Trump vs. Netanyahu? Admiral Stavridis Explains the Growing Rift

About this episode

Admiral James Stavridis discusses the complex dynamics between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, and the Trump administration.

Former NATO Supreme Allied Commander Admiral James Stavridis joins Michael to break down the increasingly complicated dynamics between Israel, Iran, Hezbollah, and the Trump administration. Are President Trump and Prime Minister Netanyahu pursuing different goals? Can a U.S.-Iran deal still happen? And what role does Hezbollah play in the growing tensions across the region? Then, Michael talks with listeners on whether the U.S. and Israel are drifting apart, the challenges of Middle East diplomacy, and a provocative question from listeners: who’s the tougher partner—Trump or Netanyahu? Original air date 9 June 2026. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

People in this episode

Host: Michael

Guest: Admiral James Stavridis

Topics covered

• U.S.-Israel relations
• Middle East diplomacy
• Trump administration
• Hezbollah
• Iran
• Netanyahu

Keywords

• Trump
• Netanyahu
• Hezbollah
• Iran
• Middle East
• diplomacy
• U.S.-Israel relations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Hezbollah, Trump administration

Places: U.S., Iran, Israel

More episodes of The Smerconish Podcast

• Today's Poll Question: UFC...Sport or Spectacle? · June 12, 2026 · 14 min
• The World Cup Is Here—Is America Ready? Andrew Giuliani Makes A Bold Prediction · June 11, 2026 · 30 min
• Today's Poll Question: When attacked, should the U.S. respond proportionally or overwhelmingly? · June 11, 2026 · 13 min
• Scott Pelley, CBS News, and Trump's Iran Crisis: Halperin Unfiltered · June 10, 2026 · 31 min
• Today's Poll Question: Would you rather watch Baseball or Soccer? · June 10, 2026 · 11 min
• Today's Poll Question: Are America's Best Days Ahead Or Behind? · June 9, 2026 · 13 min