Iran called Israel's bluff. Now what? | David Hearst | The Big Picture S4E6

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.
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[@coreluminous]

From an Irish perspective, understanding how colonialism operates over 800 years, I think the aim of the many wars waged against the North African/Arab/Persian is not to succeed, but to destabilise the entire region, to prevent the emergence of Solidarity... dating back to the coup against Mossadeq which was because he was a democratically elected Socialist (not a communist). Arab Socialism posed the greatest threat to British Empire after WWI, due to the realisation that Oil was the new super fuel of Military Dominance. They feared the emergence of Arab Socialism, developing an independent economy and polity that would stand as an equal, sitting on all the Oil. Oil had not yet been developed in Saudi Arabia, but was being extracted from Iraq and Iran. Colonial Partition is a practice designed to split ethnicities, creeds, language groups and then favour one group within the new borders, over another, setting up long term identity based tensions.... it is an act of Spite, Racism and Hegemony.

[@sawtoothiandi]

i concur

[@ValeriePhillips-lp3mx]

Amazingly well documented.

[@Elizadoolittle1948]

Fellow Irish here 👋 absolutely spot on analysis. Very well put!

[@coreluminous]

@@ValeriePhillips-lp3mx it is, they kept detailed records...

[@coreluminous]

@@Elizadoolittle1948 been learning about colonialism since age 8, I'm 64 now.. learning never stops

[@phoenixh87]

Iran's attack was measured. They knew most missiles and drones would be intercepted. They probably would have rathered there were no casualties as it would strengthen their argument. Iran still has a moral compass whereas Israel has completely lost theirs.

[@davidodonovan4982]

Israel Never had a moral compass in the first place, you can't lose what you never had.

[@adambrownhussein6525]

What Iran did is dictated by Islam. Fight only those who fight you. Don't kill women, children, elderly, non-combatants, don't destroy crops, animals, water sources, churches, temples, mosques etc. On the contrary, the Zionists massacred babies, women, children, elderly, attacked hospitals, churches, mosques, water sources, homes etc.

[@anitamurkes9511]

Definitely unprecedented defense ! Actually according to scientists an unprobable event - outside of all statisticsl probability ! 99% soccess ! Means every person did their work 100%, and the communication between the parties was total ! They acted as ONE body ! That he said: Is as remarkable as the parting of the res Sea ! A MIRACLE ! ✨✨🇮🇱✈️💗✨✨

[@edmumdtan2278]

Not just lost of moral compass, just look at the Israeli faces............ NO KINDNESS AND COMPASSION.

[@DoomedBruh]

@@anitamurkes9511 Boy, please don't accept the news of the West and Israel so easily. I speak impartially; 99% is a lie. Look at their own interviews, one says 85%, another says 75%. And it is not clear who is telling the truth? In my opinion, they shoot 99% of drones, not missiles. Good luck to you.

[@resurrectedone7463]

Iran has the right to defend itself.

[@lindapayne1595]

So does Israel.

[@ru76224]

The award for the most moral army in the Middle East goes to..... _Iran._

[@kikoexteberria8668]

You watch what happens next . The world is about to change. For the better the anti Christ is trying to rise

[@famalam943]

Iran has been funding 4 of its proxies, Hezbollah, the Houthis , Hamas, PIJ for decades. You have no idea what you’re talking about

[@bigboyshit1]

@@ru76224- ah so you support a country that kills women for not covering, while living in the UK 🥴

[@gemy6188]

Hearst is a wise man .

[@meetings3071]

Yep. David Hearst is a very wise 🦉 man. Respect 🫡 from South Africa 🇿🇦 (my country). 🇵🇸 ❤️ 🇵🇸 💚 🇵🇸 🍉 🇵🇸

[@Helia-ys7dtt]

Very👍👌

[@saiful220891]

This individual provides valuable insights and demonstrates courage in addressing important issues. Both the USA and UK have failed the Palestinian people, as their policies have proven ineffective and have only worsened the situation. It is imperative that a capable individual steps forward to resolve this ongoing crisis. Israel must acknowledge and take responsibility for the years of atrocities and genocide committed against the Palestinian people. In today's world, people are well-informed and aware of the injustices taking place. It is important to remember that everyone has the right to defend themselves, regardless of their nationality. Just because one is Israeli does not make them superior or exempt from accountability.

