The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 2 - Israel Owns Iran Airspace
Release Date: June 13, 2025
Host: Clay Travis and Buck Sexton
Guest: Scott Jennings (CNN Correspondent)
Guest Contributor: Ben Shapiro (Founder of The Daily Wire)

1. Introduction to Israel's Strikes on Iran

At the onset of Hour 2 (02:33), Clay Travis introduces the central topic of the episode: Israel's preemptive strikes targeting Iran's nuclear sites and high-level military assets. He emphasizes the magnitude of the operation, highlighting its swift execution and potential long-term implications.

2. Live Interview with Scott Jennings from Israel

Clay Travis engages Scott Jennings, a CNN correspondent stationed in Israel, to provide an on-the-ground perspective of the unfolding events.

• Calm Amidst Crisis:
  At 05:36, Scott notes, "It's a little calm out here. It's Shabbat Friday night here in Israel. So a lot of people are with their families and inside." Despite the ongoing military operations, daily life continues with resilience.

• Israeli Military Success:
  Scott elaborates on the unprecedented success of Israel's operations:
  "Israel is doing heavy damage to other nuclear reactors around the region. They took out perhaps nearly the entire echelon of the IRGC, the Iranian Revolutionary Guard Corps..." (07:04)
  He compares the operation's effectiveness to previous significant military actions, citing it as one of the most successful in modern history.

3. Trump's Role and Strategic Maneuvering

Ben Shapiro joins the conversation, offering his analysis on former President Donald Trump's involvement and the strategic planning behind the strikes.

• Trump's Foreknowledge and Support:
  Ben asserts, "Donald Trump was 100% consistent on this issue... He said that Israel is a good partner to America, which means they should go fight their own battles." (08:58)
  He credits Trump's unwavering support for Israel as a pivotal factor enabling the military's decisive action against Iran.

• Operation's Execution as a Miracle:
  Highlighting the operation's complexity, Ben states, "The entire construction of this is nothing short of a miracle. And it is good for the West and it is good for America." (08:58)
  He underscores the meticulous planning and intelligence collaboration that made the strikes possible.

4. Political Repercussions and Democratic Party Dynamics

The discussion shifts to the political fallout and the Democratic Party's stance on Israel's actions.

• Lack of Democratic Support:
  Ben points out, "There are not many statements coming out from Democrats in Congress supporting Israel today because they are afraid." (11:03)
  He criticizes the Democratic Party for its perceived reluctance to back Israel firmly, attributing it to internal fears and ideological shifts.

• Impact on Democratic Coalition:
  Addressing the broader implications, Ben remarks, "The coalition of the Democrats fundamentally thinks America and Western values are rotten at the core." (12:39)
  He argues that this ideological stance is alienating traditional supporters and weakening the party's political base.

5. Future Scenarios in the Middle East

Colby Ekowitz provides a forward-looking analysis of the potential outcomes stemming from the current military actions.

• Possible Regime Change in Iran:
  Colby speculates, "The ultra-optimistic case is the regime falls... The most plausible scenario is that Iran's military is rendered essentially toothless." (32:50)
  He envisions a Middle East reshaped by Israel's dominance, leading to realignments among neighboring countries.

• Regional Realignments and Economic Cooperation:
  He anticipates increased economic cooperation between Israel and other Gulf states, citing the Abraham Accords as a foundation for future partnerships.

6. Public and International Response

The guest and hosts discuss the varied reactions from both the international community and within Iran itself.

• Mixed Reactions Globally:
  Ben notes, "No one is happier in the region than Mohammed bin Salman... They're participating in knocking down the ordinance coming the other way." (32:18)
  This reflects the complex geopolitical alliances and the strategic interests of regional powers.

• Iranian Public Sentiment:
  Scott shares insights from an Iranian perspective, indicating a populace weary of prolonged conflict:
  "Many Iranians are happy Israel took out these Islamic fanatics. They hope this is the beginning of the end of 47 years of terror." (42:39)
  This suggests a potential shift in public opinion favoring stability and peace over decades of authoritarian rule.

7. Conclusion and Future Outlook

Clay Travis wraps up the discussion by emphasizing the significance of the events and the need for vigilant observation moving forward.

• Remarkable Success and Caution:
  "This has been an incredible success... We have to keep our heads in a swivel here, too." (45:15)
  He acknowledges the triumph of the operation while cautioning against complacency, given the unpredictable nature of regional politics.

• Hope for Lasting Peace:
  Travis expresses optimism that these actions could lead to a more stable and peaceful Middle East, free from the shadow of nuclear threats and ongoing conflicts.

Notable Quotes

• Ben Shapiro (08:58):
  "The entire construction of this is nothing short of a miracle. And it is good for the West and it is good for America."

• Colby Ekowitz (32:50):
  "The ultra-optimistic case is the regime falls... The most plausible scenario is that Iran's military is rendered essentially toothless."

• Scott Jennings (42:39):
  "Many Iranians are happy Israel took out these Islamic fanatics. They hope this is the beginning of the end of 47 years of terror."

Insights and Conclusions

• Strategic Military Operations: The episode highlights the effectiveness and strategic brilliance behind Israel's recent strikes on Iran, portraying it as a turning point in Middle Eastern geopolitics.

• Political Dynamics in the U.S.: There's a critical examination of the Democratic Party's stance on Israel, suggesting that internal ideological shifts are undermining traditional alliances and support.

• Regional Realignments: The discussion anticipates significant changes in regional alliances, with Israel emerging as a dominant military and economic force, potentially fostering new cooperative relationships with Gulf states.

• Public Sentiment in Iran: Insights indicate a possible shift in Iranian public opinion towards favoring stability and peace, reflecting exhaustion from decades of authoritarian rule and conflict.

• Future Vigilance: While recognizing the success of the current operations, the hosts and guests urge continuous monitoring of the situation to navigate the unpredictable landscape of Middle Eastern politics effectively.

This episode provides a comprehensive analysis of Israel's military actions against Iran, delving into the strategic, political, and regional implications. Through expert insights and on-the-ground perspectives, Clay Travis and Buck Sexton offer listeners a nuanced understanding of the events shaping the current geopolitical climate.