The Rest Is Politics 506. Trump Attacks Iran: What Happens Now?
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Feb 28, 2026 They unpack Tehran’s strikes and Iran’s counterattacks on Israeli and US assets. Discussion covers US and Israeli military buildup and intelligence misreads. They debate political timing and whether actions are meant to distract from domestic scandals. The conversation explores regional escalation risks, legal limits on intervention, and possible political outcomes inside Iran.
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Pretextual Military Buildup Before Strikes
- The US and Israel built up a large regional military presence for months before launching strikes on Iran.
- Rory Stewart and Alastair Campbell compare the pattern to previous US posturing around Venezuela that then led to sudden action.
Misreading Iran's Resolve
- Influential advisers, including Netanyahu, have convinced Trump Iran is weakened and vulnerable to limited strikes.
- Trita Parsi argues Trump believes airpower will force surrender, but Iranians fear surrender more than war, so strikes may backfire.
Targets Span Iran's Heartland And US Regional Assets
- Strikes targeted Iran's cultural, religious, and political centers while Iran retaliated against US assets and Israel.
- Cities hit include Tehran, Tabriz, Esfahan, Qom and strikes reportedly aimed at US bases in Qatar, Bahrain and Kuwait.