Unholy: Two Jews on the News

Episode: War with Iran Update: Trump Hits the Pause Button
Date: March 23, 2026
Hosts: Yonit Levi (Channel 12, Israel) & Jonathan Freedland (The Guardian, UK)

Episode Overview

In this special update, Yonit Levi and Jonathan Freedland analyze breaking developments following U.S. President Donald Trump's announcement of a five-day pause in hostilities between the U.S./Israel and Iran. The hosts explore the reliability and implications of Trump's social media post, discuss diplomatic backchannels and the evolving geopolitical situation, compare Israeli and U.S. interests, and touch on the spike in antisemitic attacks globally in the war’s wake.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Trump’s Announcement: Ceasefire or Stalling Tactic?

• Trump’s Post (00:07-01:17):
  Jonathan reads Trump’s Truth Social message claiming “very good and productive conversations” with Iran, leading to a five-day postponement of strikes against Iran’s energy infrastructure.

  “My instant reaction was, okay, well, let's see what happens. And I realized…that is such a change. Normally if an American president said these words, you'd think, right, that's it, it's the end of the war. My own sort of instincts have been worn down by the fact that he sometimes says, we're about to do this. 20 minutes later, we're going to do the opposite of this.” — Jonathan Freedland (01:17)

• Skepticism and Context (01:45-04:10):

  • Trump had issued a 48-hour ultimatum to Iran about the Strait of Hormuz, threatening to “obliterate” power plants if demands weren’t met.
  • The pause came 12 hours before the ultimatum expired, raising questions about intent—diplomatic breakthrough or buying time?
  • Mediating efforts cited by Pakistan and Turkey; involvement of transactional Trump envoys (Kushner and Witkoff) in talks.
  • Iranian officials remain unnamed for security; possible involvement of Foreign Minister Alakchi and Parliament Speaker Muhammad Bakr Kalibaf.

2. Negotiation Realities & Conflicting Narratives

• Iranian and U.S. Motives (04:10-06:46):
  • Iran’s state media claims no talks are happening, framing Trump’s pause as a tactic to influence energy prices and military preparedness.
  • The world’s financial markets react positively—oil prices drop, stocks rise—reflecting hope for de-escalation.
  • Jonathan voices caution: “Donald Trump governs on whims…Who knows?”

3. Proxy Players, Regime Change & International Mediation

• Looking for a ‘Deal-Maker’ (06:46-08:57):
  • Both hosts reflect on the American search for a “pragmatic interlocutor” within Iran, akin to Venezuela’s Delsey Rodriguez—someone the U.S. could “do business with.”
  • Trump reportedly claims parties have agreed to zero uranium enrichment and suggests the U.S. would remove enriched uranium itself if a deal is struck—facts not independently confirmed.
  • Yonit: “But indeed, is this the Dulce Rodriguez quote, unquote, that Trump was looking for?...He will sell the greatest deal of all time.”

4. Divergent Aims: U.S. vs. Israel

• Strategic Gaps Open (08:57-13:30):
  • The U.S. seems willing to accept regime continuity with a new face (“same regime, different face”), seeking stability over regime change.
  • Israel’s position remains maximalist, seeking complete removal of the Iranian regime.
  • Coordination between the Trump and Netanyahu governments is highlighted, though daylight is emerging in their preferred outcomes.
  • Israeli military leaders speak of being “midway” in operations, but the U.S. appears poised for a deal.

5. Domestic and International Implications

• Public Opinion and Threat Perception (13:30-15:09):
  • U.S. polling suggests the public never saw Iran as an “imminent threat”; Trump has less political pressure to secure a “clear victory.”
  • Israel, due to proximity and direct threat, is under greater domestic demand to neutralize Iran comprehensively.
  • Skepticism in Israeli political circles that a diplomatic exit will feel like victory.

6. European Reaction and Iranian Reach

• Broader Security Concerns (15:09-15:21):
  • Iran’s missile attack targeting Diego Garcia signals its expanded range, potentially threatening European cities.
  • Europeans more concerned about terror attacks than direct missile strikes.

7. Rising Antisemitism Amid War

• Wave of Hate Crimes (15:21-20:43):
  • Widespread antisemitic attacks on Jewish institutions reported from North America to Europe, with a major arson attack against London’s Hatzola ambulances, linked to Iranian-aligned groups.
  • Intense discussion on why Jews uniquely bear blame or consequences for actions by Israel:

    “Somehow Jews always find themselves the only minority that has to pay some sort of price for the actions of decisions made by a government that is hundreds, thousands or even more miles away...” — Yonit Levi (18:33)
    “When there are attacks on Jewish site, suddenly you find all kinds of people getting very tongue tied...That clarity...has suddenly become very foggy when it becomes to Jews in Israel.” — Jonathan Freedland (19:24)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• On Trump’s Wavering Statements:

  “Donald Trump governs on whims. The deadline that was 12 hours away, that was one whim. This is another whim. Who knows?” — Jonathan Freedland (06:01)

• On Regime Change Ideals:

  “From the beginning, we said that is what he would have wanted. This sort of model in which you don't have an actual regime change, but a change in the regime. There's someone you can talk to in the same kind of a regime.” — Yonit Levi (07:49)

• On the American vs. Israeli Necessity for Victory:

  “It is much harder for Donald Trump to make this case to the American public that [Iran] has posed an imminent threat to the U.S.….it is…the most unpopular start of a war, of any war in polling history.” — Jonathan Freedland (13:45)

• On Antisemitism and Collective Blame:

  “Somehow Jews always find themselves the only minority that has to pay some sort of price for the actions or decisions made by a government that is...thousands or even more miles away.” — Yonit Levi (18:33)

Important Timestamps

• 00:07: Trump’s post halts U.S. strikes for five days
• 01:45: Timeline and diplomatic backchannels (Pakistan, Turkey, Kushner, Witkoff)
• 04:10: Iranian state media and international markets reaction
• 06:46: Venezuela analogies & the search for Iran's 'pragmatist'
• 08:57: Regime-change vs. regime-face swap; U.S.-Israel “daylight”
• 13:30: Public opinion divergence (Israel vs. U.S.)
• 15:21: Iranian missile range and potential European threat
• 15:21-20:30: Surge in antisemitic attacks globally
• 18:33 / 19:24: Reflections on antisemitism and identity

Tone and Language

• Conversational, skeptical, incisive; a blend of deep journalistic analysis and personal concern, especially regarding the Jewish experience worldwide.
• Analytical but accessible, mixing big-picture strategy with attention to human impact.

Conclusion

The episode underscores the volatility of the moment: Trump's abrupt announcements spark hope and skepticism, diplomatic tracks are shadowy and fragile, and war’s psychic toll extends far beyond the battlefield, especially for global Jewish communities. Expectations are managed; questions outnumber answers. Israel, the U.S., Iran, and the wider world all brace for what comes after the “pause.”

Next episode promised for Friday, with further in-depth analysis—especially on antisemitism’s resurgence as war’s grim companion.