How Far Will Trump Go in Iran? | Interesting Times with Ross Douthat

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. 04:05 - Is Iran biding its time until Trump leaves office? 07:23 - Three phases to regime change 09:59 - Iran's military capabilities and the Strait of Hormuz 15:01 - How will the next American president treat Iran? 18:13 - The battle for the Strait of Hormuz 22:48 - Will Iran attack its neighbors? 27:42 - Will Trump cut a deal? 36:42- Does Israel think Trump is its best chance? 41:26 - Risk of U.S. alienation from Israel 46:16 - The cost of inaction and the Iranian people Thoughts? Email us at [email protected]. Read the full transcript here: https://www.nytimes.com/2026/03/26/op... Unlock full access to New York Times podcasts and explore everything from politics to pop culture. Subscribe today at nytimes.com/podcasts or on Apple Podcasts and Spotify.