Pepe Escobar: Trump & Israel STRIKE Iran? This War BOMBSHELL Changes EVERYTHING

Summary

Danny Haiphong and Pepe Escobar discuss Brazil’s election and rising tensions around Iran.

Reports of Possible Strikes on Iran

Haiphong says reports that a U.S. aircraft struck a missile launcher in Iran were unconfirmed. He also cites reports that CENTCOM could prepare for a strike within 96 hours of a presidential order.

Escobar says regional governments appear to expect a possible U.S.-Israeli attack, though its timing and form are uncertain. He argues that Iran has warned neighboring states it could retaliate if attacks are launched from their territory or bases.

The Saudi-Turkish-Pakistani Visit to Tehran

A delegation from Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan was meeting with Iranian officials. Escobar says the initiative followed a proposal by Pakistan’s military chief and was significant both for its symbolism and for the parties’ urgent regional concerns, including Yemen.

He suggests Iran may use the talks to press for a broader West Asian security arrangement based on the principle that one country’s security cannot be separated from others’. In his view, such an arrangement could reduce dependence on the United States. However, the countries involved have conflicting interests, particularly regarding Saudi Arabia’s relationship with Washington and the war in Yemen.

Regional Uncertainty and Potential Retaliation

Escobar says Gulf states are trying to avoid being drawn into a wider conflict while remaining constrained by their ties to Washington. He argues that Iran could target U.S. interests in the region if those states facilitate an attack, and that even limited retaliation could have significant economic consequences.

He expects developments after the U.S. midterm elections to be important, while emphasizing that the immediate outcome of the Tehran talks remains unclear.

Lula’s Election Victory in Brazil

Escobar describes Lula da Silva’s runoff win as a major comeback. He attributes the result partly to intense grassroots mobilization and a youth-led WhatsApp campaign that he says grew from about 50,000 subscribers to 10 million in three weeks. The campaign encouraged people who had abstained or cast invalid ballots in the first round to vote.

He also says efforts to disrupt transportation and extend polling hours became part of a tense election-day dispute. In his account, the extra voting time had little effect on the final margin.

Challenges Facing Lula

Escobar argues that Lula will face a difficult governing environment: right-wing forces retain substantial influence in Congress and the Senate, while powerful economic, media, and political interests may resist his agenda. He frames the election as a victory against a broad coalition of domestic and foreign opponents, but warns that the struggle over Brazil’s direction is far from over.

Brazil, China, and the Multipolar Order

The speakers discuss Brazil’s importance as a BRICS member, a major agricultural power, and a holder of significant natural resources. Escobar expects closer Brazil-China ties under Lula, including continued trade in national currencies and cooperation on infrastructure.

He presents Lula’s win as a boost for multipolar politics, while cautioning that U.S. pressure on Brazil could intensify.

UN Reform

In response to a viewer’s question, Escobar says Lula has renewed calls to reform the UN Security Council. He argues that changes to its membership would face resistance from existing powers, especially the United States, Britain, and France.

Presenters and Contributor

• Danny Haiphong: Host
• Pepe Escobar: Geopolitical analyst and journalist