Ep. 207 | Iran Is Collapsing, China's Getting Our AI Chips, and No One Can Explain Why with Amanda Peterson

This is a free preview of a paid episode. To hear more, visit riveraandreeves.substack.comForeign policy expert Amanda Peterson returns to break down the most pressing global developments. With massive protests rocking Iran and a high-stakes meeting in Istanbul this Friday featuring Steve Witkoff and Jared Kushner, what’s Trump’s endgame? Amanda explains why these protests are different, whether the regime is truly threatened, and what US strikes might actually look like. Then the conversation shifts to China: Why did the Pentagon downgrade Beijing as a threat? And why are we selling H200 AI chips to our biggest competitor? Is this strategic positioning ahead of April trade talks—or something more corrupt? Plus: Are global companies hedging their bets between a “rising” China and a “falling” America? Amanda and the hosts don’t hold back. This is the foreign policy breakdown you won’t get from mainstream media.🎧 Listen now on your favorite podcast app, or watch the full video on Substack. Paid subscribers get this episode ad-free the moment it drops. Not a paid subscriber yet? You’re missing out on our unfiltered archive and monthly live streams.Episode Highlights* Iran’s regime under pressure: Why these protests are different—and why Trump’s messaging matters* Istanbul meeting breakdown: What Witkoff and Kushner are walking into this Friday* The AI chip question: Why selling H200s to China makes zero strategic sense—unless corruption is involved* Pentagon’s China downgrade: What the National Defense Strategy actually says vs. what the media claims* Multipolar world reality check: Are countries and corporations hedging between the US and China?Houskeeping!Follow Us On Youtube!Listen For Free at 6pmGet R&R Merch!Our official merchandise store is NOW OPEN! 🛍️ We've launched with our first four items to get things started, including coffee mugs, oversize t-shirt and a tote bag. You can check out everything available right now.Chapters0:00 - Cold Open: The AI Chip Atomic Bomb Analogy 0:59 - Episode Intro & Amanda Peterson Welcome 3:10 - What's Happening in Iran Right Now 5:03 - History of Iran's Islamic Revolution 8:18 - Why These Protests Are Different 10:09 - Trump's Approach vs. Obama's Iran Deal Disaster 12:53 - Are the Protests Nationwide This Time? 16:05 - The Istanbul Meeting: What's Really at Stake 18:22 - Why Would Gulf States Want a Weak Iran? 21:28 - Will There Be US Strikes on Iran? 27:31 - Is a Deal Coming This Friday? 30:37 - Why This Won't Be a Quick Operation 32:11 - China: Did the Pentagon Really Downgrade the Threat? 36:09 - The H200 AI Chip Deal Nobody Can Defend 41:18 - "This Is Like the Atomic Bomb Race" 43:09 - Is This Corruption or Strategy? 45:36 - Are Countries Hedging Between US and China? 49:17 - Closing Thoughts & Where to Follow Amanda