Iran BLOWS UP US-Israeli Strike Plan! Russia Joins War | Lt Col Anthony Aguilar & Ray McGovern

Possible Renewed Strikes

Host Danny Haiphong cited reports that an Israeli strike planned for October 10 did not proceed, reportedly because Donald Trump did not want to reignite the conflict before U.S. midterm elections. Anthony Aguilar argued that Israel remained prepared to strike and that renewed fighting could occur around Israel’s election, despite Trump’s reported reluctance.

Iran’s Preparations and Diplomacy

Aguilar said Iran’s armed forces were preparing to defend against and retaliate for another attack. He highlighted Iranian missiles, including the Sajil-2, which he described as maneuverable during its final approach and difficult for existing air-defense systems to intercept. He also relayed claims that Iran might target U.S. bases and Israeli cities and facilities. Ray McGovern likewise warned that Iran had demonstrated the ability to inflict serious damage.

Aguilar characterized U.S. demands that Iran abandon nuclear enrichment as maximalist. He said Iran had offered to accept inspections, while arguing that Israel should face comparable scrutiny. He also said negotiations were further from a settlement than they had been during earlier talks, and that previous diplomatic efforts had faltered over broader regional conflicts.

McGovern suggested Russia could help broker an arrangement involving Iran’s enriched uranium, potentially resembling the nuclear agreement the Trump administration had previously left.

Russia’s Role

The speakers described Russia’s stated support for Iran as humanitarian and economic, including medicines and equipment, alongside expanded trade. McGovern argued that Russia and China had strategic reasons to prevent Iran’s defeat, but did not describe Russia as entering the fighting directly.

U.S. Military Readiness and Movements

Aguilar cited a U.S. inspector-general report as evidence that American forces had used substantial quantities of air-defense interceptors and precision-strike weapons. He argued that depleted stocks, damaged radar systems, and lengthy production timelines would make another campaign risky. He also challenged the idea that the “Mother of All Bombs” would destroy Iran’s underground nuclear sites, saying it was designed for surface targets.

McGovern questioned whether U.S. military leaders would warn Trump against an operation he considered poorly prepared and unlikely to succeed.

Aguilar discussed the USS Theodore Roosevelt and USS Makin Island stopping in Japan en route to the region. He suggested the stop could involve replenishing ammunition from depots there, possibly reflecting preparations for a conflict. He also interpreted the deployment timeline as potentially coinciding with Israel’s election. These were presented as his assessments, not confirmed explanations for the ships’ movements.

Leadership and Escalation Risks

Aguilar recounted an earlier episode in Syria in which General Dan Caine sought clarification from Trump about a proposed U.S. withdrawal, arguing that Caine had previously been willing to raise questions. Aguilar speculated that Caine may now be sidelined and that other officials could be more directly involved in planning.

The guests warned that overconfidence and poor judgment could drive escalation, even if a renewed war would be militarily costly and fail to produce a lasting settlement.

Presenters and Contributors

Danny Haiphong (host), Anthony Aguilar, and Ray McGovern.