[@yourmainful]

The thing that absolutely Amazes me is, how many White Anglo-Saxon Men from the UK, most of whom are 100 percent closet white supremacists, are so informed and knowledgeable about the deep intricacies of the Middle East in a surgical kind of way, more so than almost any actual person from that Region. This has a massive amount to do with British Imperialistic Sucess globally, an almost obsessive thurst for knowledge about other countries, like a physician, the only problem is the Brits Used this clinical knowledge to rape, destabilize, decimate, subjugate, rob and pillage and cause pure harm for their own personal pleasure and economic comfort! Like a doctor, learning the details of a person's issues and then raping the person and having their way with em! Very demonical and psychopathic.

[@a.t8097]

Hearst is a very valuable resource with a big heart

[@mavenil]

One of the few credible voices on any topic! Love David’s intelligent nuanced and humane take on things!

[@davorkamatic1349]

The best analysis of the situation in the ME, thank you Mr Hearst, thank you MEE.

[@davidalderson4980]

Excellent interview. Thanks very much.

[@awrupi.6272]

Hearst is prolly one of the best analysts of West Asia. And he has been wise and on the right side of history with MEE reporting brilliantly under his leadership.

[@VDP207]

Fantastic discussion gentlemen!!

[@brutallyhonest5171]

I hope this conflict doesn’t escalate into a global-scale war. While life might be disappointing, living amidst a Third World War would undoubtedly be worse.

[@kerrymoss8722]

Natanhy is trying to pull the west into an all-out war. I hope the west and its allies are on to him.

[@user-fi1ym8zo1x]

David Hearst - an excellent analyst - straight up journalism - pure and simple - thank you.

[@usamashabibi215]

So interesting to listen to David Hearst.

[@ghassanboubez8890]

JUST AMAZING! Amazing analysis by David Hearst, expert on Middle East

[@francinebarr1204]

Thank You ❤

[@pcliff9473]

Refreshing to hear a clear explaination on this without all of the spinning the news and politicians do. Great interview

[@donaldzielke4124]

Great interview, full of wisdom, refreshingly forthright.

[@MAGurue]

Amazing conversation, thank you

[@prazzy5356]

Great analysis

[@misterjones2u]

really interesting analysis, thank you

[@pure7082]

Great interview a great overview of the truth

[@Pitonisa]

Excelente! From Brasil.

[@AlternativeMediaJointCenter]

Plz invite Mohammad Marandi or Max Blumenthal

[@JonnyHeartbreaker]

Such a brilliant distillation.

[@jorgeclaverie6752]

Please, show a little more respect for the people of Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Paraguay, Colombia, Cuba, Mexico, Venezuela, Uruguay and all the other countries in America by NOT using the name of our CONTINENT to refer to USA, which is only ONE of the MANY countries in America. If France called itself "United Provinces of Europe", would you then call France "Europe"? How do you think the people in the rest of Europe would react?

[@itzelouise8714]

That’s true, is ridiculous

[@yassinroy]

David Hearst is a honest man

[@amjadkhan-qm4ph]

Mr. Hearst is a sensible person. I wish that Sunak the slick and Lord Carrion had wisdom like his or at least had advisors like him who could wisen them about not being so tunnel vision in dealing with complex issues. Western leaders think that the world revolves around Israel.

[@MsCentaurina]

Great interview and big thank you for enlightening us

[@lcbrittain]

Also, Iran has stated that the moment Israeli or allied planes take off to attack Iran, that is when it will strike with its missiles, considering those allies also as enemies. That is a pretty strong and scary deterrent, no?

[@faridacasmally1978]

David Hearst, gave such a broader perspective on what is actually happening, with clear evidence and understanding, why can’t we have educated people with integrity instead of hooliganism politicians, who just want to brings corruption and catastrophic consequences, on one side we are hearing the truth, on the genocidal conventions groups as always you have to take it with a pinch of salt, propaganda at its best. Iran is demonstrating pure leadership with great morality and strategy

[@nsenloo2685]

Great morality I wouldn’t say but indeed strategy. They had the right to defend themselves, and not been use as a decoi for a pure sociopath that’s for sure.

