Pod Save the World Trump Begs Allies to Clean Up Iran Mess
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Apr 1, 2026 Nika Kovač, Slovenian activist and founder of My Voice My Choice, who helped expose covert election meddling, joins to discuss election interference and anti-authoritarian organizing. She recounts uncovering Black Cube’s operations and talks about coalition-building, cross-border tactics, and defending democracy. Short, sharp conversation on exposing covert operatives and sustaining civic engagement.
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Strait Of Hormuz Became Iran's Leverage
- Closing the Strait of Hormuz is the central harm from the conflict, holding ~20% of global fossil fuel exports hostage.
- Ben Rhodes warns the closure creates economic catastrophe and strengthens the IRGC's leverage over global markets.
Regime Change Is Not Assassination
- Killing leaders doesn't equal regime change; Iran remains a resilient system.
- Rhodes argues assassinations and targeting individuals leave the Islamic Republic intact and can even harden its control.
Deployments Create Escalation Momentum
- US troop deployments escalate conflict and risk mission creep toward prolonged ground operations.
- Ilona notes 50,000+ troops in region and the Wall Street Journal reporting possible addition of 10,000 including infantry and armor.
