Provoked with Darryl Cooper and Scott Horton

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EP:35 - Another War for Israel

whatshot 61 snips

Feb 23, 2026

Guest

Trita Parsi

Trita Parsi, foreign policy analyst and co-founder of the Quincy Institute, offers a concise take on U.S.-Iran-Israel dynamics. He discusses Trump's unpredictability and the real risks of limited strikes escalating into full war. He examines Iran's internal pressures, Israel's strategic aims, regional consequences of conflict, and how sanctions and outside powers shape the stakes.

01:31:20

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Episode notes

insights

INSIGHT

Iran Might Risk Retaliation Rather Than Capitulate

Iran may prefer fighting back to a gradual capitulation because capitulation yields long-term defeat.
Parsi argues limited incremental pressure signals eventual disarmament and Israeli attack, so Iran might resist or retaliate.

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ADVICE

Use Direct Talks To Reduce Escalation Risk

Pursue direct high-level talks to de-escalate.
Parsi recommends Iran speak directly to Trump rather than through intermediaries like Kushner to reduce miscalculation risk.

insights

INSIGHT

Iranian Missiles Provide Real Deterrence

Iran is cornered but retains credible deterrence via missiles, which constrained Israeli action.
Parsi notes Israeli restraint after nine days of strikes showed Iran's retaliatory reach mattered tactically and politically.

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Trita's Background and Key Books

01:03 • 3min

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Is Trump Likely to Attack Iran?

04:14 • 1min

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Limits of 'Limited Strikes' Strategy

05:21 • 4min

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Iran's Calculus Under Sanctions

09:29 • 4min

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Iran's Willingness to Fight Back

13:19 • 2min

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Israel's Strategic Interests

15:18 • 5min

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Regional Consequences of an Iran War

19:50 • 49sec

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Nature of the Recent Iranian Protests

20:39 • 5min

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Insurgent Groups and External Training

25:32 • 59sec

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How Regional Clerics Might Respond

26:31 • 1min

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Succession and Internal Change in Iran

27:36 • 2min

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Is the Iranian Revolution Over?

29:44 • 3min

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Sanctions, Black Markets, and IRGC Power

33:01 • 3min

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Russian and Chinese Support Signals

36:22 • 4min

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How Iran Might Respond Militarily

40:36 • 11min

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The Limits of U.S. Air Power Against Iran

51:15 • 2min

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The Meaning of 'Death to America' Slogan

53:24 • 3min

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Israel Lobby and U.S. Policy Influence

55:58 • 20min

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Shifting American Support for Israel

01:16:04 • 4min

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Israeli Persecution Narrative and Risks

01:20:27 • 3min

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Trauma, Identity, and Nuclear Risk

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The Israel Lobby

John Mearsheimer

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A single roll of the dice

Trita Parsi

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Treacherous alliance

The Secret Dealings of Israel, Iran, and the United States

Trita Parsi

This book delves into the intricate and often duplicitous relations among Israel, Iran, and the United States, tracing their shifting alliances and conflicts from 1948 to the present. Trita Parsi, drawing from his extensive interviews with senior policymakers and analysts from all three countries, argues that the conflict between Israel and Iran is primarily strategic rather than ideological. The book uncovers secret alliances, treacherous acts, and political maneuverings that have impacted Middle Eastern stability and U.S. foreign policy initiatives in the region. It provides a historical backdrop to understand the current geopolitical dynamics and suggests a course for future policy improvements.

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Losing an enemy

Obama, Iran and the Triumph of Diplomacy

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In "Losing an Enemy," Trita Parsi offers a detailed account of the Obama administration's approach to Iran and the nuclear negotiations. The book examines the diplomatic efforts leading to the Iran nuclear deal (JCPOA), highlighting the complexities and challenges involved. Parsi provides insights into the decision-making processes of both the U.S. and Iranian governments. He analyzes the successes and failures of the diplomatic strategy, offering a critical perspective on the deal's impact. The book also explores the broader geopolitical implications of the agreement and its potential consequences for regional stability.

Darryl Cooper & Scott Horton speak with Trita Parsi, co-founder of the Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft, about the complex geopolitical dynamics in the Middle East, focusing on Iran's role in U.S. foreign policy under the Trump administration. Parsi discusses the potential for conflict, Trump's unpredictable decision-making, and Israel's influence on U.S. actions. They explore the implications of military pressures on Iran and the internal challenges the regime faces. Parsi calls for a nuanced public discourse to better understand these intricate relationships and their consequences.

0:38 Another War for Israel?

1:24 Bacevich and His Insights

4:23 Trump and Potential War with Iran

9:33 Iran's Calculated Risks

12:48 The Complexities of Iranian Strategy

18:10 Iranian Protest Movements and Internal Dynamics

25:09 The Future of Iran's Leadership

28:52 The Role of External Powers

34:20 The Consequences of War

39:02 The Dynamics of U.S.-Iran Relations

46:26 The Paranoia of an Endangered Nation

51:03 The Reality of Military Conflict