The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart
Episode: Israel, Iran and Trump’s Incompetence
Release Date: June 19, 2025
Introduction
In this episode of The Weekly Show with Jon Stewart, host Jon Stewart delves into the complex and volatile relationships between Israel, Iran, and the administration of former President Donald Trump. Joined by distinguished guests Ben Rhodes, co-host of Pod Save the World and former Deputy National Security Advisor to President Obama, and Christian Amanpour, CNN's Chief International Anchor and host of Christian and the X-Files with Jamie Rubin, the discussion navigates through the intricacies of nuclear negotiations, military interventions, and the broader implications for regional and global stability.
Trump's Administration and Its Impact
Jon Stewart opens the conversation by critiquing President Trump’s handling of international affairs, emphasizing not just his controversial policies but also his perceived incompetence in executing them.
Jon Stewart [01:08]: “But I, I, boy, I have to say I just don't think we talk enough about the incompetence. I just the like the just rank shittiness of how they accomplish things and the price we are paying for his inability to fight.”
Stewart argues that Trump's impulsive decisions have escalated tensions, drawing parallels between Trump’s approach and a poorly executed television show.
Iran's Current Stance and Reactions
Christian Amanpour provides insights from her recent discussion with Iran's Deputy Foreign Minister, highlighting Iran's resilience and refusal to capitulate to threats.
Christian Amanpour [06:25]: “In response to what President Trump has been saying, like, I demand unconditional surrender... we will not surrender and we will continue to defend ourselves.”
Amanpour underscores the fear and uncertainty within Iran following recent Israeli strikes, noting the significant impact on civilian life and infrastructure.
The Fragility of Nuclear Negotiations
Ben Rhodes challenges the notion that Trump’s 60-day timeframe for a nuclear deal with Iran was ever a genuine deadline, suggesting it was a strategic maneuver by Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu to justify military action.
Ben Rhodes [09:35]: “I just don't believe that Trump was somehow, first of all, I don't believe that the 60 day thing was a firm deadline... the Iranians weren't acting like they were going to be attacked.”
Rhodes emphasizes that the lack of Iranian precautions indicated they were not anticipating immediate military aggression, pointing to Israel’s opportunistic timing.
Consequences of Military Interventions
The discussion shifts to the broader implications of military actions, with Stewart questioning the logic behind attempting to eliminate all risks through violence.
Jon Stewart [20:31]: “The only thing that was looming was this Witkoff meeting in Oman... And that is a consequential choice.”
Ben Rhodes elaborates on the long-term destabilizing effects of military interventions, drawing parallels with past conflicts in Iraq and Afghanistan.
Ben Rhodes [22:01]: “They are creating enemies for the future... they are creating more risk for itself.”
Historical Context and Long-Term Impact
Amanpour reflects on historical US interventions in Iran and their lasting negative consequences, stressing that these actions have sown seeds of distrust and hostility.
Christian Amanpour [24:06]: “This coup was the first of America's many coups... It was a dreadful time and it all backfired against the U.S.”
She highlights the Iranian Revolution of 1978-79 as a direct backlash against US meddling, reinforcing the cyclical nature of conflict stemming from foreign interventions.
Challenges in Achieving Peace
The guests discuss the inherent difficulties in negotiating peace, especially in regions rife with historical grievances and extremist influences.
Ben Rhodes [29:30]: “Peace is inherently messy... it didn't remove the entire Iranian nuclear program. So it's easy to kind of shoot at a target of like, you know, this is a compromise.”
Amanpour adds that successful peace processes require honest brokers and sustained efforts, drawing examples from Northern Ireland and South Africa.
Christian Amanpour [48:38]: “It's the human factor in any of these... people don't care about, about people. They just don't.”
Regional Dynamics and Proxy Relationships
The conversation explores the shifting alliances within the Middle East, particularly the normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran, driven by mutual concerns over regional instability.
Ben Rhodes [41:53]: “MBS has actually evolved on this thing... they normalized relations with Iran.”
Amanpour points out the lack of support from traditional allies like the US and Europe, leaving Israel isolated in its military actions.
Christian Amanpour [44:07]: “They cannot do it while Israel is still in Gaza... every single day we get pictures... just at the aid distribution.”
Political Hesitancy and the Ownership of Peace
Stewart probes why political leaders prefer the apparent certainty of war over the uncertainties of peace, questioning the accountability in political choices.
Jon Stewart [34:09]: “Why do you think that politicians are more likely to be okay, owning the years of instability and chaos that occurs from these types of military interventions, but they are afraid to own whatever, even singular incidents might be the result of peace.”
Rhodes responds by highlighting the short-term thinking prevalent in politics, where the immediate backlash of peace agreements is feared more than the deferred costs of war.
Ben Rhodes [35:42]: “We're so short term in our thinking and our response... politicians have not absorbed that lesson, apparently.”
Pathways to De-escalation
In their closing remarks, Amanpour and Rhodes discuss potential pathways to de-escalation, emphasizing the need for renewed negotiations and strategic compromise.
Christian Amanpour [48:53]: “From their perspective, they're one party to this. If it stops, they'll go back to negotiations.”
Ben Rhodes [49:56]: “De escalation involves the United States stepping in saying Israel has to stop the military operation and we're going to make a nuclear deal with the Iranians.”
Rhodes cautions against the simplistic view that a swift deal can resolve deeply entrenched conflicts, warning of unintended consequences such as Iran going underground with its nuclear program.
Conclusion
Jon Stewart wraps up the episode by reflecting on the recurring pattern of choosing war over peace, highlighting the ease with which societies and their leaders default to conflict as a means of resolving deep-seated issues. He underscores the urgent need for thoughtful, long-term strategies that prioritize human welfare over political expediency.
Jon Stewart [55:13]: “It's a stunning kind of realization that it's easier for these so called leaders to live in war than to live in peace.”
Stewart thanks his guests, Ben Rhodes and Christian Amanpour, for their invaluable insights into one of the most pressing geopolitical crises of the time.
Key Takeaways
- Incompetence in Leadership: The Trump administration’s approach to Iran and Israel is marked by impulsiveness and strategic missteps, exacerbating regional tensions.
- Resilience of Iran: Despite external pressures and internal turmoil, Iran remains steadfast in its defense against perceived threats, refusing to surrender.
- Historical Impacts: Past US interventions in Iran continue to influence current geopolitical dynamics, fostering distrust and instability.
- Challenges of Peace: Achieving lasting peace in the Middle East requires overcoming deep-seated grievances, extremist influences, and political hesitancies.
- Shift in Regional Alliances: The normalization of relations between Saudi Arabia and Iran indicates a strategic pivot aimed at reducing regional risks.
- Political Short-Termism: Political leaders prefer the tangible outcomes of military action over the uncertain, long-term benefits of peace negotiations.
This episode serves as a crucial examination of the intertwined relationships between major Middle Eastern powers and the significant role of US policy in shaping the region's future. Through incisive analysis and expert perspectives, Jon Stewart effectively highlights the complexities and urgent need for strategic leadership in navigating these global challenges.