podcast

I - On Defense www.buzzsprout.com

Probably the best defense commentary in the world. Top military and defense industry analysis in 45 minutes or less.

Last refreshed:
Follow this podcast in the Metacast mobile app to refresh it and see new episodes.
Download Metacast podcast app
Podcasts are better in Metacast mobile app
Don't just listen to podcasts. Learn from them with transcripts, summaries, and chapters for every episode. Skim, search, and bookmark insights. Learn more

Episodes

Report: US & Iran to Resume Nuclear Talks in Oslo + Hostage & Ceasefire Efforts Between Israel and Hamas Advancing + Pentagon Reviews US Military Support to Foreign Countries + More

For review: 1. Syrian state media reported Wednesday that statements on signing a peace deal with Israel were “premature.” 2. The IDF carried out an airstrike Thursday in the Lebanese village of Sil, near Beirut, targeting an operative for Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. According to the IDF, the target was involved in smuggling weapons and advancing terror plots, acting on behalf of the Quds Force, the IRGC’s foreign arm. 3. Iran on Wednesday formally suspended its cooperation with th...

Jul 04, 202520 minSeason 1Ep. 493

Israel & Syria Hold Talks on Security Matters + Iranian Foreign Minister: Diplomacy Not Off the Table + Australia & UK Conduct Freedom of Navigation Patrol Around Spratly Islands + More

For review: 1. Iranian Foreign Minister: Diplomacy Not Off the Table. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said it will take time and assurances from the US before Tehran is ready to re-engage in talks on its nuclear program. 2. US President Donald Trump said Monday he is not holding discussions with Iranian leaders and not offering them anything. 3. Israel & Syria Hold Talks on Security Matters. The neighboring states have been opposing sides of conflict in the Middle East for decades, i...

Jul 02, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 492

Israel - Iran War Summary + IAEA Chief on Iran's Enriched Uranium "We don't know where this material could be" + Japan Tests Type 88 Surface to Ship Missile + More

For review: 1. Israel - Iran War Summary. 2. UN nuclear watchdog chief Rafael Grossi says Iran likely will be able to begin to produce enriched uranium “in a matter of months,” despite damage to several nuclear facilities from US and Israeli attacks, CBS News said Saturday. 3. Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said Sunday that Israel’s operation against Iran has opened up “broad regional possibilities,” while stressing that freedom for hostages was a top priority. 4. A ballistic missile launched...

Jun 30, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 491

IDF Chief of Staff: Iran No Longer Nuclear Threshold State + Russian President: Moscow Ready for New Round of Direct Talks with Ukraine + US Army & USAF FY26 Budget Info + More

For review: 1. IDF Chief of Staff Lieutenant General Eyal Zamir has told colleagues that Iran is no longer a nuclear threshold state following the Israeli and US strikes on its nuclear program. While Iran may still maintain parts of its nuclear program, it has been set back by years, LTG Zamir has concluded. 2. Iranian Parliament votes to suspend cooperation with the IAEA. Bill sent to Iranian President for ratification. 3. President Trump prepared to remove sanctions on Iran- changes mind after...

Jun 28, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 490

IDF: Iran's Nuclear Program Set Back Years + Iran Foreign Ministry: Nuclear Facilities "Badly Damaged" + NATO Agrees to Increase Spending to 5% GDP + More

For review: 1. In a video statement on Tuesday summing up the war against Iran, Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu declared that Israel “achieved a historic victory” that would “abide for generations." “Now, the focus returns to Gaza, to bringing the hostages home and toppling Hamas rule,” he added. 2. IDF: Iran's Nuclear Program Set Back Years. Israel Defense Forces spokesman Brigadier General Effi Defrin said Wednesday: "I can say here that the assessment is that we significantly damaged the nu...

