War in Iran with John Bolton

The United States and Iran are now one month into open conflict, without clear resolution in sight. Washington has undertaken its largest military buildup in the Middle East since the early years of the Iraq War. At the same time, negotiations continue in Pakistan, even as the strategic endgame remains uncertain. For many Americans, the fundamental questions remain unanswered: Why are we in this conflict? What will it cost in lives and resources? What are we trying to achieve? What are the risks? And what comes next? In episode 10 of The Transponder, host Samuel George speaks with Ambassador John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor, who has long argued that confrontation with the Islamic Republic was both necessary and inevitable. Bolton lays out the case for a hardline approach, adressess the risks of escalation, including the danger of claiming victory too early. At a moment of deep uncertainty, this conversation explores the logic behind the conflict, and the stakes for U.S. policy and global stability.