In this podcast episode, Ben Shapiro delivered a detailed and impassioned account of a military operation authorized by President Donald J. Trump that attacked Iran’s nuclear program. The podcast covered the strategic, political, and geopolitical ramifications of the strikes, featuring expert analysis from Amit Segal, chief political analyst for Israel’s Channel 12 News. The episode also touched on the broader Middle East conflict, the role of Israel, and the global implications of this unprecedented action.

The Military Operation: Operation Midnight Hammer

The centerpiece of the episode was the revelation of a daring and meticulously planned U.S. military strike on Iran’s nuclear facilities, particularly the underground Fordo site. President Trump authorized the deployment of six to seven B2 Spirit stealth bombers, which flew an astonishing 37-hour mission from Missouri to Iran, dropping a total of 12 GBU-57 Massive Ordnance Penetrators (MOPs). These bunker-busting bombs, each weighing 30,000 pounds and capable of penetrating 200 feet of rock, targeted Iran’s deeply buried nuclear centrifuges, including advanced IR6 machines enriching uranium to near weapons-grade levels.

The operation was executed with extraordinary precision and secrecy. The bombers conducted multiple in-flight refuelings and coordinated with escort aircraft in a tightly choreographed maneuver over Iranian airspace. Simultaneously, U.S. Navy submarines launched approximately 30 Tomahawk cruise missiles at other nuclear sites in Natans and Esfahan, which had previously been damaged by Israeli strikes but not destroyed. Satellite imagery confirmed the extensive damage, showing large craters and blocked entrances at the Fordo facility, coated with a layer of blue-gray ash.

President Trump publicly confirmed the success of the strikes via Truth Social, emphasizing the complete destruction of Iran’s nuclear enrichment capacity and praising the American military’s unparalleled capabilities. He framed the operation as a decisive act of strength aimed at forcing Iran to choose peace or face even greater consequences. The president’s address, delivered alongside Vice President, Secretary of State Marco Rubio, and Secretary of Defense Pete Hexath, underscored the historic nature of the mission and the unity between the U.S. and Israel in confronting the Iranian threat.

Strategic and Political Context

The podcast delved into the internal dynamics within the U.S. administration leading up to the strike. Despite rumors of dissent, particularly from the Vice President, President Trump remained resolute in his decision. Behind the scenes, Trump coordinated closely with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, who played a critical role in clearing Iranian air defenses to pave the way for the B2 bombers. Netanyahu’s cooperation was described as exemplary, reflecting a deep strategic partnership between the two leaders.

The operation was not about regime change or a large-scale invasion but a targeted effort to neutralize Iran’s nuclear threat. Trump’s approach was characterized by patience, offering Iran multiple “offramps” to avoid conflict, which Tehran repeatedly rejected. The strikes were the culmination of years of planning and intelligence work, representing a new doctrine of American deterrence and strength in the Middle East.

Geopolitical Implications and Regional Impact

Amit Segal provided invaluable insight into the significance of the strikes for Israel and the broader Middle East. He compared the U.S. action to the “Begin Doctrine,” named after former Israeli Prime Minister Menachem Begin, who famously ordered the destruction of Iraq’s Osirak nuclear reactor in 1981. Segal emphasized that this operation marked a turning point, firmly preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons and reshaping regional power dynamics.

For Israel, the strikes were a monumental victory. They not only crippled Iran’s nuclear program but also significantly degraded its ballistic missile capabilities. Segal explained that Israel was nearing the completion of its campaign against Iranian military assets, with the prospect of returning to relative normalcy if Iran refrains from further aggression. The operation also bolstered Israel’s standing as a regional power, capable of projecting force deep into enemy territory and securing its borders against existential threats.

Segal highlighted the potential for this military success to pave the way for diplomatic breakthroughs, including the expansion of the Abraham Accords. With Iran’s nuclear ambitions curtailed, there is renewed hope for peace agreements involving Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Bahrain, and other Sunni states. The episode suggested that the defeat of Iran’s nuclear program could also influence the Gaza conflict, potentially leading to new arrangements or ceasefires that would stabilize the region.

Iran’s Response and Global Reactions

Despite Iran’s bluster and threats of retaliation, the podcast portrayed Tehran as significantly weakened and unlikely to escalate the conflict dramatically. Iranian officials have threatened to close the Strait of Hormuz, a critical chokepoint for global oil shipments, but analysis showed that such a move would hurt China and other Asian economies far more than the United States, which is largely energy independent. The episode underscored the strategic miscalculation by Iran if it pursues this path.

Iran-backed groups like Hezbollah have also refrained from engaging in direct conflict, recognizing the overwhelming military superiority of Israel and the U.S. The Lebanese government’s tacit acceptance of this restraint was noted as a sign of Iran’s isolation. Meanwhile, Russia’s statements about potentially supplying Iran with nuclear warheads were dismissed as empty threats, with experts pointing out that Moscow has no interest in provoking a wider conflict that could endanger Russian-speaking populations in Israel.

The podcast stressed that Iran is in its weakest position since the 1979 revolution, and any significant retaliation would invite devastating consequences. U.S. officials, including Senator Tom Cotton, warned that attacks on American forces or citizens would be met with overwhelming force, reinforcing the message that Iran’s options are limited.

President Trump’s Leadership and Legacy

Throughout the episode, Ben Shapiro lauded President Trump’s leadership, describing him as a historic figure who demonstrated unparalleled courage and strategic acumen. Trump’s willingness to act decisively, maintain American credibility, and uphold the principle of “peace through strength” was contrasted with the perceived failures of previous administrations. Shapiro argued that Trump’s actions restored American deterrence, reasserted U.S. power on the world stage, and fundamentally altered the trajectory of Middle Eastern geopolitics.

The alliance between Trump and Netanyahu was portrayed as one of the most effective partnerships in recent history, combining American military might with Israeli intelligence and regional expertise. The episode concluded that Trump’s legacy will be defined not only by domestic politics but by his transformative impact on global security and the fight against nuclear proliferation.

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