Summary of "Israel and Iran - Nuclear Enemies | Facts Ep. 20" from The Ben Shapiro Show
Release Date: June 14, 2025
Introduction
In Episode 20 of "The Ben Shapiro Show," hosted by The Daily Wire, the focus is on the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, culminating in Israel's recent military operation, Operation Rising Lion. The episode delves deep into the historical roots of the conflict, Iran's nuclear ambitions, Israel's strategic responses, and the broader geopolitical implications for the Middle East and the global community.
Historical Context: Decades of Conflict and Proxy Wars
Political Analyst (00:30):
Ben Shapiro introduces the long-standing antagonism between Israel and Iran, emphasizing that the current conflict is not spontaneous but the result of over four decades of Iranian aggression. He states, "Israel will not allow a genocidal regime that has announced its intention to destroy Israel to acquire nuclear weapons."
The analyst traces the origins of hostility back to Iran's revolutionary ideology post-1979, highlighting Iran's strategic use of proxy groups like Hezbollah and Hamas to wage war against Israel indirectly. This approach allowed Iran to extend its influence across the Middle East without engaging in direct confrontation.
Notable Quote:
"Iran has been at war with Israel through its proxies for decades." (00:30)
Nuclear Ambitions and Preemptive Strikes
The discussion shifts to Iran's covert nuclear program, drawing parallels with Israel's historical preemptive actions. The analyst recounts Operation Opera (1981), where Israel decisively struck Iraq's Osirak nuclear reactor to prevent Saddam Hussein from acquiring nuclear capabilities. This operation set a precedent for Israel's doctrine of "peace through strength."
Notable Quote:
"This entire episode established what is now known in Israel as the Begin Doctrine." (04:15)
Transitioning to Iran, the analyst details Iran's clandestine efforts to develop nuclear weapons under the guise of civilian energy projects. Despite international alarms and intelligence reports indicating Iran's weaponization intentions, the global community remained largely ineffective in curbing their progress.
Notable Quote:
"The Iranian regime's strategy was to distribute the program across multiple hidden sites and bury it literally under mountains." (05:59)
International Diplomacy and the JCPOA
The episode examines the Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action (JCPOA) signed in July 2015 under President Barack Obama. The agreement aimed to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions in exchange for sanctions relief. However, the analyst criticizes the deal for its lenient terms, noting significant loopholes that allowed Iran to continue its nuclear advancements covertly.
Notable Quote:
"The JCPOA allowed Iran to pursue its nuclear program without limitation beyond its 10-year timeline, which would have expired this year." (09:54)
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu vehemently opposed the JCPOA, warning of its detrimental impact on the Middle East. His concerns were validated as Iran escalated its regional terror campaigns post-deal.
Recent Escalations Leading to Operation Rising Lion
Under President Donald Trump's administration, the U.S. withdrew from the JCPOA, reimposing stringent sanctions on Iran and authorizing the assassination of Qasem Soleimani, Iran's top military commander. This move was portrayed as a reinforcement of deterrence.
Military Official (12:40):
"The United States military successfully executed a flawless precision strike that killed the number one terrorist anywhere in the world, Qasem Soleimani."
Following these tensions, the analyst recounts the October 7, 2023 attacks by the Iran-backed Hamas on Israel, resulting in significant Israeli casualties and hostages. This event marked a turning point, leading Israel to launch Operation Rising Lion on June 13, 2025, targeting over 100 nuclear and military sites within Iran.
Notable Quote:
"What we are witnessing right now is the consequence of decades of Iranian Islamist ambition colliding with immovable Israeli resolve." (16:00)
The operation successfully dismantled key components of Iran's nuclear infrastructure and eliminated top military leaders, signaling a significant blow to Iran's capabilities.
Conclusion and Implications
Ben Shapiro underscores the moral and strategic righteousness of Israel's actions, asserting that sovereign nations have the right to defend themselves against existential threats. He emphasizes that Israel's decisive actions send a clear message to other authoritarian regimes worldwide about the consequences of aggression.
Notable Quote:
"Every authoritarian regime from Beijing to Moscow to Pyongyang is watching. If Israel succeeds in deterring Iran and dismantling its nuclear infrastructure, it reaffirms a basic principle, one President Trump has led with through two terms: peace through strength." (16:00)
Shapiro calls for the international community to recognize the gravity of Iran's threat and support Israel's right to neutralize it, warning against complacency and misplaced empathy that could lead to further destabilization.
Key Takeaways
- Long-Standing Hostility: The Israel-Iran conflict is rooted in decades of proxy wars and ideological antagonism.
- Nuclear Proliferation: Iran's covert nuclear program posed an existential threat, prompting preemptive strikes by Israel.
- International Diplomacy Failures: The JCPOA failed to effectively curb Iran's nuclear ambitions due to its flawed terms and lack of enforcement.
- Recent Military Actions: Israel's Operation Rising Lion represents a culmination of years of strategic planning to neutralize Iran's nuclear and military capabilities.
- Global Implications: Israel's actions serve as a deterrent to other authoritarian regimes, reinforcing the principle of "peace through strength."
This comprehensive analysis provides listeners with a detailed understanding of the intricate and tumultuous relationship between Israel and Iran, highlighting the critical moments that have shaped the current geopolitical landscape.