Podcast Summary: The Five – "Israel Launches New Wave Of Attacks On Iran"
Date: March 2, 2026
Host: Dana Perino
Panelists: Charlie Hurt, Jessica Tarlov, Jesse Watters, Joey Jones
Special Contributors: Trey Yingst (Live from Tel Aviv), General Jack Keane (Ret.)
Episode Overview
This episode of The Five is dominated by breaking news from the Middle East as Israel, backed by U.S. forces, launches a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military infrastructure following escalating hostilities. The panel breaks down updates from the region, examines the role of U.S. leadership, analyzes regional and domestic political reactions, and discusses the broader strategic, humanitarian, and economic implications. Live reports from Trey Yingst in Israel and analysis from Gen. Jack Keane offer firsthand context to the ongoing conflict.
Key Discussion Points & Insights
1. Breaking News: Strikes on Iran and Regional Escalation
[01:11–02:38]
- Trey Yingst in Tel Aviv: Israel is targeting Iranian ballistic missile launchers after a day of repeated attacks on Israeli territory, notably injuring at least 19 in Beersheba.
- Hezbollah (Lebanon, Iran-backed) broadens the conflict by firing rockets at Haifa, prompting Israeli strikes and evacuation orders for over 50 Lebanese villages.
- The Qatari Defense Ministry reports shooting down two Iranian SU24 bombers, signaling heightened regional military activity.
- Gulf states are showing “a lot of unity,” though they require outside assistance for air defense.
“It’s been a game of cat and mouse with the Israelis going after these positions inside of Iranian territory.” – Trey Yingst, [01:18]
2. U.S. Involvement and Trump Administration's Strategy
[04:13–05:37]
- President Trump’s social media post claims credit for preventing Iran from acquiring a nuclear weapon by terminating the Obama-era nuclear deal (JCPOA).
- He frames the offensive as a necessary step after Iran ignored warnings and continued pursuing nuclear capabilities.
“We warned Iran... This was our last best chance to strike what we’re doing right now and eliminate the intolerable threats posed by this sick and sinister regime.” – President Trump, [04:51]
U.S. Domestic Impact and Global Strategy
[05:37–07:39]
- Jesse Watters highlights the operation’s risk, potential economic fallout (rising oil and gas prices), and the long-term strategic benefits if successful.
- The operation diminishes Russia's and China’s leverage via Iranian resources.
“Donald Trump did not come here to lay up. He inherited a mess and he saw a window of opportunity... If it’s a successful operation, prices are going to go way, way down and the stock market is going to rip.” – Jesse Watters, [06:22]
3. Strategic Analysis and the '100-Year Plan'
[08:01–10:33]
- Joey Jones asserts the U.S./Israeli strategy is heavily intelligence-driven, aiming to deny launch capabilities for Iran's missiles.
- He situates the action as part of a broader, century-long geostrategic contest with China and Russia.
- The panel sees the operation as a departure from “four-year plans” to a long-term security vision.
“This is a hundred year plan. And the smartest thing other politicians could do is buy in on it because it will absolutely lead to our prosperity and longevity, our security for the next hundred years.” – Joey Jones, [09:34]
4. Debate on Decision-making, U.S. Role, and Clarity
[10:35–12:34]
- Jessica Tarlov voices public skepticism over U.S. motives and whether the administration clearly explained the operation’s rationale.
- She attributes leadership in the push for regime change to Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu, not the U.S.
“The decisions that are being made are being orchestrated by Bibi Netanyahu. We have a strong partnership with them for sure. But that's why Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff are central players in this again, because they are the BB whisperers, as it were.” – Jessica Tarlov, [11:31]
5. Presidential Authority and Historical Context
[13:00–14:56]
- Charlie Hurt notes the president’s constitutional power to act, comparing Trump’s direct targeting of Iran to previous presidents’ proxy wars.
- Both parties have historically targeted Iran as a security threat, but Trump is more explicit and aggressive.
- Emphasis on preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons: a “global game changer.”
“Every president since Thomas Jefferson has believed that the president has the authority to do this... Donald Trump, in typical Trump fashion, walks in and says... I’m going to go directly and cut off the head of the snake.” – Charlie Hurt, [13:31]
6. Military Assessment of Operation “Epic Fury”
[36:26–43:03]
- Gen. Jack Keane:
- Operation exceeds expectations with 2,000 sorties in 24 hours, air superiority established.
- Iran’s missile and drone retaliatory capabilities have been cut by 50%.
- Heavy use of intelligence, cyber, and kinetic strikes is disrupting Iran’s command and control.
“After 48 hours, a stunning achievement because we’re focusing so much on the ballistic missiles... they have been reduced 50% in terms of their ability to retaliate. That is stunning.” – Gen. Jack Keane, [37:18]
7. Live Missile Attacks on Israel
[35:32–40:22]
- Trey Yingst reports live as Iranian missiles target Tel Aviv and Haifa during the broadcast.
