School of War Ep 279: Mark Dubowitz on U.S.-Israel War with Iran
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Feb 28, 2026 
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Iran policy expert, breaks down a sudden U.S.-Israel campaign against Iran. Discussions cover reported strikes on leadership, the campaign’s historical roots, Iran’s likely all-in retaliation, and how the U.S. and Israel divide roles targeting capabilities versus leadership. High-stakes coordination and the limits of airpower are explored.
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Leadership Targets Hit In Initial Strikes
- The strikes targeted Iran's senior leadership and facilities, possibly including Ayatollah Khamenei's residence in Tehran.
- Mark Dubowitz says Israeli intelligence and Mossad penetration made decapitation targeting feasible and would be an historic operational blow if successful.
October 7 Shifted Israel From Containment To Escalation
- October 7, 2023 shifted Israel from containment to escalation-to-de-escalate, enabling a prolonged campaign against Iran's proxies and programs.
- Dubowitz argues Israeli battlefield success convinced the U.S. it could pursue a larger campaign against Iran's capabilities.
U.S. Aims Focus On Nuclear And Missile Capabilities
- President Trump's stated war aims focus narrowly on preventing an Iranian nuclear weapon and stopping missile/ICBM development.
- Dubowitz notes Trump limited negotiations to nuclear issues while signaling willingness to pressure missiles and proxy threats indirectly.