Jun 26, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 489

President Trump Announces Ceasefire Agreement between Israel and Iran + Iran Fires Missiles at US Base in Qatar - No Injuries + IAF Launches Extensive Strikes in Tehran + NATO Summit Begins Tomorrow

For review: 1.President Trump Announces Ceasefire Agreement between Israel and Iran. There was no immediate Israeli comment on President Trump’s announcement. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi later insisted on X that “as of now, there is NO ‘agreement’ on any ceasefire or cessation of military operations.” He said, however, that the Islamic Republic would not launch further attacks if Israel immediately ceased strikes. 2. Many questions remain after Sunday’s strikes, especially about the w...

Jun 24, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 488

US CJCS: 7 x B2 Bombers Dropped 14 x GBU-57/B Massive Ordnance Penetrators + IAEA Chief on Fordo: "Clear Indications of Impacts...Cannot Announce Degree of Damage + World Reaction

For review: 1. US CJCS: 7 x B2 Bombers Dropped 14 x GBU-57/B MOP Bombs. 2. IAEA Chief on Fordo: "Clear Indications of Impacts...Cannot Announce Degree of Damage. 3. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi warned Sunday morning of “everlasting consequences” after the American military had carried out an attack” on the Fordo, Natanz and Isfahan nuclear sites in Iran. 4. Iran’s Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi told a meeting of the Organization of Islamic Cooperation that he would be traveling to Mos...

Jun 23, 202533 minSeason 1Ep. 487

IAF Destroys Missile Launchers and Storage Sites in Tabriz & Kermanshah + Iran Launches Another Missile with Cluster Warhead + 5 x US Navy Guided Missile Destroyers in the Mediterranean Sea

For review: 1. On Thursday night, Hezbollah leader Naim Qassem offered "all forms of support" to Iran in its fight against Israel and the US. 2. On Friday, the Israeli Air Force fighter jets struck several Hezbollah military sites in southern Lebanon, the IDF says. 3. Iran Launches Another Missile with Cluster Warhead. The apparent targeting of Beersheba with a cluster bomb came after the IDF Home Front Command on Thursday confirmed that Iran had launched at least one ballistic missile carrying ...

Jun 21, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 485

IDF Strikes Heavy Water Reactor at Arak & Khondab + Iranian Missile Hits Hospital in Beersheba + US Moving Ships and Planes from Vulnerable Sites

For review: 1. Iran has appointed a new chief of intelligence at its Revolutionary Guards on Thursday, the official Irna news agency says, after his predecessor was killed in an Israeli strike last week. 2. IDF Strikes Heavy Water Reactor at Arak & Khondab. 3. The IAEA confirmed Thursday that IDF strikes had hit Iran’s partially built Khondab Heavy Water Research Reactor and damaged the nearby plant “IAEA has information the Khondab (former Arak) heavy water research reactor, under construct...

Jun 20, 202525 minSeason 1Ep. 484

US President On Order to Strike Iran: "I may do it, I may not do it" + Iran Supreme Leader: US Involvement Will "Result in Irreparable Damage" + IDF Evacuation Warning Near Heavy Water Reactor at Arak & Khondab

For review: 1. The foreign ministers of Germany, France and Britain plan to hold nuclear talks with their Iranian counterpart on Friday in Geneva, a German diplomatic source told Reuters. 2. Iran Supreme Leader: US Involvement Will "Result in Irreparable Damage." “Americans should know that any military involvement by the US will undoubtedly result in irreparable damage to them.” 3. Iranian media said that Israel briefly hacked state television broadcast on Wednesday. 4. Iran announced Wednesday...

Jun 19, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 483

IAEA Statement: Direct Impacts on Underground Enrichment Halls at Natanz + Iran Supreme Leader Defiant : "No mercy" + IDF Kills Latest Top General of Iranian Armed Forces + Will US Bunker-Busters Be Used at Fordo?

For review: 1. Iran Supreme Leader Defiant : "No mercy." Iran fired a pair of ballistic missile barrages at Israel early Wednesday, as Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei declared “the battle begins” and called to show “no mercy” toward Israelis. 2. Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps issues an evacuation warning for part of Tel Aviv, according to Iranian news agencies. 3. Iran has prepared missiles and other measures for potential strikes against US forces in the Middle East, (Ne...

