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Behnam Ben Taleblu

Senior director for the Iran program at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a frequent analyst on Iranian military and political affairs, providing expertise on Tehran's missile, drone, and domestic political dynamics.

Top 10 podcasts with Behnam Ben Taleblu

Ranked by the Snipd community
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28 snips
Jan 10, 2026 • 58min

PDB Situation Report | January 10th, 2026: Former CIA Caracas Chief Explains What's Next For Venezuela & Iran’s Regime On The Brink

Rick DeLatore, a retired CIA operations officer and former Chief of Station in Caracas, discusses the recent US operation that removed Nicolás Maduro, detailing the challenges of transitioning power in Venezuela. He outlines the complexities of foreign influence and the internal corruption within the military. Behnam Ben Taleblu, a senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, analyzes the escalating protests in Iran, highlighting their shift from economic grievances to a direct challenge to the regime's legitimacy and the potential implications for its future.
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28 snips
Dec 30, 2025 • 42min

Ep 261: Behnam Ben Taleblu on the (Next!) Iran-Israel War

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies specializing in Iran's missile and security programs, joins the discussion. He delves into Iran's missile advancements and the implications for U.S. and Israeli defense strategies. The conversation covers Iran's reliance on China for missile components, the risks posed by its ballistic missile capabilities, and the balancing act of regional power between Israel, Iran, and Turkey. Ben Taleblu also emphasizes the need for effective U.S. strategies to address the evolving threat landscape.
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27 snips
Apr 4, 2026 • 54min

PDB Situation Report | April 4th, 2026: Iran War at a Crossroads & Japan Goes Long-Range

Behnam Ben Taleblu, Iran analyst focused on Tehran’s missiles, drones, and politics, maps the conflict’s current phase and risks. Gordon Chang, commentator on China’s strategic moves, examines Japan’s leap to long-range missiles and Beijing’s likely response. They discuss Iran’s military degradation, external support, and how Japan’s shift reshapes regional deterrence.
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16 snips
Feb 1, 2025 • 1h 1min

PDB Situation Report | February 1st, 2025: Is Iran Setting A ‘Trump Trap’? & America’s Own ‘Iron Dome’ System

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow focused on Iranian strategy, discusses how Tehran is influencing its proxy forces to avoid conflict with Trump, interpreting this as a sign of weakness. Brandon Weichert, a national security editor and author, dives into the proposed 'Iron Dome'-like missile defense system, exploring its space-based technology and the challenges posed by hypersonic threats. The conversation also emphasizes the complexities in U.S.-Iran negotiations amidst internal unrest and critiques past diplomatic strategies.
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13 snips
Jan 10, 2025 • 53min

Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?

Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, dives into Iran's urgent nuclear ambitions. He emphasizes the critical moment for the U.S. and allies to take decisive action against a nuclear-capable Iran. The discussion highlights complex strategies for prevention, weighing military action against diplomatic negotiations. Ben Taleblu also draws parallels with North Korea's situation, exploring regional destabilization risks and the pressing need for a renewed focus on containment and reconciliation.
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12 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 1h 24min

DHS shakeup and an update on War in Iran

Sen. Dan Sullivan, Alaska lawmaker focused on defense readiness. Seth Mandel, political commentator tracking public opinion. Jim Talent, former senator on strategic deterrence. Behnam Ben Taleblu and Jonathan Schanzer, analysts on Iranian missile capabilities. Jim Geraghty, political writer on military and politics. They discuss missile strikes, launcher losses, munitions resupply, regional escalation, and DHS leadership and readiness.
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12 snips
Jun 13, 2025 • 54min

BONUS RELEASE: Can America and Its Allies Tolerate A Nuclear Iran, or Is It Time to Stop Them Now?

In this thought-provoking discussion, Behnam Ben Taleblu, a Senior Fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, and Barbara Slavin, a Distinguished Fellow at the Stimson Center, tackle the urgent issue of Iran's nuclear ambitions. They debate the consequences of a potentially nuclear-armed Iran, weighing the risks of military action against diplomatic options. The conversation highlights the geopolitical fallout for the U.S. and its allies, exploring the historical context, strategies for engagement, and the implications for regional stability.
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9 snips
Feb 23, 2026 • 50min

Ep 277: Behnam Ben Taleblu—Will There Be a War with Iran?

Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director of the Iran program at FDD and Iran specialist. He maps the U.S. military buildup in the Middle East and why timing matters. He weighs limited strikes versus sustained campaigns. He explores Iranian retaliation paths, missile and maritime threats, hardened nuclear sites, and how ideology shapes Tehran’s choices.
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9 snips
Jun 18, 2025 • 23min

FDD Morning Brief | feat. Behnam Ben Taleblu (Jun. 18)

Behnam Ben Taleblu is the Senior Director of FDD's Iran Program and a leading expert on Iran's military strategy. In this discussion, he dives into Iran's growing missile capabilities and Israel’s effective countermeasures, revealing the shifting landscape of regional power. He also addresses the Iranian people's struggle against their regime, highlighting their national pride amid discontent. Additionally, Taleblu analyzes the complexities of U.S. military involvement and emerging geopolitical maneuvers, including potential dangers posed by outside interventions.
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Mar 19, 2026 • 1h 19min

E382. Why This Isn't Iraq 2003: The Case for Taking Down Iran's Regime - Behnam Ben Taleblu

Behnam Ben Taleblu, an Iran expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, offers sharp analysis of Iran’s power structure and ideology. He discusses regime survival tactics, environmental plunder to fund the IRGC, AI-driven propaganda, sleeper cells and plots on US soil, and why this conflict is not Iraq 2003. He also critiques Western misreadings and the muted response to Iranian women’s protests.

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