Did Israel Push Trump into War with Iran? - podcast episode cover

Did Israel Push Trump into War with Iran?

Mar 04, 20261 hr 37 minEp. 509
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Summary

This episode dissects the chaotic and ill-conceived war with Iran, triggered by US strikes following reported Israeli pressure. Hosts Tommy and Ben critically examine the Trump administration's shifting justifications, the mounting civilian and military casualties, and the alarming lack of post-conflict planning. Iranian-American Congresswoman Yassamin Ansari highlights Congress's exclusion from critical information and the dangerous implications of arming separatist groups, advocating for multilateral solutions and self-determination for the Iranian people.

Episode description

Tommy and Ben discuss the ways in which the war in Iran seems to be spiraling out of control, from American service member deaths and devastating civilian casualties to Iranian drone strikes on embassies and the mounting global economic fallout. Meanwhile, the White House’s explanation for why the war started keeps getting more absurd. The guys unpack the claim that an impending Israeli strike somehow forced Trump’s hand, JD Vance’s reported push to “go big,” and the deep uncertainty around who might fill the leadership vacuum in Iran. Finally, they discuss the latest from Cuba and Lindsey Graham’s open call for regime change, and do a special deep dive on FBI Director Kash Patel’s extremely online girlfriend. Then, Ben speaks with Rep. Yassamin Ansari, who is Iranian-American, about the mixed emotions of the diaspora and what Congress can do about a war they weren’t consulted on.

For a closed-captioned version of this episode, click here. For a transcript of this episode, please email transcripts@crooked.com and include the name of the podcast.

Preorder Ben’s book All We Say: The Battle for American Identity: A History in 15 Speeches and subscribe to his Substack here.

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