- Israel’s layered missile defense system, including U.S.-supplied Patriot and THAAD systems, is under significant strain but reducing penetration rates.
- The sequence offers listeners a stark portrayal of the realities faced by Israelis under fire.
“You can hear those explosions behind me... It highlights the importance of defense amid this conflict.” – Trey Yingst, [39:00]
8. Political Fallout: Domestic and International Reaction
[27:25–35:32]
- Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom quickly denounce the war as “reckless” and dismiss Trump’s justification.
- The panel critiques media and Democratic messaging, pointing out inconsistencies with earlier conflicts (e.g., Ukraine).
- There's debate around the viability and wisdom of regime change, influence of influential advisors (Jared Kushner, Steve Witkoff), and friction with European allies.
“Looks like Democrats’ pathological hatred of President Trump is still alive and well. Kamala Harris and Gavin Newsom wasting no time in blasting Operation Epic Fury.” – Charlie Hurt, [27:25]
9. Pragmatic versus Idealist Viewpoints on Regime Change
[25:30–26:47]
- Joey Jones and others stress that U.S. interests supersede attempts to socially engineer a ‘democratic’ Iran.
- The pragmatic approach is to ensure Iran’s new leaders know the consequences of hostile actions.
- Jessica and panel reflect on the cost, the number of “heroes lost,” and the desire for a clear, limited mission.
“The policy is whoever’s strong enough to take the reins and understands we will kill him if he doesn’t work with us. That’s who we’re going to work with, and that’s as much as it needs to be.” – Joey Jones, [26:19]
10. Humanitarian and Social Impact
[47:51–49:25]
- Dana Perino emphasizes women’s rights as a factor for supporting regime change.
- Panelists honor the sacrifice of the six American service members killed, the bravery of those still in harm’s way, and hope for “a free Iran” as a positive outcome.
“If you are somebody out there who cares about human rights and especially the rights of women and young girls, you should support this change because that’s what those women deserve.” – Dana Perino, [47:51]
11. Final Takeaways and Prognosis
[47:03–49:25]
- The consensus: Operation is high-risk yet vital for American and Israeli security, with unpredictable consequences for the region’s future.
- Success may boost U.S. influence and deliver long-term stability, but political and economic costs loom domestically.
“The best thing that anybody can do for them is to have a defined purpose and have their sacrifice not be in vain. And I think President Trump is determined to do that.” – Charlie Hurt, [49:10]
Notable Quotes & Timestamps
- “It's a game of cat and mouse with the Israelis going after these positions inside Iranian territory.” – Trey Yingst, [01:18]
- “We warned Iran... This is our last best chance to strike.” – President Trump, [04:51]
- “Donald Trump did not come here to lay up... He set a deadline and he took action.” – Jesse Watters, [06:22]
- “This is a hundred year plan... other politicians should buy in on it.” – Joey Jones, [09:34]
- “The decisions that are being made are being orchestrated by Bibi Netanyahu.” – Jessica Tarlov, [11:31]
- “Every president since Thomas Jefferson has believed the president has the authority to do this.” – Charlie Hurt, [13:31]
- “After 48 hours... Iran’s ballistic missile capabilities have been reduced 50%.” – Gen. Jack Keane, [37:18]
- “You can hear those explosions behind me... highlights the importance of defense amid this conflict.” – Trey Yingst, [39:00]
- “The policy is, whoever’s strong enough to take the reins and understands we will kill him if he doesn’t work with us, that’s who we’re going to work with.” – Joey Jones, [26:19]
- “If you care about human rights... you should support this change because that’s what those women deserve.” – Dana Perino, [47:51]
Important Segments & Timestamps
- Live Israeli strike updates and Gulf unity: [01:11–04:13]
- President Trump’s statements and rationale: [04:13–05:37]
- Economic and strategic impact analysis: [05:37–10:33]
- Debate on U.S. motives and clarity: [10:35–12:34]
- Historical context and presidential power: [13:00–14:56]
- Live missile attack coverage, Israel: [35:32–40:22]
- Gen. Jack Keane’s assessment: [36:26–43:03]
- U.S. domestic political and media reactions: [27:25–35:32]
- Final thoughts and human impact: [47:03–49:25]
Summary
This episode offers a thorough, fast-moving, and sometimes tense examination of the latest Middle East conflict, weaving real-time reporting, historical context, strategic analysis, and political debate. Panelists share a mix of support, skepticism, and hope regarding the consequences of a bold and rapidly evolving American-Israeli offensive against Iran. The conversation is rich with on-the-ground updates, a focus on larger geopolitical stakes, and frequent recognition of the military and civilian lives affected.