[@KateBates22zabu]

We hope for a youthful wildcard candidate that will be unstoppable. We can dream

[@jisharchatteysseri6877]

What a brilliant discussion 👍🏻

[@andrewlusty5584]

For years, Israel has carried out military operations in neighboring countries with minimal resistance. However, Iran has now shifted the dynamic by warning Israel that while they can launch strikes and harm Iranians, Iran will retaliate-and they've shown they can do just that. Iran has focused on military targets, and some of their missiles have penetrated the Iron Dome defense system to hit their intended objectives. Israel appears to have spent billions on defense against this attack, while Iran's expenditure is in the millions, raising questions about the wisdom of Israel's investment. Moreover, it seems that American support for Israel is not as steadfast as it once was. This marks the first time a country has stood up to the "schoolyard bully" and given them a taste of their own medicine-and Israel doesn't seem to appreciate it.

[@user-dt7iu1yc8u]

You should interview Scott Ritter

[@Somedude54]

He’s in Putins pocket

[@musthaghussain2696]

He is very informative and honest

[@SalicMudag]

What a commendable man. He has an obviously fair judgement.

[@aigaoliveira3278]

Fair?

[@tumslucks9781]

​@@aigaoliveira3278 Cry harder!! ✡️👿✡️

[@vioricadoina]

Thank you!

[@lorenzosavioli9023]

Absolutely perfect analysis.

[@Gio.761]

He really is a wise man !!!!! He makes sense!!

[@AlRadmanesh-bk9uv]

Thanks David for your honest opinion and analysis on the conflict in ME! 🙏

[@W.Khairi]

Great episode, Thanks a lot for sharing.

[@rubybarker791]

V comprehensive analysis. Thank you

[@rezrunnercl]

Thank you. Very interesting and informative.

[@user-ng1bo1zl5y]

Excellent

[@Serberus-o_o]

"They show every sign of weathering the storm." What did you just say?

[@ariffali1471]

Yes good discussion…

[@robch4414]

Was Israel bombing Iran's embassy in Syria a "bluff"?

[@keithdavies1395]

It was the building next door.

[@DaSkonk]

​@keithdavies1395 Like that makes even a blind bit of difference, give over!

[@keithdavies1395]

@DaSkonk Well it does if it wasn't the Embassy.

[@DaSkonk]

@keithdavies1395 Risible attempt at transparent semantic sophistry. Did you even watch the interview you're commenting on? As Hearst clearly explains, it was an attack on the Iranian consulate, part of the Iranian embassy compound in Damascus - of Iran's top soldier; to assassinate him, along with 7 other commanders of the Iranian Revolutionary Guard. Done, in order to try to wipe out the Iranian leadership in Syria, on what is understood *by all* to be, *under the Vienna Convention* , not only a *protected diplomatic mission* , but that is viewed, under International Law, as *sovereign Iranian territory.* As such, Israel’s attack on it was an unbridled act of aggression - the “supreme international crime” - as the Nuremberg tribunal ruled at the end of the Second World War. As Hearst also says, very clearly and unambiguously, so even the hard-of-thinking can understand; it was, quite literally, a state-on-state attack - because, in geopolitical and International Law terms: to attack a consulate, is to attack a country! And for that reason, Tehran has invoked article 51 of the United Nations charter, which allows it to act in self-defence. Simple as that!

[@lcbrittain]

@@keithdavies1395I think it was part of the embassy compound.

[@jovandjuric8340]

Awesome analysis!

[@abdulali3319]

Great interview

[@johnnyhoops3991]

David Hearst expresses more realism insight and wisdom in 40 minutes than the entire British and US political establishments in the past 100 years since Balfour...

