The Commentary Magazine Podcast

They debate Pakistan as a potential mediator in Iran-Israel talks and the confusion around a claimed ceasefire. They weigh strategies for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the geopolitical impact of maritime extortion. They consider Iran's asymmetric reach, military options like naval escorts, and the timing risks tied to other global crises. They also discuss political fallout from attacks on right-wing podcasters and a film recommendation.

Jonathan Schanzer, senior fellow at FDD who analyzes Iran, Israel, Hezbollah and regional security, joins to unpack the non-ceasefire and why pauses fall short. He maps who actually runs Iran and Tehran’s bargaining playbook. Discussions cover Pakistan as mediator, U.S. negotiating strategy, and how Lebanon and Gulf dynamics shape the wider conflict.

Noah Rothman, Senior Editor at National Review, offers conservative national-security analysis. Eli Lake, foreign policy commentator, provides on-the-ground Iran and Middle East reporting. They unpack the new Iran ceasefire, debate who gained leverage, discuss reopening the Strait of Hormuz and China’s role, and weigh risks of a temporary halt versus a durable deal.

Eli Lake, a foreign-policy journalist specializing in national security and the Middle East, weighs in on American and Israeli strikes on Kharg Island and President Trump's escalating threats toward Iran. The conversation covers whether the rhetoric is bluster or a prelude to attacks and debates targeted strikes versus broader bombing. The discussion also touches on Artemis II and lighter cultural tangents.

They unpack the fallout from Passover week, including a surprising firing at the Justice Department and debates over politicized legal decisions. They discuss Trump’s provocative rhetoric toward Iran and how it plays politically. Spaceflight and national pride come up with Artemis II. A hair-raising military rescue and its tactics provide a dramatic highlight.

A lively debate about Abdul El‑Sayed's comments and how they could reshape the Michigan Senate contest. A conversation on radical candidates, media accountability, and campaign strategies in Dearborn. A heated discussion on AIPAC, dark money claims, doxing and intimidation tactics. A film recommendation for Nuremberg and reflections on historical footage from camp liberations.

Jonathan Schanzer, contributing editor and Middle East security expert, provides sharp analysis of the Iran war and regional stakes. He discusses recent strikes and military degradation, asymmetric threats to shipping and the Strait of Hormuz, the challenges of operational secrecy in the social media age, and the political messaging dilemmas around troop moves and regime change.

They debate whether Trump seeks a decisive end to the Iran conflict or an exit as oil and Hormuz tensions rise. Discussion covers US materiel and personnel losses and how drone shortcomings expose modernization needs. They explore the diplomatic cost to alliances and how that shapes long‑term strategy. The show also flags risks of insider abuse in prediction markets tied to war events.

Recent court rulings holding major platforms responsible for harms to young users take center stage. They debate persuasive evidence that design features like infinite scroll and weak age-gates enable predators and addiction. The conversation also covers metaverse failures, AI training on copyrighted work, and whether lawsuits or legislation will drive change.

A lively discussion of a surprising Florida House flip and why attractiveness and relatability shape electability. A deep dive into the ambiguity around Trump’s 15-point Iran plan and whether talks mask larger military aims. Reporting on a new UCLA lawsuit and campus activism. A spirited recommendation of the hopeful sci-fi film Project Hail Mary.