The Commentary Magazine Podcast: "Destroying Nuclear Sites Is Good, Not Bad"

Release Date: June 23, 2025

I. Introduction and Overview

In the episode titled "Destroying Nuclear Sites Is Good, Not Bad," Commentary Magazine delves deep into the recent developments surrounding Israel's strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities. Hosted by John Podhoretz, along with Executive Editor Abe Greenwald and Washington Commentary columnist Matthew Continetti from the American Enterprise Institute, the discussion centers on the strategic and political implications of these actions, the response from various political factions, and the broader impact on American and global politics.

II. Israel's Strikes on Iran's Nuclear Facilities

The podcast opens with a detailed analysis of Israel's strategic strikes on multiple Iranian targets, including the infamous Evin Prison, often compared to Russia's Lubyanka due to its role in detaining and torturing dissenters. Podhoretz emphasizes the precision and symbolic nature of these attacks:

John Podhoretz [06:15]: "Hope for the best, expect the worst... Israel is hitting hundreds of targets inside Iran... blowing the door off the prison to help people escape if they could."

Abe Greenwald adds that these strikes signify an expansion from merely targeting nuclear infrastructure to directly undermining the Iranian regime's ability to maintain control and respond militarily:

Abe Greenwald [07:14]: "The strikes are an expansion of targets from the nuclear program to regime-level targets. This sets back the Iranian bomb by a long time."

The hosts discuss the strategic messaging behind these actions, highlighting how Israel aims to pressure Iranian leadership into negotiations by showcasing its capability to target key military installations and command centers.

III. Media Coverage and Asymmetry

A significant portion of the discussion focuses on the perceived asymmetry in media coverage between Israeli and Iranian actions. Greenwald criticizes the Western media's limited visibility into Iran's internal situation, contrasting it with the transparency enjoyed by American and Israeli narratives:

Abe Greenwald [10:50]: "We have a very clear picture of what's happening inside Israel... it's very hard for us to assess what is actually happening on the ground in Iran."

Podhoretz echoes this sentiment, pointing out the challenges in verifying reports from Iran due to restricted media access and government control, which contrasts sharply with the visible and immediate responses observed in Israel.

IV. Trump Administration's Policy on Iran and Non-Proliferation

The conversation shifts to the Trump administration's stance on Iran, particularly regarding nuclear proliferation. Podhoretz criticizes former Secretary of State Ben Rhodes and the non-proliferation establishment for downplaying the effectiveness of the strikes:

John Podhoretz [16:00]: "Ben Rhodes is saying Trump is willing to bomb Iran, which is devastating to non-proliferation."

Greenwald adds that the administration's focus on protecting international treaties over addressing tangible threats is misguided:

Abe Greenwald [21:22]: "For liberals and progressives, what matters is the paper. Reality doesn't matter. The paper matters."

Podhoretz underscores the failure of previous administrations to curb Iran's nuclear ambitions despite significant financial investments:

John Podhoretz [24:02]: "Under Obama, $150 billion was spent to retard Iran's progress, yet they reached the one-yard line of a nuclear bomb."

The hosts argue that the new strikes mark a decisive shift in U.S. and Israeli policy, moving beyond diplomatic efforts to active military intervention to prevent Iran from achieving nuclear capabilities.

V. Liberal vs. Conservative Perspectives on Non-Proliferation

A heated debate unfolds between the hosts about the differing views of liberals and conservatives on non-proliferation. Greenwald criticizes the liberal emphasis on international treaties over practical security measures:

Abe Greenwald [21:38]: "We signed the Paris Accords... the Non-Proliferation Treaty. We have to protect the piece of paper."

Podhoretz counters by highlighting the real-world implications of Iran's nuclear trajectory and the inadequacies of purely diplomatic approaches:

John Podhoretz [31:19]: "Whatever uranium is there, it is not bomb level... destroying the facilities that make the equipment... sets back the Iranian bomb by a long time."

The discussion emphasizes the conservative view that tangible actions, such as strikes on nuclear sites, are necessary to ensure national and allied security, contrasting sharply with what they perceive as the liberal over-reliance on treaties and diplomatic rhetoric.

VI. New York Mayoral Race and Its Implications

Shifting focus to domestic politics, the hosts analyze the New York City mayoral race, highlighting the rise of Zoran Mamdani, a Democratic Socialist whose anti-Zionist stance is gaining traction. They discuss how this reflects broader trends within the Democratic Party and its relationship with anti-Semitism:

John Podhoretz [54:35]: "If Mamdani wins, it will mean the Democratic Party is turning anti-Zionist, aligning with anti-Semitic sentiments."

Greenwald warns that the success of candidates like Mamdani signals a dangerous shift in the party's core values, potentially alienating pro-Israel voters and strengthening anti-Semitic elements within the party:

Abe Greenwald [65:14]: "It's a danger. It will redound to the Democrats because New York City, believe it or not, is not representative of the United States as a whole."

The hosts express concern over the Democratic Party's trajectory, suggesting that the embrace of radical leftist candidates could undermine its traditional support base and national standing.

VII. Conclusion and Future Outlook

In wrapping up, Podhoretz and Greenwald reiterate the significance of Israel's actions against Iran's nuclear program, framing it as a necessary and strategic move to protect global security and Jewish communities worldwide. They caution against the Democratic Party's current direction and its potential to foster anti-Semitism under the guise of progressive policies.

Podhoretz concludes with a firm stance on Trump's policies, commending his administration's proactive measures and asserting that strong leadership is essential in combating existential threats:

John Podhoretz [69:33]: "The bottom line is Trump is the best friend to the Jews that has ever been in the Oval Office."

Greenwald emphasizes the importance of maintaining support for Israel and countering the rise of anti-Semitic rhetoric within political discourse, calling for vigilance and proactive measures to preserve democratic values and security.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• John Podhoretz [06:15]: "Hope for the best, expect the worst... Israel is hitting hundreds of targets inside Iran... blowing the door off the prison to help people escape if they could."

• Abe Greenwald [07:14]: "The strikes are an expansion of targets from the nuclear program to regime-level targets. This sets back the Iranian bomb by a long time."

• John Podhoretz [16:00]: "Ben Rhodes is saying Trump is willing to bomb Iran, which is devastating to non-proliferation."

• Abe Greenwald [21:38]: "We signed the Paris Accords... the Non-Proliferation Treaty. We have to protect the piece of paper."

• John Podhoretz [31:19]: "Whatever uranium is there, it is not bomb level... destroying the facilities that make the equipment... sets back the Iranian bomb by a long time."

• John Podhoretz [54:35]: "If Mamdani wins, it will mean the Democratic Party is turning anti-Zionist, aligning with anti-Semitic sentiments."

• John Podhoretz [69:33]: "The bottom line is Trump is the best friend to the Jews that has ever been in the Oval Office."

Final Thoughts

This episode of The Commentary Magazine Podcast provides a robust analysis of the intersecting issues of Middle Eastern geopolitics, U.S. foreign policy, and domestic political shifts within the Democratic Party. Through a critical lens, the hosts argue for the necessity of proactive measures against nuclear proliferation while warning of the dangers posed by internal political realignments that may compromise national and global security.