[@pukahuroad3967]

The Iranian drones were moped powered and the cheapest drone they have. The abm's were old and easily dealt with. The missiles that reportedly struck both the base that launched the F35 which bombed the Iranian consulate and the Intelligence base in the Golan Heights were more modern and broke through the Israeli defences. The telegraphed Iranian response was neither high tech nor aimed at causing an escalation but it was an opportunity to gather intelligence on from where and how the air defence systems responded. The Iranian military have many underground missile launch facilities with modern missiles and have been preparing for an Israeli attack for decades. It is not only Hamas who have underground defences, Hezbollah, the Iraqi Resistance Front and the Houthi (Ansar Allah) have also prepared similarly for the possibility of a war with Israel. If the Iranians are provoked further the response from the axis of resistance will be severe not only against Israel but also on the US, French and German bases in the region.

[@thespartan101x1]

It's indeed truly Pathetic how the Israeli people still believe in that monster Netanyahu cares about hostages, too bad, so sad. And the UN is as pathetic as NATO but the UN always shows the countries that support war and countries that are against peace like Switzerland the UK and the US.

[@aigaoliveira3278]

The hostages were not even suppose to be there in the first place.

[@comitelulalivreengland_oxf9343]

Well done! It was a great interview. USA needs to revise their policies with Israel . Enough is enough 😢

[@nidhalhammadi997]

I love this man bc he is fair and just

[@aigaoliveira3278]

I hope you're joking.

[@babakDK50]

Thanks, please Invite professor Marandi from Iran 🇮🇷

[@pswhite2961]

Fascinating interview 👍

[@mohammedtjr9236]

We should not lose focus on Gaza!

[@aigaoliveira3278]

Iran certainly doesn't and not in a good way.

[@tumslucks9781]

​@aigaoliveira3278 'Israel' certainly doesn't.. ✡️👿✡️

[@blacksnow129]

The problem is bullies are very slow to learn, if like Iran did, with its retaliatory strike one decide to be lenient the bully immediately thinks it is because they are weak.

[@fanarazzou3292]

It's always excellent, thank you. Can you please interview Cornel West?

[@user-oe8gy8dk8f]

Informed insight 🇮🇷🫡

[@twotalljones4790]

What about the civilians in Gaza. Why are you not talking about the loss of life in Gaza.

[@E-E.ADVENTUREGEARS]

NATIVE PEOPLE OF THE REGION VS COLONIZERS.

[@aigaoliveira3278]

STUPID LIES VS. STUPIDER LIES

[@bernadettedunn6129]

As an American, I am deeply troubled over Gaza.

[@joeambaye8681]

Thanks for the excellent discussion 👍

[@habibzohali5815]

Such an interesting interview! Thank you!

[@econrith]

You should not say Iran as it is not the Iranian people you fight as they are occupied by the Islamic republic, it annoys them greatly to hear that they are being mentioned as the enemy of Israel where historically, and presently they are not those who hate Jews or Israel.

[@DePeaceHunter]

Oh pleaseee...stop conflating jews with Israel.

[@aigaoliveira3278]

👏👏👏

[@michelguillemot5506]

😢 ISRAËL...HOLY BIBLICAL NAME ... 😢 I CAN'T SING TO YOU WITHOUT CRYING OVER GAZA !

[@mhas9110]

The last king of Jordan 😂😂😂

[@virginie7752]

The British Hashemite Kingdom with a binational officer of the British army at its head.

[@virginie7752]

The British Hashemite Kingdom with a binational officer of the British army at its head.

[@user-mx5uf7dr6f]

The voice of wisdom. I hope it will be heard

[@monirasultana1029]

Wow what a great observation

[@shermeenfariddriscoll5465]

It’s about time Iran is being recognized as defending themselves and not always being villanized

[@farzinkalantary5782]

Such an insight!

[@gregoryjones5763]

You must remember the price of evicting the many forms of colonialism. The Algerians lost anywhere from 400,000 to 1,500,000 during their fight for independence against France.

[@mmazkoory3628]

Thanks to David Hearst's honest logical analysis and interpretation of the Iranian response to the Israeli attack on their consulate in Syria.Long live resistance against Zionism and Imperialism.

[@tumslucks9781]

🇮🇷🇮🇷🇮🇷 🇵🇸🇵🇸🇵🇸 🇸🇾🇸🇾🇸🇾

[@pswhite2961]

John Mearsheimer would be a good interview.

