{"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/6865703031a42ee04eec0863?\" frameBorder=\"0\" width=\"700\" height=\"250\"></iframe>","title":"Ray McGovern & John Helmer: Why Are So Many Countries Turning Their Backs on America","thumbnail_width":200,"thumbnail_height":200,"thumbnail_url":"https://open-images.acast.com/shows/66ee295c5eb59bbcaeb51e6d/1751478141414-819dbd92-5b13-4fab-9ae7-051c16cb5a7d.jpeg?height=200","description":"<p><strong>Nima Rostami Alkhorshid:</strong></p><ol><li>How do you assess the current dynamics between Iran and Israel, and who holds the strategic advantage?</li><li>Do you believe the U.S. involvement in the Middle East has weakened its global military and economic position?</li><li>How are internal factions in Iran responding to increased pressure from Western powers?</li><li>What impact does the weakening of pro-Western factions have on Iran’s foreign policy direction?</li><li>Could recent events lead Iran to reconsider its stance on nuclear weapons development?</li></ol><p><br></p><p><strong>John Helmer:</strong></p><ol><li>In the short term, both sides inflicted damage, but in the long run, Iran holds the advantage due to resilience and geographic compactness.</li><li>Yes, the U.S. is facing logistical, financial, and technological constraints due to simultaneous conflicts and aid distribution limits.</li><li>Pro-Western factions in Iran are losing influence as sanctions and military failures expose their weaknesses.</li><li>The failure of pro-Western groups has shifted Iran’s policy toward self-reliance and closer ties with non-Western allies like Russia and China.</li><li>While Iran may not rush to build a nuclear weapon, it could reconsider its stance if pressured further or if regional security demands it.</li></ol><p><br></p><p><strong>Ray McGowan:</strong></p><ol><li>Iran has proven it can withstand Israeli attacks, which boosts its regional standing and weakens Israel’s deterrence.</li><li>The U.S. is overextended and unable to sustain multiple fronts, especially with dwindling resources and public support.</li><li>Pro-Western elites in Iran are under pressure, but internal politics remain complex and resistant to quick shifts.</li><li>Sanctions have not crippled Russia but have fractured its elite class, leading to a more anti-Western economic and political alignment.</li><li>Iran may seek advanced defense technology from Russia and China rather than escalate immediately, preferring strategic patience.</li></ol>","author_name":"Nima Rostami Alkhorshid"}