The attack on Iran — why now? | Ian Bremmer

Following military strikes by the United States and Israel on Iran, the podcast explores the motivations behind the attacks, the potential consequences, and the international response. Ian Bremmer suggests Trump's confidence from previous actions, a perceived lack of Iranian deterrence, and a desire to fulfill campaign promises drove the strikes. The conversation addresses the death of Supreme Leader Khamenei, the potential for regime change, and the likelihood of continued repression by the IRGC. Bremmer assesses the limited options for the Iranian people, the potential for asymmetric warfare, and the irrelevance of European and other international actors in the conflict. He also examines how Trump's actions align with or contradict his MAGA base's expectations, noting the potential for increased risk-taking due to declining domestic support.