Israel and Iran climb (and descend?) the escalation ladder with Phillip Smyth

On today’s episode, Matt welcomes back Phillip Smyth, one of the leading researchers of Iranian-backed militia groups in the Middle East. This time, they discuss last month’s exchange of missiles, drones, and airstrikes between Israel and Iran. Phillip helps unpack what triggered this latest cycle of violence, gauge Iran’s intent behind an unprecedented attack against Israel itself, and look ahead at how it may impact the war in Gaza and the wider conflict throughout the region.

Phillip’s work for The Washington Institute for Near East Policy: https://www.washingtoninstitute.org/experts/phillip-smyth

Phillip’s work for West Point’s Combatting Terrorism Center: https://ctc.westpoint.edu/authors/phillip-smyth/

Follow Phillip on Twitter: https://twitter.com/PhillipSmyth

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