Mehdi Unfiltered Israel 'Wants a Failed State' in Iran: Ex-Obama Official Slams the War and the Dems' Weak Response to It
19 snips
Mar 13, 2026 
Ben Rhodes, former Deputy National Security Advisor and foreign policy commentator. He argues Israel and Netanyahu pushed the US toward conflict with Iran. They discuss how US leaders missed diplomatic chances, Democratic rhetoric that hardened policy, and the risks of regional escalation. The conversation focuses on political pressure, missed opportunities, and who stands to gain or lose.
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Trump Pulled Trigger Without A Clear Plan
- Ben Rhodes says the Iran war was long predictable after Trump left the JCPOA and killed Qasem Soleimani.
- He calls Trump's execution 'half-assed' with no pretext, explanation, or clear objectives and blames Netanyahu's pressure.
War Targets Serve Israel More Than America
- Rhodes argues the current war's targets (ballistic missiles, military capability) serve Israel's security more than U.S. national security.
- He emphasizes Iran lacked an ICBM threat to the U.S. and wasn't near weaponization when attacked.
Netanyahu Wanted No Diplomacy With Iran
- Rhodes recalls Netanyahu publicly demanding terms that made diplomacy impossible, like eliminating missiles and proxies.
- He says Netanyahu signalled he preferred military confrontation over the JCPOA and voiced that in speeches to Congress.