NETANYAHU WANTS TO BOMB IRAN, IDF CHEIF REFUSES, LULA WINS BRAZIL ELECTION w/ CIA Larry Johnson

Summary

Possible Israeli Strike on Iran

The host raised a report that Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to attack Iran but that the IDF chief resisted. Larry Johnson said Netanyahu’s denial made the report seem plausible, while emphasizing that reports of attacks near Sirik were difficult to verify. He speculated that limited attacks might be intended to provoke a larger Iranian response and provide a pretext for wider Western action.

The host said Iran was reportedly attacking ships that crossed the Strait of Hormuz without permission. He also warned that oil pollution could threaten coastlines and desalination facilities.

Lula’s Election Victory and Brazil’s Foreign Policy

Johnson said Lula’s win was not surprising given close polling and considered the result fair. He dismissed claims of rigging, including objections to a two-hour voting extension prompted by heavy rain. He also alleged that the CIA had tried to help Bolsonaro.

Both speakers argued that a Bolsonaro victory could have put Brazil’s BRICS membership and trade with China at risk. In their view, Lula’s win strengthens BRICS and signals a shift away from pro-US and pro-Israel politics in parts of South America.

Unclear US Intelligence on Iran

The discussion examined Donald Trump’s claim that he had received two different intelligence reports about Iran. Johnson said it was impossible to know what the reports covered. They might have been American and Israeli assessments, but their subject—such as Iran’s nuclear program or military capabilities—was unknown.

Energy, Sanctions, and the Gulf

The speakers discussed reports of an Iran–Russia energy arrangement. Johnson suggested Russia could act as an intermediary for Iranian energy exports and argued that sanctions had not stopped Iranian oil revenue.

Johnson disputed a US Treasury claim that Persian Gulf exports had rebounded above pre-conflict levels, calling it false and pointing to higher shipping costs and disrupted supply. He warned that a wider war could severely damage Gulf energy infrastructure and take years to repair.

Potential Retaliation and Escalation

The host said Iran had listed Israeli desalination plants, refineries, power stations, the Dimona nuclear research center, bridges, and roads as possible targets if Israel or the US attacked Iranian infrastructure.

Johnson said the prospect of reciprocal strikes and further damage to global energy markets could be one reason the US had not escalated. He argued that a new Gulf war would be disastrous.

Obama’s Defense of Diplomacy

Barack Obama was quoted defending the nuclear agreement with Iran, saying it had constrained Iran’s nuclear program without war. Johnson agreed that the agreement had achieved that objective, while noting that he was not generally a fan of Obama.

The discussion also cited Obama’s criticism of the war’s costs, including attacks on US bases and allies, American casualties and injuries, and depleted missile stocks. Johnson said those points conflicted with Trump’s claims of victory. The host also noted Obama’s record on drone warfare and foreign conflicts.

Lula on Gaza and Intervention

The host played remarks attributed to Lula condemning Israel’s actions in Gaza, comparing them to historical atrocities, and criticizing the Iraq and Libya interventions as well as the wars involving Lebanon and Iran. Johnson said Lula’s positions represented a welcome countercurrent to pro-Israel politics in the region.

Presenters and Contributors

• Presenter: Unnamed host
• Guest: Larry Johnson
• The program also includes recorded remarks from Lula, Barack Obama, and Donald Trump.