We’re joined once again by JJ McCullough for a wide-ranging conversation on Iran’s nuclear program, nationalism, and the global politics of proliferation. JJ explores why Iran’s nuclear ambitions cannot simply be understood through the lens of regime ideology or Western security concerns, but instead as part of a deeper story about national identity, prestige, and geopolitical insecurity.

We discuss the historical roots of Iran’s nuclear program, from the era of the Shah to the present Islamic Republic, and examine how countries under pressure often view nuclear capability as a symbol of sovereignty and survival. JJ also challenges common Western assumptions about Iran, arguing that many Iranians see nuclear technology as a source of technological progress and national pride rather than purely a pathway to weapons development.

The conversation also covers the failures of sanctions and military pressure, the importance of diplomacy and international oversight, and what a more constructive approach to nuclear negotiations could look like in an increasingly multipolar world.

In this episode of The More Freedom Foundation Podcast, host Rob Morris takes a deep dive into Iraq, the legacy of Western intervention, and the fragile political reality facing the country today. From the aftermath of the Iraq War to the growing influence of regional powers like Iran and the United States, the conversation explores how decades of conflict, foreign policy decisions, and geopolitical pressure have shaped modern Iraq.

Rob discusses the human cost of war, the long-term consequences of regime change, corruption, instability, and the difficult position Iraq now finds itself in between competing global interests. The episode also examines media narratives, accountability, and what freedom and sovereignty really mean in the modern Middle East.

A candid and thought-provoking discussion on one of the most consequential geopolitical stories of the 21st century.

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