{"version":"1.0","type":"rich","provider_name":"Acast","provider_url":"https://acast.com","height":250,"width":700,"html":"<iframe src=\"https://embed.acast.com/$/66ee295c5eb59bbcaeb51e6d/68531be3259ce49e3e94fca4?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Ray McGovern & John Helmer: The Death of an Empire, Iran Could Finish What Others Started","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/66ee295c5eb59bbcaeb51e6d/1750276933337-c8cec0f3-d8c6-40fe-b5e6-17114774bb2d.jpeg?height=200","description":"<h2>US unlikely to strike Iran; nuclear threat overstated; diplomacy limits prevail.</h2><p><br></p><p><strong>Nima Rostami Alkhorshid:</strong></p><ol><li>What is the likelihood of the U.S. launching a direct strike on Iran's nuclear facilities?</li><li>How credible are reports that Iran is developing nuclear weapons?</li><li>Can Russia effectively mediate between Israel and Iran to de-escalate tensions?</li><li>Is the Trump administration likely to prioritize regional stability over regime change in Iran?</li><li>How significant is China’s role in countering U.S. influence in the Persian Gulf?</li></ol><p><br></p><p><strong>John Helmer:</strong></p><ol><li>The U.S. is unlikely to launch a direct strike due to risks of escalation and lack of international support.</li><li>Reports about Iran developing nukes are largely unfounded; intelligence confirms no active weapon program since 2003.</li><li>Russia could mediate, but its public stance avoids direct confrontation with the U.S., limiting effectiveness.</li><li>Trump appears more focused on projecting strength than long-term stability, increasing unpredictability.</li><li>China’s role is strategic but limited by reluctance to deploy military force in the region.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><strong>Ray McGovern:</strong></p><ol><li>Direct strikes remain possible under Trump, but internal and global pushback makes it unlikely.</li><li>Claims about Iran’s nuclear ambitions are often exaggerated or politicized to justify aggression.</li><li>Russia has mediation potential but must balance ties with both sides without triggering conflict.</li><li>Regime change remains a covert priority despite short-term rhetoric favoring diplomacy.</li><li>China prefers economic leverage over military action, making its role supportive but not decisive in the Gulf.</li></ol><p><br></p>","author_name":"Nima Rostami Alkhorshid"}