Why Another Iran Strike Looks Inevitable
2026-10-29
Will Iran cost Republicans the midterms? What happens when half of the GOP turns against Israel? Middle East expert Mike Doran returns to School of War for a wide-ranging discussion of these questions as the midterms threaten to widen divisions on the American right over foreign policy. Taking aim at Tucker Carlson’s influence, Doran argues that the consequences of this divide reach far beyond Israel: “It sets us against ourselves, Americans against Americans, conservatives against conservatives.” He and Aaron MacLean explore the stakes of another escalation with Iran and when it might unfold, the future of America’s alliances, and what it all means for 2028.03:59 Trump’s Next Move on Iran11:29 Can Trump Force a Deal?17:24 What Iran Really Wants20:26 Is Renewed War Inevitable?26:58 Targeting Iran’s Refineries30:36 Trump, Putin, and Russian Oil37:55 Israel and Turkey’s Rivalry45:05 The Fight Over Syria51:35 The Right Turns on Israel53:19 The Debate With the NatCons1:00:09 What Should Conservatives Defend?1:10:56 Can America Find the Center?This episode of School of War is brought to you by Maven Smart System, the builder platform for the American warfighter, fielded across the force and live on the frontline today. Learn more at palantir.com.This episode of School of War is also brought to you by Stratolaunch, a leading pure-play hypersonics company. Stratolaunch helps the U.S. and its allies move new hypersonic technologies from concept to capability, faster and cheaper. Learn more about how Stratolaunch is accelerating the future of hypersonics at Stratolaunch.com.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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In School of War, CBS News National Security Analyst and Free Press columnist Aaron MacLean sits down with secretaries of state, top military historians, war planners, and key political decision-makers to help understand the lessons of war.
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Aaron MacLean is a former senior fellow at Hudson Institute. He has worked as a foreign policy advisor and legislative director to Sen. Tom Cotton of Arkansas and spent seven years in the U.S. Marine Corps.
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