The Last Line of Defense

Host Seth Jones speaks with Ambassador Ryan Crocker to unpack Iran’s complex political landscape, regional power dynamics, and the role of U.S. allies as the conflict unfolds. Drawing on decades of diplomatic experience, Ambassador Crocker offers a deeply informed perspective shaped by his past service as U.S. Ambassador to Afghanistan, Iraq, Pakistan, Syria, Kuwait, and Lebanon.

Host Seth Jones sits down with Face the Nation's Margaret Brennan to break down Iran’s nuclear program and offers an overview of the domestic and international politics shaping the future of this conflict in the Middle East.

Host Seth Jones sits down with General David H. Petraeus, retired U.S. Army general and former director of the CIA, to discuss the latest developments in Iran, including ongoing military operations and the escalating challenge of countering drone and missile threats. They also explore the international response — from Gulf States and NATO allies to China, Russia, and regional proxies — and the wider implications for the Middle East.

Joseph Votel, retired four-star general and former CENTCOM and Special Operations commander, offers a sharp take on U.S.-Iran military dynamics. He discusses Operation Epic Fury, rapid U.S. and Israeli air superiority, Iran’s targeting choices and regional fallout. He also covers Gulf states’ likely basing moves, limits on military influence over Iran’s politics, and strains on munitions and air defenses.

Host Seth Jones speaks with Kate Bachelder Odell of The Wall Street Journal about the state of Russia’s war in Ukraine as it nears its fifth year. They discuss recent remarks by J.D. Vance and Marco Rubio, Ukraine’s battlefield resilience, Russia’s mounting casualties, and the prospects for negotiations and a potential peace deal.

Host Seth Jones sits down with retired Admiral Sandy Winnefeld, the ninth Vice Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, to discuss the latest developments involving Iran. They examine the U.S. military buildup near Iran and the strategic objectives of both Iran and the United States amid rising tensions.

Host Seth Jones speaks with Norman Roule, who served as the national intelligence manager for Iran at the Office of the Director of National Intelligence from November 2008 until September 2017. The pair discusses the ongoing protests in Iran, the regime’s response, and potential policy responses from the White House.

David R. Shedd, former Deputy Director of the Defense Intelligence Agency and author of The Great Heist, dives into the alarming rise of Chinese espionage activities in the U.S. He highlights significant cases like naval convictions and Tesla software theft, illustrating the vast implications of stolen intellectual property. Shedd also discusses the chilling Volt Typhoon initiative, which aims to infiltrate critical infrastructure, and the urgent need to protect 'crown jewel' technologies from these threats. It's a riveting look at modern espionage and national security.

Dr. Ryan Berg, Director of the Americas Program at CSIS, dives into the shifting political landscape in Venezuela following Maduro's departure. He discusses U.S. objectives including counter-narcotics and migration policies. Ryan explains the complexities of the new leadership under Delcy Rodríguez and the implications of existing power structures. The conversation explores lessons from past regime changes and the risks of internal power struggles, shedding light on the future of stability and legitimacy in Venezuela.

Host Seth Jones sits down with Kari Bingen, Director of the Aerospace Security Project and a Senior Fellow in the Defense and Security Department at CSIS, and former Deputy Undersecretary of Defense for Intelligence and Security. Together, they look back at major defense and military shocks of 2025, including Russia’s poor performance, Operation Midnight Hammer, and China’s military parade, among others. They also forecast potential wildcards for 2026, including a U.S.–China deal and land strikes in Venezuela.