[Bonus Episode] America Goes to War: Making Sense of the Sudden Conflict with Iran (with Tim Buch)

In the first days of a rapidly escalating U.S.–Israel conflict with Iran, strikes rippled across the region and global tensions spiked. In this bonus episode, former CIA senior executive and Iran expert Tim Buch joins the show to break down what actually happened, and just as important, why. We examine how intelligence shaped military decisions, how Iran is likely to respond, and what this conflict means for the broader Middle East. Finally, we look ahead: What could Iran look like by 2030 if this war continues?

Credits: Drew Elliot (music) with additional thanks to the ⁠⁠Wheaton Center for Faith, Politics & Economics⁠⁠.

Recording Date: March 2, 2026