Breaking Points with Krystal and Saagar

Emily Jashinsky, conservative journalist focused on religion and culture, explains evangelical and eschatological influences on policy. She dissects dispensationalism and beliefs about a Third Temple. Conversations cover Temple Institute funding, crusader rhetoric among US commentators, and how theological ideas shape US and Israeli political choices.

Murtaza Hussain, investigative journalist focused on Middle East geopolitics, explains on-the-ground dynamics and intelligence around Iran and regional conflict. Short takes cover who may have driven recent strikes, risks of arming Kurdish proxies and potential for civil war, and how European pushback and soaring gas prices reshape the crisis.

David Weigel, political journalist and commentator, breaks down primary dynamics and campaign strategy. He explores James Talarico’s anti-oligarch messaging and grassroots ground game. He analyzes surging Hispanic turnout and cultural appeals in South Texas. He also dissects Dan Crenshaw’s surprising losses and how money and media shape primaries.

Scott Horton, Libertarian Institute director and critic of intervention, and Kat Abu-Ghazaleh, Illinois congressional candidate and foreign policy commentator. They spar over risks of war with Iran, media pro-war narratives, NATO and regional blowback. Kat outlines humane foreign policy, conditional aid for Ukraine and Taiwan, and public diplomacy as an alternative to intervention.

Trita Parsi, foreign policy expert and author with the Quincy Institute, breaks down U.S.–Israel–Iran dynamics. He discusses why U.S. policy followed Israeli leads. He explains strategic miscalculations, Iran’s refusal of early ceasefires, and the risk of regional escalation and global fallout.

A rapid breakdown of multiple U.S. jets being downed and the messy debate over responsibility. Heated discussion about officials refusing to rule out ground troops and what that means for escalation. Analysis of regional fallout: airspace shutdowns, energy and insurance shocks, and supply chain worries. Coverage also touches on a deadly Austin shooting tied to broader tensions.

Professor Jiang, creator of Predictive History who uses game theory to forecast geopolitics, and Jeffrey Sachs, economist focused on global policy, join to debate U.S.-Iran conflict dynamics. They cover US public backlash to strikes, incentives pushing leaders toward war, Iran’s strategic preparations and asymmetrical warfare, and critiques of long-term US Middle East strategy.

Rapidly escalating US–Iran hostilities and regional fallout dominate the conversation. The confirmed death of Iran's supreme leader and offers for negotiated ceasefires are discussed. Reports of strikes, missile launches, and airspace shutdowns impact shipping and insurance. Coverage includes rising oil price risks and confirmation of American military fatalities.

Trita Parsi, foreign policy expert and co-founder of the Quincy Institute, who studies U.S.-Iran relations. He discusses the legality and risks of strikes on Iran. He explains why Trump pushed the attack and how Iranian strength was misread. He assesses targeting leaders, regional fallout, surprising Iranian responses, and possible off-ramps and endgames.

They react to a sudden US military strike framed as regime change in Iran. They debate whether diplomacy was sidelined and examine claims of Iranian concessions. They explore risks of decapitation strikes, regional retaliation, and a long, costly campaign. They assess Israel's role and the domestic political fallout in the US.