The Non-Destruction of Iran’s Nuclear Site + Disaster Capitalism in Gaza w/ Richard Silverstein

On this episode of Parallax Views, Richard Silverstein of the Tikun Olam blog joins us to analyze recent revelations about the much-publicized bombing of Iran’s Fordow nuclear facility — and why Donal Trump's narrative of its “destruction” is falling apart. Drawing on satellite imagery, U.S. Defense Intelligence Agency assessments, and the in-depth Foreign Policy article by Jeffrey Lewis ("Iran Is on Course for a Bomb After U.S. Strikes Fail to Destroy Facilities"), we break down what really happened, why Iran’s underground nuclear infrastructure may be more intact than reported, and how the U.S.-Israeli campaign may have done far less damage than claimed.

We also discuss Richard’s recent Jacobin article, “Regime Change in Iran Will Not End Well”, which argues that the true goals of the bombing campaign — regime destabilization and securing Israel's regional dominance — have been pursued under the pretense of halting Iran’s nuclear program. Silverstein explores how U.S. and Israeli actions risk entrenching Iran’s hardliners, escalating regional instability, and backfiring catastrophically — all while sidelining diplomacy in favor of militarism and media-driven spectacle. Additionally, Richard argues that the Islamic Republic of Iran has, by surviving, won this round.

In the final part of the conversation, we turn to Silverstein’s hard-hitting piece for The New Arab, “Genocide Goes Squid Game as Israel Outsources 'Aid' to Gaza Gangs”. There, he exposes how Israel is using armed proxies — notably members of the al-Shabab clan — to control aid distribution in Gaza, with Shin Bet reportedly organizing and funding the effort. We explore how this divide-and-rule strategy recalls past Israeli use of militias in Lebanon and Syria, and how disaster capitalism, mercenary networks, and covert intelligence operations are shaping Israel’s postwar "day after" plans for Gaza.

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