[@user-ms1zi1mf1u]

Chas Freeman is another incredibly wise commentator

[@rh7163]

Fact, Netanyahu wanted the President to become involved against Iran long before Biden or Trump showed up and Obama ignored him for the most part as there was no physical or direct threat coming from Iran. The problem began when Netanyahu was re-elected even while there were outstanding, legal allegations against him. As soon as he was elected, he wanted to eliminate the judicial system and install a Commission of his own making and this caused the initial protest which is now far bigger in Israel. The Israeli protesters now want him to step down and call another election which he won't do as that would be the beginning of the end of Netanyahu.

[@SandraSmith-vb5pf]

Keep On Keeping On 💭🙏🌈♥️

[@highvolumepls]

Cos we re tangled up in Blue

[@kittysawtelle5552]

Plenty smart..that David Hearst! Love Mideast eye! Thanks for rational thinking towards peace!

[@irenezafar966]

and was there and could have there been any statement more obscene than that which equated the murdering of human beings with the sunday activity of 'cutting the grass' ....... and the daisies, byvthe way

[@linowes]

Netanyahu bluff? Israel’s air defense is amazing. No other country has this capability.

[@user-xp7yy3py5o]

For some decades now American middle eastern policy has been directed out of Jerusalem with some small deviations allowed, sometimes.

[@theaardee]

Silly question time is it

[@leilasesmero5910]

Interesting geo-political analysis. Thank you for being optimistic. Netanayu has to go, this will help a lot of things in my opinion

[@rudstoncullen3410]

Listen to Scott Ritter on the military-technical reasons why the USA cannot conceivably defeat Iran

[@majharulislam1860]

Wise man always deal with facts.

[@sadikakassab1161]

Please invite Scott Ritter on your show.

[@busyb8676]

Most Americans I know are deeply troubled by this nightmare, want the END of Netanyahu ,and the survival of both states.

[@user-xp7yy3py5o]

The Persians were there first, had a civilization while the tribes were herding sheep. Some respect is due that would include no targeted killings of engineers and scientists or destroying their diplomatic missions and personnel, all violations of long standing international law.

[@tnn5729]

Stop being naive everything israel does the united states Is involved hundred percent . Geo politics a game within the game .....😂😂😂

[@inhumanesocietyusa]

Arab ❤ Brothers. Nothing moves with no oil . Is a GENERATIONAL DISTRACTION TO CONTROL YOUR OIL . UNITED, CREATE YOUR OWN CURRENCY BACK BY OIL . THE FUTURE IS YOURS

[@bitranavi]

QATAR!!! Hamas has rejected the peace treaty that Egypt delivered. Why? 1. An IDF company exited the Gaza strip. 2. The US stated that the with or without hamas' agreeing to the peace treaty, ISRAEL should not enter Rafah. I think the US negotiation capabilities are lacking. why should hamas agree to a peace treaty if they get what they want without any concessions from their part? If you want to know why the war is still on, I think it's because the US doesn't understand the mindset of hamas.

[@BahaaFahmy-ch2lg]

Iran published their intentions long ahead of time. Knowing the extent of air defense, they launched a lot of low level drones, decoys and such, in order for anything to penetrate. They did penetrate inspite of 7 countries actively blocking them. I believe that was the point. You won't come out of a showdown without a scratch. It will cost you, and even that demonstration was very costly.

[@normabantas6043]

Fortunate are those who lestining to a few intelligent and true honest persons. Telling the truth is the most effective weapon in the universe because almost elsewhere are manipulative and to much lies looming.

[@kiranbarrow4648]

Iran invented chess...Israel cheque mate

[@mehdifarid2864]

Can you please tell us why Iran taking revenge for killing in the iranian embassy in sirya is over reaction but killing 70000 woman and children in reaction to hammas attack is not over reaction please?

[@bobtudbury8505]

who are all these so called experts that pop up. what is his claim to fame other then books

[@argelmtz]

👏👏👏👏

[@BocaoZ]

It is funny to see smart people calling Trump “prince of darkness” (whatever he said) when Biden reversed none of the major Trump’s policies. It is even funnier to see they talking about “Trump’s relationship with Putin” when Trump enacted so many anti-Russia policies in Eastern Europe. 😂

[@j0n.p]

What a warped perspective