Jun 18, 202528 minSeason 1Ep. 482

Israeli PM on Targeting Iranian Supreme Leader: "We're Doing What We Need to Do" + Iran Strikes Oil Refinery in Haifa + IDF Reports One Third of Iran's Missile Launchers Destroyed

For review: 1. Israeli PM on Targeting Iranian Supreme Leader: "We're Doing What We Need to Do." Targeting the Iranian Supreme Leader (Ayatollah Ali Khamenei) would be a surefire way to “end the conflict” with the Islamic Republic. 2. Eight people were killed by Iranian ballistic missiles that slammed into Israeli cities in at least five locations early Monday, and nearly 300 others were injured, as the conflict entered a fourth day. 3. Iran Strikes Oil Refinery in Haifa. 4. IDF bombed an Irania...

Jun 17, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 481

Israeli PM & President Visit Site of Deadly Missile Strike at Bat Yam + IDF Warns Citizens of Tehran to Evacuate + IDF Strikes Oil Refineries, Fuel Depots, and Gas Fields + More

For review: 1. The UN conference hosted by France and Saudi Arabia to work toward a two-state solution between Israel and the Palestinians has been postponed French President Emmanuel Macron said on Friday. France and Saudi Arabia had been set to host the gathering between June 17-20 in New York. 2. Israel smuggled attack drones into Iran using a variety of means, including trucks, shipping containers, and even suitcases, The Wall Street Journal reported on Sunday, citing sources familiar with t...

Jun 16, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 480

IDF Reports Air Superiority over Tehran + Iran Retaliating with Missile Barrages Across Israel + IDF Striking Iran's Energy Infrastructure + 6th Round of Talks in Oman Cancelled

For review: Latest information concerning Israel and Iran. 1. Iran cancels talks with US scheduled for Sunday in Oman. 2. Update on Iran missile strikes in Israel. 3. Israeli Defense Minister (Israel Katz): "Tehran will burn" - if Iran Supreme Leader does not stop missile attacks on Israel's Home Front. 4. IDF strikes Iran's energy infrastructure. 5. Israeli Official (unnamed): assassination of Supreme Leader "not off limits."

Jun 15, 202526 minSeason 1Ep. 479

US & Iran to Meet Sunday in Oman + IDF Ready for Strike on Iran Nuclear Sites + Hamas Has New Leader in Gaza + US Army Stops M10 Booker Full-Rate Production + More

For review: 1. Hamas and Abu Shabab Group clash in Gaza. Gaza’s Hamas-run police force said Thursday that it killed 12 members of the Abu Shabab militia in Gaza, which said its fighters had killed five Hamas operatives. 2. On Wednesday, the Wall Street Journal reported that Hamas Has New Leader in Gaza (Az al-Din Haddad). 3. US & Iran to Meet Sunday in Oman. A US official told Reuters that Special Envoy Steve Witkoff plans to meet Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi in Oman on Sunday and...

Jun 13, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 476

IAEA Chief Statement Concerning Iran's Claim of Sensitive Documents + Russia & Ukraine Prisoner Exchange + Two Chinese Carrier Groups Operating in W. Pacific + FY26 Pentagon Procurement Budget Info + More

1. After repeated warnings, the activist vessel (Madleen) intercepted by Israeli Navy. Four activists have been deported (voluntarily), and the remaining eight will appear before an Israeli tribunal- to authorize their deportation. 2. For the first time, Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas condemned Hamas’s October 7 attack on Tuesday, while reiterating his call for the terror group to release the remaining hostages in Gaza. “What Hamas did in October 2023 in killing and taking civilia...

