Iran called Netanyahu’s bluff. What happens next? | David Hearst | The Big Picture S3E6
Did Iran fall into Israel’s trap when it attacked on Saturday, or did it outmanoeuvre Netanyahu? Are we on the brink of regional war, or can the US contain the spill?
When Israel bombed an Iranian embassy compound in Damascus on 1 April, killing top Iranian commanders, many saw it as bait laid out by Benjamin Netanyahu to force a direct confrontation that would drag the US into a wider regional conflict. More isolated than ever on the world stage after six months of brutal war in Gaza, Israel needed a distraction.
Iran vowed to respond, and despite warnings from US President Joe Biden, launched a large-scale drone and missile attack on Israel, the first direct confrontation with Israel after decades of proxy aggressions between the two adversaries.
Most of the attack was thwarted by the US and Israel’s aerial defence systems, with the help of British and French air power as well as, surprisingly, Jordan. It was an incredibly expensive show of defensive force that sent a message to Israel’s enemies, but also potentially exposed a contingency strategy the US had in place for years against Iran.
The aftermath of the attack, which Iran declared a victory, left the region and the world reeling, fearing what could be the first spark in a much-feared regional war spilling out from Gaza - one that Israel had at times provoked, but that all its neighbours, as well as the US and even Iran itself, had desperately tried to avoid.
In this episode of The Big Picture, we sit down with Middle East Eye’s editor-in-chief David Hearst to talk about whether Iran’s attack was a stroke of strategic shrewdness, or if it played directly into Israel’s hands.
Subscribe and listen on all podcast platforms:
Middle East Eye Website:
Follow us on TikTok: @middleeasteye
Follow us on Instagram:
Like us on Facebook:
Follow us on Twitter:
1 view
16
2
5 months ago 00:42:56 1
Iran called Netanyahu’s bluff. What happens next? | David Hearst | The Big Picture S3E6
5 months ago 00:00:59 1
Iran Kills 3 US Soldiers, Wounds Dozens
5 months ago 00:22:50 1
US Marine Scott Ritter: “As an American I’m am SCARED over what’s about to happen“ | Redacted News
5 months ago 00:03:43 1
Qatari Prime Minister says the country is ‘re-evaluating’ role as mediator
5 months ago 00:13:42 1
It’s OVER for Ukraine and Zelensky can’t hide it ANYMORE | Redacted w Natali and Clayton Morris
5 months ago 00:28:04 1
Iran Retaliates for Israeli Consulate Attack + The US, UK and Jordan Protect Israel w/ Marwa Osman
5 months ago 00:12:55 1
Putin issues DEVASTATING warning to West as Iran Attacks | Redacted w Clayton Morris
5 months ago 00:01:15 1
Israel has decided to respond to Iran attack, Lord Cameron says
5 months ago 00:03:05 1
The train left the station
5 months ago 00:23:31 1
Government Insider Just Revealed Biggest Threat to the Middle East
5 months ago 03:05:01 1
GEOPOLÍTICA ESOTÉRICA 👁️ Enrique de Vicente
5 months ago 00:09:43 1
Jordan became a shield for Israel! Israeli War cabinet considering options! Urgent Call from Iran!
5 months ago 00:04:04 1
Iran attacks Israel: IDF base in Negev Desert reportedly hit by 7 missiles | WION
5 months ago 00:02:06 1
Netanyahu Solely Responsible For Recent Middle East Tensions: Erdogan | Dawn News English
5 months ago 00:18:27 1
Mahar Bitar Islamism US Iran Russia
5 months ago 00:01:14 1
Sunak to tell Netanyahu to ‘show restraint’ in first direct phone call
5 months ago 00:08:28 1
We heard two booms and rushed to bomb shelter as Iran’s drone and missile onslaught on Israel began
5 months ago 00:08:02 1
Iranian crowds cheer missile & drone attack on Israel - as Netanyahu thanks UK for protection
5 months ago 00:25:28 1
“This is WAR!“ Iran readies DEVASTATING response to U.S. and Israel embassy bombing | Redacted News
5 months ago 00:25:45 15
ISRAEL UNDER MISSILES FIRE! Iran Launched Massive Attack All U.S BASES!
5 months ago 00:04:16 1
Amid Iran Threat To Attack US Bases, Biden’s ’No’ To Netanyahu For Israeli Counter-Attack: Report
5 months ago 00:07:18 1
US Says “Won’t be Part“ of Counterattack, Israel Yet to Decide on Iran Strike Response
5 months ago 00:03:18 1
China Calls Israel’s Attack On Iranian Consulate ‘Extremely Vicious’ At UNSC Moot| Dawn News English
5 months ago 00:05:12 1
Israel Threatens Iran After Attack: Minister Calls It ’Snake’; USA Warns Netanyahu Amid Cabinet Move