Glenn Diesen - Greater Eurasia Podcast Ray McGovern: Israel Lost the Iran War - May Use Nuclear Weapons
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Mar 13, 2026 
Ray McGovern, a former CIA analyst who prepared Presidential Daily Briefs, offers a stark take on Israel, Iran and the risk of nuclear use. He discusses how the conflict began, stalled diplomacy in Geneva, shifting U.S. and Gulf calculations, intelligence failures, and why Iran may now hold the upper hand. Short warnings about escalation and geopolitical realignment punctuate the conversation.
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US Pulled Into War Because Israel Initiated Attacks
- Ray McGovern argues the US was drawn into the Israel-Iran conflict largely because Israel initiated attacks and pressured US decision-makers.
- He cites Marco Rubio's admission and close timing between Israeli action and US strikes as evidence the US was 'mousetrapped' into war.
Daughter's Friends Highlight Public Confusion
- McGovern recounts asking his daughter and her friends about public sentiment; they said there's no plan and people don't know why Trump acted.
- He uses this family example to show widespread public confusion despite high-level admissions.
Peace Talks Were Near Completion Before Sudden Attack
- McGovern recounts Omani mediation in Geneva and claims talks were 'this close' to a deal when attacks occurred.
- He argues sudden Israeli action and reporting through aides like Rubio disrupted near-completed negotiations.