Jun 11, 202527 minSeason 1Ep. 475

Iran Claims "Treasure Trove" of Israeli Sensitive Documents + German Taurus Missiles to Ukraine? + Chinese FC-31 Warplanes to Pakistan "Within Months" + More

For review: 1. As of Sunday AM, the activist humanitarian aid vessel (Madleen) is roughly 160 nautical miles from Gaza. Israeli Defense Minister Katz said Sunday that he had instructed the Israel Defense Forces to “prevent the ‘Madelaine’ hate flotilla from reaching the shores of Gaza.” 2. Israeli outlet Channel 12 reports that documents found during IDF operations in Gaza show a close effort between Qatar and Hamas to thwart US President Donald Trump’s “deal of the century” peace plan for Israe...

Jun 08, 202519 minSeason 1Ep. 474

Report: Iran Ordered Solid-Fuel Material From China for Missile Production + Russia Launches Large Drone & Missile Strike Across Ukraine + President Trump Nominates New SACEUR / EUCOM Commander + More

For review: 1. Wall Street Journal Report: Iran Ordered Solid-Fuel Material From China for Missile Production. The Journal report, which cited people familiar with the transaction, said Tehran had ordered enough ammonium perchlorate to potentially manufacture up to 800 missiles. 2. Israel has been arming the Abu Shabab Clan in the Gaza Strip as part of an effort to strengthen opposition to Hamas in the enclave, defense sources confirmed on Thursday. 3. The Israeli Navy is expected to block a hig...

Jun 07, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 473

US Vetoes UNSC Gaza Ceasefire Resolution + Iran Rejects US Nuclear Deal Proposal + NATO Secretary General: US is Committed to NATO; No Plans to Withdraw Troops + More

For review: 1. US Vetoes UNSC Gaza Ceasefire Resolution. “The United States has been clear we would not support any measure that fails to condemn Hamas and does not call for Hamas to disarm and leave Gaza,” Acting US Ambassador to the UN Dorothy Shea told the council before the vote. 2. Iran Rejects US Nuclear Deal Proposal. The supreme leader insisted Iran would not abandon its uranium enrichment program. 3. IDF responds with artillery barrage to rocket fire targeting the Israeli Golan Heights....

Jun 05, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 472

Russia & Ukraine Meet Again in Istanbul: Agree to Exchange Sick/Wounded Prisoners + Iran Readies a "No" Response to US Talks Proposal + UK to Increase Defense Spending to 2.5% GDP by 2027 + More

For review: 1. Ukrainian negotiators said Russia had again rejected an "unconditional ceasefire - but the two committed to return the bodies of 12,000 Soldiers. The two sides agreed to exchange all sick and heavily wounded prisoners of war, as well those aged under 25. 2. During talks in Istanbul, the Russian delegation handed Ukraine a "peace memorandum" with its proposals for a ceasefire, Russian-state media outlet TASS reported on June 2, publishing the alleged document. According to the docu...

Jun 03, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 471

Ukraine's Drone Strikes on Russian Airfields Target Bombers + Russian Missile Strike Targets Ukrainian Training Grounds + Nuclear Watchdog IAEA Reports Iranian Activity at Non-Declared Sites + More

For review: 1. The foreign ministers of Arab countries who had planned to visit the West Bank over the weekend condemned on Saturday Israel’s decision to block their trip. Ministers from Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates had been expected to take part alongside Turkey. 2. Ukraine's Drone Strikes on Russian Airfields Target Bombers. The Ukrainian Security Service (SBU) reported that the 01 June “Spider Web” drone operation caused approximately $7 billion in ...

Jun 02, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 470

Text of US Envoy Witkoff's Israel - Hamas Ceasefire Proposal + Saudi Arabia Advised Iran to Negotiate with Washington + Russia Prepared to Consider Ceasefire if Europe Halts Military Aid + More

For review: 1. Houthi rebels threaten to target Israeli civilian aircraft after latest IDF strike on Sanaa International Airport. 2. Israel to block a delegation of Middle Eastern foreign ministers from making a visit to the West Bank. The foreign ministers from Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan, Qatar and Turkey were slated to meet with Palestinian Authority President Mahmoud Abbas in Ramallah on Sunday. 3. In April, Saudi Arabia Advised Iran to Negotiate with Washington. Sa...

