Summary of “Bulwark Takes” Episode 3: Who Really Signed Off On The Iran Strike? (w/ Eric Edelman)

Released on June 22, 2025

Podcast Information:

• Title: Bulwark Takes
• Host/Author: The Bulwark
• Description: The news cycle doesn’t slow down, and neither does The Bulwark. Bulwark Takes brings you bite-sized takes on the news of the day from the entire Bulwark team, including Tim Miller, Sarah Longwell, and Bill Kristol, and more.

In Episode 3 of Bulwark Takes, titled "Who Really Signed Off On The Iran Strike?", hosts Charlie Sykes and Bill Kristol engage in a comprehensive discussion with guest Eric Edelman, a former Undersecretary of Defense and distinguished foreign service ambassador. The episode delves into the recent U.S. military strike on Iranian facilities, analyzing its implications, decision-making processes, and potential future repercussions.

1. Introduction to the Iran Strike

The episode opens with a brief introduction of Eric Edelman, highlighting his extensive background in defense and foreign service. Charlie Sykes sets the stage for an in-depth analysis of the recent U.S. strike on Iranian nuclear facilities, aiming to uncover the decision-making hierarchy and the strategic reasoning behind the operation.

2. Analysis of the Military Strike

Bill Kristol emphasizes the significance of the strike, stating, "As former President Biden might have said, it's a big effing deal" (00:27). He praises the operation as a demonstration of the American military's global reach and coordination across various domains, including air, sea, space, cyber, and electronic warfare.

Key points discussed:

• GBU 57 Bomb Usage: The strike marked the first operational use of the GBU 57, a 15,000-pound bomb developed during the Bush 43 administration for targeting deep and buried sites.
• Show of Strength: Kristol argues that the operation signals to global adversaries like Putin, Xi, and Kim Jong Un the willingness of the U.S. to defend its interests militarily.
• Damage Assessment: While initial reports suggest significant damage to Iranian nuclear facilities, Kristol cautions that comprehensive bomb damage assessments are pending to determine the full extent of the impact.

3. Historical Parallels and Unpredictability of War

Charlie Sykes draws parallels to the 1991 Gulf War, noting how a seemingly successful military campaign can have unintended long-term consequences, such as leaving Saddam Hussein in power and setting the stage for future Middle Eastern conflicts. He comments, "People need to understand that war situations are dynamic and can evolve unpredictably" (04:09).

4. Presidential Decision-Making and “America First” Policy

The conversation shifts to President Trump's role in authorizing the strike. Bill Kristol discusses Trump's assertion of the "America First" doctrine, emphasizing presidential discretion in foreign military engagements. He remarks, "America first was a very powerful movement in the 1930s against US intervention in the war in Europe" (14:11), drawing historical context to the current administration's policies.

Charlie Sykes reflects on the evolution of the "America First" stance, suggesting that recent events challenge the feasibility of maintaining complete non-involvement in international conflicts. He muses, "The notion that we just stay out of things seems a little hard to sustain now" (13:56).

5. Impact on Iran’s Nuclear Program and Internal Politics

The strike has significant implications for Iran's nuclear ambitions. Bill Kristol details the targeted facilities and the potential setbacks to Iran's ability to develop nuclear weapons:

• Isfahan Plant: Critical for converting yellowcake into UF6 gas and recovering uranium metal for warhead creation.
• Destruction of Expertise: Kristol highlights Israel’s longstanding efforts to disrupt Iran’s nuclear progress, including the assassination of key scientists like Mohsen Fakhrizadeh and the theft of sensitive archives (28:12).

He also explores the potential internal consequences within Iran:

• Economic Strain: The extensive resources Iran has invested in its nuclear program could exacerbate economic hardships, potentially fueling public dissent.
• Regime Stability: The degradation of Iran’s military and scientific capabilities might shift the balance of power between the regime and its populace, possibly leading to increased internal unrest (43:20).

6. Potential Iranian Responses and Future Scenarios

Bill Kristol assesses various avenues Iran might pursue in retaliation or response to the strike:

• Proxy Warfare: Despite significant disruptions, existing proxies like Hezbollah and the Houthis remain potential tools for Iranian influence, though their effectiveness may be diminished.
• Cyber Attacks: Concerns are raised about Iran exploiting vulnerabilities in U.S. cyber defenses, especially in light of reduced leadership in cyber domains.
• Direct Military Action: Limited options exist for Iran to directly challenge U.S. military installations due to robust defenses and strategic alliances in the region (40:31).

7. Constitutional and Legislative Considerations

The episode touches upon the constitutional debate surrounding the authorization of military force:

• Presidential Authority: Kristol argues that the current strike aligns with historical precedents where presidents engaged in military actions without explicit Congressional approval, citing operations in Bosnia, Kosovo, and Libya as comparisons (51:16).
• Congressional Oversight: While acknowledging concerns about executive overreach, he maintains that the administration adhered to established practices, and any notion of constitutional breach is unfounded given past precedents.

8. Conclusion and Forward-Looking Statements

Bill Kristol and Charlie Sykes conclude by reiterating the complexity and interconnectedness of international relations and military strategy. They emphasize the need for vigilant monitoring of Iran's internal dynamics and the broader geopolitical landscape to anticipate and respond to future developments effectively.

Bill Kristol encapsulates the episode with a nuanced perspective: "When [the strike] does something right, we should also say look, this was probably the right call." (51:53)

Charlie Sykes echoes this sentiment, appreciating the thoughtful analysis and expressing optimism for ongoing discourse: "I think it's something that a... a... you know, it's not like we couldn't." (48:04)

Notable Quotes:

• Bill Kristol: "As former President Biden might have said, it's a big effing deal." (00:27)
• Charlie Sykes: "The notion that we just stay out of things seems a little hard to sustain now." (13:56)
• Bill Kristol: "America first was a very powerful movement in the 1930s against US intervention in the war in Europe." (14:11)
• Bill Kristol: "We've heard a lot of discussion... but in a sense I think it was the right call." (51:53)

This episode of Bulwark Takes provides a thorough exploration of the recent U.S. strike on Iran, dissecting the strategic, political, and ethical dimensions involved. Through the expertise of Eric Edelman and the insightful dialogue between Charlie Sykes and Bill Kristol, listeners gain a multifaceted understanding of the event's immediate impact and its broader implications for international relations and U.S. foreign policy.