How Far Will Trump Go in Iran?

I asked an Iran hawk what victory looks like now.

Hosted by Ross Douthat

Produced by Sophia Alvarez Boyd

Mr. Douthat is a columnist and the host of the “Interesting Times” podcast.

Is the U.S. winning the war with Iran? Even though President Trump claims success, it doesn’t quite feel like it — oil and gas prices are high, the Strait of Hormuz is effectively closed, and the Iranian regime is still in place. Mark Dubowitz, the chief executive of the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and a prominent Iran hawk, explains why “total victory” is within reach in spite of the cost. I pressed him on the gap between Trump’s desire for a quick deal and his desire to end the Islamic Republic.

How Far Will Trump Go in Iran?

Below is an edited transcript of an episode of “Interesting Times.” We recommend listening to it in its original form for the full effect. You can do so using the player above or on the NYTimes app, Apple, Spotify, Amazon Music, YouTube, iHeartRadio or wherever you get your podcasts.

Ross Douthat: Mark Dubowitz, welcome to “Interesting Times.”

Mark Dubowitz: Ross, thanks for having me. Honored to be here.

Douthat: We’re talking about 24 hours or a little more after President Trump postponed his professed plan to strike Iran’s power plants if they did not reopen the Strait of Hormuz.

We’re also talking in the background of conflicting reports about possible talks between the United States and the Iranian government, or elements of the Iranian government.

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Ross Douthat has been an Opinion columnist for The Times since 2009. He is also the host of the Opinion podcast “Interesting Times.” He is the author, most recently, of “Believe: Why Everyone Should Be Religious.” @DouthatNYT • Facebook

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