May 31, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 469

US Initiative Begins Aid Distribution in Gaza + Russia Rejects Next Round of Peace Talks to Occur in Vatican; Perhaps Geneva + Sweden Security Assistance to Ukraine Worth $501 Million + US Army to Upgrade M270 MLRS to the A2 Variant + More

For review: 1. A senior Israeli official said Monday that a Hostage release and Ceasefire deal with Hamas has been rejected. The proposal- as reported by Lebanese outlet Al-Mayadeen- called for a ceasefire of about 70 days during which 10 living hostages would be released in two phases, modifying the so-called Witkoff outline, which laid out a shorter ceasefire for the release of about 10 living hostages. 2. US Initiative Begins Aid Distribution in Gaza. The Gaza Humanitarian Foundation (GHF), s...

May 28, 202518 minSeason 1Ep. 468

Russia & Ukraine Complete Largest Prisoner Exchange of the War + IDF Prepares for Ground Offensive in Gaza with 5 Divisions + US Lifts Economics Sanctions on Syria + More

For review: 1. Houthis continue missile attacks on Israel. A ballistic missile launched at Israel by the Houthis was successfully intercepted by air defenses, the military said Sunday. It was the third attack in four days, and the fifth since last Sunday. 2. IDF Prepares for Ground Offensive in Gaza with 5 Divisions. When the major ground offensive is launched, the Palestinian population will be pushed into three small zones in Gaza. The IDF will then capture the rest of Gaza, clear it of Hamas ...

May 26, 202521 minSeason 1Ep. 467

Russia & Ukraine Swap 390 Prisoners; More Expected in Coming Days + Updated Info on Strike that Targeted Hamas Leader + USAF Test Launches Minuteman III Missile + More

For review: 1. Updated Info on Strike that Targeted Hamas Leader. The strike that targeted and possibly eliminated Hamas leader Muhammad Sinwar in Gaza earlier this month was made possible when the terror chief made the rare mistake of moving without a defensive “hostage belt” protecting him, according to a Friday report. 2. Israel will receive a “devastating and decisive response” if it attacks Iran, the IRGC said on Thursday as Tehran vowed to defend its nuclear sites, days after two separate ...

May 24, 202530 minSeason 1Ep. 466

US & Iran to Meet Friday in Rome for 5th Round of Talks + Report: Israel Ready to Strike Iran if Nuclear Talks with US Break Down + DoD Accepts Qatari 747 Jet: Will Undergo Modification for President's Use + More

For review: 1. US & Iran to Meet Friday in Rome for 5th Round of Talks. 2. Report: Israel Ready to Strike Iran if Nuclear Talks with US Break Down. Israel is getting ready to quickly strike Iran if ongoing talks between the United States and the Islamic Republic over the latter’s nuclear program break down, Axios reports, citing a pair of Israeli sources. 3. Israel and Turkey have reached an agreement in principle aimed at preventing any unwanted incidents between both countries’ militaries ...

May 22, 202529 minSeason 1Ep. 465

President Trump Phone Call with Russian President + EU Preparing Sanctions Package + De facto Hamas Leader Killed in Khan Younis Tunnel Strike + Upgraded THAAD Radar Tracks Hypersonic Missiles + More

For review: 1. President Trump Phone Call with Russian President. President Trump sought to emphasize what he described as an excellent “tone and spirit” shared with the Kremlin leader. President Putin, meanwhile, described the call as “meaningful and frank.” 2. EU Preparing Sanctions Package. The EU is preparing an important sanctions package against Russia as Moscow continues to refuse a ceasefire, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said in a press conference on May 19. 3. The EU & the...

May 20, 202523 minSeason 1Ep. 464
Hosted on Buzzsprout
For the best experience, listen in Metacast app for iOS or Android