FDD Morning Brief The goal isn't a better deal — it's a free Iran | feat. Mark Dubowitz
Feb 23, 2026
Mark Dubowitz, CEO of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Iran policy expert. He breaks down Iran's succession and security structure. He warns about risky U.S.–Iran talks and IAEA pitfalls. He describes the scale of student-led protests and regime repression. He flags signs of possible military escalation and outlines what should be demanded in negotiations.
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Tucker Carlson's Ben-Gurion Episode Was A Non Interrogation
- Jon Schanzer describes Tucker Carlson's Ben-Gurion Airport episode as a non-event where Carlson took selfies rather than being interrogated.
- Schanzer ridicules the interview with Mike Huckabee and calls it 'journalism at its lowest point.'
Iran Creating Redundant Security Succession
- Iran is building deep redundancies in its security and succession structure to survive decapitation events.
- Jon Schanzer and Mark Dubowitz note Ali Larijani, Kalbaf, and Shamkani occupy overlapping security roles to ensure continuity if Khamenei is removed.
Negotiations Favor Iran Without Firm Red Lines
- The Iranians consistently out-negotiate the U.S. at the negotiating table, making talks risky without firm red lines.
- Dubowitz warns a short interim deal could net Iran tens of billions and expire as U.S. administrations change.