Uploaded August 2026 | Updated September 2026, 3 weeks ago
Ashley Perry examines what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called “Economic D-Day” for Iran: a new phase of U.S. economic pressure designed to squeeze the Islamic Republic without immediately returning to military action. He explains why Israel may prefer the current “no war, no deal” scenario, how China and Iran’s shadow economy could determine whether the sanctions bite, and whether mounting economic pressure could force Tehran back toward negotiations.
Perry also looks north to Lebanon, where the IDF is pressing toward the strategically important Ali Taher Ridge, a Hezbollah stronghold reportedly sheltering Hezbollah fighters and Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers. He assesses whether Israel is nearing the final stage of its current push and how it is trying to avoid triggering a wider confrontation with Iran.
Finally, Perry breaks down Israel’s fast-changing election map, including Ofir Winter’s new Am Chai Israel party, its impact on Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, and the maneuvering already underway as parties race toward the candidate-list deadline.
Subscribe to the Middle East Forum for new episodes and expert analysis every week.
Ashley Perry examines what Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has called “Economic D-Day” for Iran: a new phase of U.S. economic pressure designed to squeeze the Islamic Republic without immediately returning to military action. He explains why Israel may prefer the current “no war, no deal” scenario, how China and Iran’s shadow economy could determine whether the sanctions bite, and whether mounting economic pressure could force Tehran back toward negotiations.
Perry also looks north to Lebanon, where the IDF is pressing toward the strategically important Ali Taher Ridge, a Hezbollah stronghold reportedly sheltering Hezbollah fighters and Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers. He assesses whether Israel is nearing the final stage of its current push and how it is trying to avoid triggering a wider confrontation with Iran.
Finally, Perry breaks down Israel’s fast-changing election map, including Ofir Winter’s new Am Chai Israel party, its impact on Netanyahu’s right-wing bloc, and the maneuvering already underway as parties race toward the candidate-list deadline.
Subscribe to the Middle East Forum for new episodes and expert analysis every week.
