Ray McGovern Does Not Rule Out Netanyahu Using Nuclear Weapons in Extremis
"Trump and Netanyahu are both in a box they created for themselves. They can't get out of it. And that's the way people This is seek extreme measures. Again, I'll just say one more time that in extremis, I do not rule out that Netanyahu would resort to use of nuclear weapons."
About this episode
Former CIA analyst Ray McGovern and intelligence analyst Larry Johnson discussed recently surfaced reporting that Mossad plotted to assassinate Iran's foreign minister and parliament speaker, the country's principal negotiators with the United States. The New York Times and Washington Post reported the story this morning, though Johnson revealed the information is actually two months old, dating to Iranian officials' first visit to Islamabad for negotiations. Johnson stated Pakistani intelligence services, not the CIA, uncovered the plot and warned Tehran. The panel expressed surprise not at the assassination plot itself, which McGovern called standard Israeli modus operandi, but at the unusual willingness of establishment newspapers to publish information damaging to Israel. Johnson suggested the leak may be intended to prepare public opinion for reports of newer assassination plots, including one targeting Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei. The discussion turned to Netanyahu's desperate position, with McGovern noting the Prime Minister faces jail time if conflicts de-escalate. McGovern quoted Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi warning that Trump has committed to restraining Israel, and that any threats against Iran will receive immediate powerful responses. In a striking conclusion, McGovern stated he cannot rule out Netanyahu resorting to nuclear weapons use given the extreme circumstances both he and Trump have created for themselves.
Key takeaways
- Ray McGovern stated he does not rule out Netanyahu using nuclear weapons given the extreme circumstances both leaders face.
- Mossad plotted to assassinate Iran's foreign minister and parliament speaker during US-Iran negotiations two months ago, not recently as reported.
- Pakistani intelligence services, not the CIA, uncovered the Israeli assassination plot and warned Tehran according to Larry Johnson.
- The New York Times and Washington Post unusually published information damaging to Israel, potentially preparing for reports of newer assassination plots.
- Iranian Foreign Minister Araghchi warned that Trump committed to restraining Israel and any threats will receive immediate powerful responses.
- Netanyahu faces personal legal jeopardy including potential jail time if military conflicts de-escalate, creating incentive for continued conflict.
- Johnson accused the US administration of releasing disinformation about troop deployments, citing incorrect timeline claims about the USS Boxer.