The Inside Story Podcast How dangerous is the situation between Iran and US/Israel?
Feb 28, 2026
Mehran Kamrava, Georgetown professor of government in Qatar, offers academic context on Iran and regional politics. Daniel Levy, president of the U.S./Middle East Project and former Israeli negotiator, analyzes US and Israeli policy choices. They discuss the scale of strikes and retaliation. They debate domestic politics, the limits of air power, and whether diplomacy can survive this gamble.
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Pretext Of Preemptive Strikes Risks Regional Backlash
- Daniel Levy warns the US and Israel carried out preemptive strikes on Iran under flimsy pretenses, risking civilian deaths like schoolchildren in southern Iran.
- He argues the campaign looks aimed at regime change and may be driven by Israeli interests more than clear American national security needs.
War Launched Without A Clear Case Or Strong International Pushback
- Mehran Kamrava says Trump hasn't made a compelling public case for war, yet immediate domestic and international dissent is muted.
- He highlights weak European criticism and limited congressional pushback despite thin justification for strikes.
Prolonged Conflict Could Erode Trump's Support Base
- Daniel Levy suggests Trump's political standing and promise of being anti-war may make this conflict a liability for his base if it becomes prolonged.
- He notes MAGA supporters' declining support for Israel could intensify pressure if US casualties mount.