Topic: Iran Assassination

Journalist Laura Logan reported on alleged Iranian "kill teams" smuggling surface-to-air missiles into the U.S. to target Donald Trump's plane. The discussion evaluates whether these threats are legitimate intelligence or part of a "theater" designed to justify future military action against Iran. Trump has publicly stated he would "blow to smithereens" any country that threatens a U.S. presidential candidate.

U.S. intelligence has briefed Donald Trump on credible Iranian plots to assassinate him in retaliation for the 2020 killing of Qasem Soleimani. Iran has reportedly issued fatwas against several former U.S. officials, including John Bolton and Brian Hook. Trump has stated that if he were president, he would inform Iran that any harm to a U.S. candidate would result in their largest cities being "blown to smithereens."

New details regarding the assassination of Ismail Haniyeh in Tehran are discussed, including the theory that a bomb was planted in his room months in advance. The fact that leaders of the Palestinian Islamic Jihad (PIJ) in the same building were not targeted is interpreted as a specific signal from the attackers.

The FBI's arrest of Asif Merchant, a Pakistani national with ties to Iran, is detailed. Merchant is accused of plotting to hire hitmen to assassinate US government officials, including Donald Trump. The arrest occurred just one day before the Butler, Pennsylvania shooting, though no direct link between the two events has been established.

Intelligence reports claiming Iran placed Donald Trump on a hit list are being viewed with skepticism by some analysts who suggest it may be a narrative distraction. Trump has used his Truth Social platform to insinuate that the security failures in Butler may have been an "inside job." Comparisons are being drawn to the JFK assassination, with concerns that files will remain classified for decades.

Reports on Onyx suggest that cell phone data tracked devices from the shooter's home to Washington D.C. near FBI offices. Additionally, theories are discussed regarding alleged Iranian plots to assassinate Trump and the discovery of secret Bitcoin accounts linked to the shooter. These elements are viewed by some as potential narratives to justify future foreign policy actions against Iran.

Iranian-American activist Masih Alinejad testified before Congress regarding multiple assassination and kidnapping plots orchestrated against her by the Iranian regime on U.S. soil. The discussion links these threats to broader national security concerns, including the potential for Iranian-linked terrorists to enter the country through the southern border.

Iran's top nuclear scientist, Mohsen Fakhrizadeh, was assassinated on the outskirts of Tehran. Former CIA Director John Brennan condemned the act as "criminal" and "reckless." Speculation suggests the hit was carried out by Israeli intelligence to prevent the incoming Biden administration from re-entering the Iran nuclear deal.

The passing of former President George H.W. Bush dominated the news cycle over the weekend, coinciding with the G20 summit. Critics argue that mainstream media coverage is focused on hagiography while ignoring controversial aspects of his career, such as his involvement in Iran-Contra and his presence in Dallas during the Kennedy assassination.

Leon Panetta uses the term "fighting season" to describe the increase in Afghan casualties, which the hosts compare to a television broadcast schedule. Meanwhile, families of assassinated Iranian nuclear scientists are seeking justice through the International Criminal Court, alleging involvement by the U.S., UK, and Israel.

The show concludes with a debate between Dr. Colin Kahl and Dr. Matthew Kroenig regarding military action against Iran. Kroenig argues that a strike is the "least bad option," while Kahl warns against "worst-case assumptions" and advocates for diplomacy. Adam Curry ends the episode with a "Red Book" prediction of an attempt on the President's life within four weeks.

The hosts discuss the "James Bond style" assassination of Iranian nuclear scientist Mostafa Ahmadi-Roshan via a magnetic bomb attached to his car by motorcyclists. They note this is the fourth such assassination in three years. While Iran blames Israel, the hosts analyze the scripted nature of the international response.

President Obama discussed the alleged Iranian plot to assassinate the Saudi ambassador in Washington D.C., stating there must be accountability even if high-level Iranian officials lacked detailed knowledge. The hosts suggest the story has been buried by the news of Gaddafi's death because the public found the Iranian plot narrative unbelievable.

Reports suggest the Israeli Mossad is conducting operations in Iran to target nuclear scientists and laboratories. This follows a historical pattern of intelligence operations, such as the assassination of Canadian engineer Gerald Bull, who was designing a "supergun" for Iraq capable of launching satellites or shells over long distances.