Podcast Summary: "Do Israel and Iran Know ‘what the f*’ They’re Doing Now?"**

Podcast: The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim
Hosts: Yalda Hakim (Sky News) and Richard Engel (NBC)
Release Date: June 24, 2025

Introduction and Context

In this episode of The World, Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel delve into the escalating tensions between Israel and Iran, framed by recent missile strikes and the controversial statements from former U.S. President Donald Trump. The hosts provide a comprehensive analysis of the volatile situation, exploring the implications of military actions, ceasefire agreements, and the broader geopolitical ramifications.

Timeline of Recent Events

[00:00 – 01:31] Initial Developments

Yalda Hakim begins the discussion from Jerusalem, while Richard Engel contributes from Tel Aviv. They outline the immediate backdrop: Iran's missile attack on the Al Udeid Air Base, following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites. This sequence of events marks a significant escalation, challenging the fragility of the ceasefire recently brokered between Israel and Iran.

[02:18 – 05:46] Unfolding Crisis

The hosts reconstruct the rapid sequence of events, highlighting the U.S. Embassy in Qatar's warning to American citizens amid heightened tensions. Yalda recounts interactions suggesting the attack was anticipated and possibly coordinated between the U.S. and Iran to project strength post the assassination of Iranian commander Qasem Soleimani in 2020. However, Iran's swift missile strikes disrupt this narrative, challenging the authenticity of the ceasefire agreement.

Analysis of Ceasefire Fragility

[05:46 – 08:09] Ceasefire Breakdown

Richard Engel describes the confusion surrounding Trump's ceasefire declaration, noting its vague implementation timeline. Despite the declared peace, Iran resumes missile attacks, resulting in civilian casualties in Beersheba before the ceasefire officially takes effect. Engel shares a harrowing firsthand account of the destruction, emphasizing the unpredictability and instability of the current truce.

Trump's Controversial Statements and Reactions

[11:35 – 12:50] Presidential Outburst

Donald Trump expresses frustration with both Israel and Iran, questioning their strategic decisions using explicit language: “they don’t know what the F they're doing” ([11:35]). This candid outburst contrasts sharply with traditional diplomatic language, raising questions about its impact on international discourse and the potential for escalating tensions further.

Richard Engel comments on the unprecedented nature of such language from a U.S. president, pondering the implications of censoring presidential statements and the broader effects on political communication.

Regime Change and Its Implications

[22:34 – 31:09] Listener Q&A on Regime Change

A listener, Tom, poses a critical question about the feasibility and potential candidates for regime change in Iran. Richard Engel responds by reflecting on past U.S. attempts at regime change in Afghanistan and Iraq, emphasizing the complexities and unintended consequences that often follow. He illustrates this with anecdotes from his experiences in Baghdad in 2003, highlighting how external interventions can lead to prolonged instability and guerrilla warfare.

Yalda Hakim adds that Israel's approach differs slightly, aiming for "regime destruction" rather than direct regime change. She discusses the challenges in predicting the behavior of Iran's next generation of leaders and the possible internal cracks within Iranian society that could be exploited for future negotiations.

Notable Quote:
Richard Engel: “Regime change from afar is really hard... so I think they talk about regime change, but is that a plan or is that a hope? I think it's a hope.”

Leadership Dynamics and Strategic Decisions

[15:30 – 19:31] Trump vs. Netanyahu

Yalda Hakim explores the dynamic between Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu. She underscores a rare instance where Trump exerts influence over Netanyahu, preventing a potentially devastating Israeli military response to Iran. This interaction marks a significant departure from previous administrations, where Israeli leaders largely operated independently of direct U.S. presidential interventions.

Notable Quote:
Yalda Hakim: “It feels like the first time in perhaps 40 years that a US president has shown that in some way he can rein in an Israeli leader.”

Potential Outcomes and Future Implications

[19:31 – 30:07] Assessing Stability and Future Prospects

The hosts debate the sustainability of the current ceasefire, questioning whether it will hold beyond the immediate 24-hour window. Yalda posits that both Israel and Iran may have achieved temporary tactical goals, potentially leading to a diplomatic process. However, the underlying objectives, such as Israel's push for regime change and Iran's desire to leverage their nuclear advancements, suggest that the conflict is far from resolved.

Richard Engel views the ceasefire as a temporary pause rather than a permanent solution, predicting continued volatility in the region.

Listener Engagement and Further Discussions

[30:07 – 31:09] Audience Interaction

The episode concludes with a listener's question about the future of Iran's leadership post-regime change, prompting a deeper discussion on the structural challenges of altering Iran's political landscape. The hosts emphasize the unpredictability and resilience of authoritarian regimes, cautioning against oversimplified solutions.

Conclusion

Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel provide a nuanced exploration of the Israel-Iran conflict, highlighting the precariousness of ceasefire agreements, the complexities of international diplomacy, and the profound implications of military interventions. Through firsthand accounts and expert analysis, the episode underscores the enduring volatility of the Middle East and the intricate interplay of global powers striving for stability amidst chaos.

Key Takeaways:

• The Israel-Iran ceasefire remains highly fragile, with recent missile strikes challenging its viability.
• Donald Trump's unprecedented use of explicit language reflects deep frustration and may influence diplomatic relations.
• Historical attempts at regime change offer cautionary lessons about external interventions and their long-term consequences.
• Leadership dynamics, particularly between the U.S. and Israeli authorities, play a critical role in shaping conflict outcomes.
• The future of the Iran regime remains uncertain, with internal and external pressures potentially driving future negotiations or further conflict.

Notable Quotes:

• Yalda Hakim, [00:00]: "Foreign hello, it's me, Yalda Hakim, and I'm still in Jerusalem."
• Donald Trump, [11:35]: "We basically have two countries that have been fighting so long and so hard that they don't know what the fuck they're doing."
• Richard Engel, [26:24]: "Regime change from afar is really hard... so I think they talk about regime change, but is that a plan or is that a hope? I think it's a hope."

This detailed summary captures the essence of the podcast episode, providing listeners with a clear understanding of the discussions, insights, and analytical perspectives presented by Yalda Hakim and Richard Engel.