The question at the heart of today’s crisis is not just who fired the first missile, but who benefits from the war—and who pays the price. Is this truly a war between Israel and Iran, or is it, more accurately, an American war on Iran, with Israel acting as the frontline executor of a broader imperial strategy?

Let’s look at the facts. On June 13, Israel launched a surprise air campaign targeting Iran’s nuclear and military infrastructure, including the Natanz, Fordow, and Esfahan facilities. Days later, the United States joined the assault, deploying its most powerful conventional weapons to strike deep into Iranian territory. President Trump declared the attacks a “spectacular military success,” while Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu praised the U.S. for acting with “righteous might”.

But this raises a deeper question: Was Israel acting alone—or was it simply the tip of the spear for American interests?

For decades, the U.S. has maintained a policy of military dominance in the Middle East, using Israel as a strategic outpost to project power and suppress regional resistance. Iran, with its independent foreign policy and support for anti-colonial movements, has long been seen as a threat to that dominance. The recent strikes, then, are not just about nuclear weapons—they’re about preserving U.S. hegemony, weakening Iran’s alliances with Russia, China, and the Global South, and ensuring that no regional power can challenge the status quo.

And where does Palestine fit into this equation?

Palestinians are not just bystanders in this war—they are central to its logic. The Israeli government has used the specter of Iranian aggression to justify its ongoing occupation, its siege on Gaza, and its brutal military campaigns. By framing Iran as the existential threat, Israel deflects attention from its own violations of international law and human rights. Meanwhile, the U.S. continues to funnel billions in military aid to Israel, reinforcing a system that treats Palestinian lives as expendable.

In truth, the war on Iran is also a war on Palestinian resistance. It’s an attempt to dismantle the broader Axis of Resistance—which includes not just Iran, but also Hezbollah, the Houthis, and Palestinian groups that refuse to accept occupation as destiny. By targeting Iran, the U.S. and Israel aim to isolate Palestine, weaken its allies, and crush any hope of regional solidarity.

So no, this is not just an Israeli war. And it’s not just about Iran. It’s about power, control, and the suppression of liberation movements across the region. And as always, Palestinians are caught in the crossfire, their struggle used as a pawn in a much larger game.

Will this war expose the machinery behind the violence—or will it bury the truth beneath the rubble once again?

We now turn to a voice that has long challenged dominant narratives and dared to go where others won’t. Max Blumenthal, founder and editor-in-chief of The Grayzone, is an investigative journalist known for his fearless reporting on U.S. foreign policy, the military-industrial complex, and the realities of life in conflict zones. Recorded live at the Community Church of Boston, this talk comes on the heels of his recent trip to Iran, where he engaged directly with people and perspectives rarely heard in Western media.

Blumenthal’s work is rooted in a commitment to exposing the machinery of empire and the human cost of war. His reporting has taken him to Gaza, Syria, Venezuela, and now Iran, where he sought to understand the country not through the lens of political propaganda, but through the lived experiences of its people. In this talk, he reflects on what he witnessed in Iran—its resilience, its contradictions, and its role in the shifting balance of power in the Middle East.

What makes Blumenthal’s voice so vital is that he doesn’t just analyze from afar—he immerses himself in the places and stories he covers. He’s been a vocal critic of U.S. interventionism and Israeli policies, and his work often challenges the sanitized narratives presented by mainstream outlets. In his recent interviews, including a two-part series with TRT World, he discusses the militarization of Israeli society, the generational shifts within Jewish communities, and the growing global solidarity with Palestine.

Today’s segment offers more than just commentary—it’s a window into the realities behind the headlines, delivered by someone who has walked the streets, spoken with the people, and returned with stories that demand to be heard.

The relationship between Zionism and Judaism has been a subject of intense debate for over a century, shaping political movements, religious beliefs, and global perceptions of Jewish identity. While Judaism is an ancient faith and cultural tradition, Zionism is a modern political ideology that emerged in the late 19th century, advocating for the establishment of a Jewish homeland in Palestine. The intersection of these two concepts has led to deep divisions within Jewish communities, as well as broader geopolitical conflicts.

Judaism is one of the world’s oldest monotheistic religions, dating back thousands of years. It is centered around the belief in one God, the teachings of the Torah, and a rich tradition of laws, ethics, and customs. Jewish identity is complex, encompassing religious, ethnic, and cultural elements. Some Jews identify primarily through religious observance, while others see their Jewishness as a cultural or ancestral connection.

Historically, Jewish communities have lived across the world, adapting to different societies while maintaining their distinct traditions. Despite periods of persecution, Jewish identity has remained resilient, evolving through centuries of exile, migration, and cultural exchange.

Zionism emerged in the late 19th century, largely in response to European antisemitism and the desire for Jewish self-determination. The movement was spearheaded by figures like Theodor Herzl, who argued that Jews needed a sovereign state to escape persecution. The idea gained momentum, leading to the eventual establishment of Israel in 1948.

However, Zionism is not a singular ideology—it has taken different forms:

• Political Zionism focused on securing a Jewish state through diplomacy and international agreements.
• Religious Zionism merged Jewish faith with nationalist aspirations, viewing Israel as a fulfillment of biblical prophecy.
• Revisionist Zionism advocated for a more aggressive expansionist approach, influencing modern Israeli policies.

While many Jews embraced Zionism, others opposed it, arguing that Judaism is a spiritual and ethical tradition, not a political movement. Some religious groups believe that a Jewish state should only be established by divine intervention, not human action.

The Battle Over Jewish Identity: The tension between Zionism and Judaism has led to a battle over what it means to be Jewish. Some argue that Zionism has redefined Jewish identity, making support for Israel a central component of Jewish life. Others believe that Judaism should not be tied to nationalism, emphasizing spiritual and ethical teachings over political allegiance.

Critics of Zionism, including some Jewish groups, argue that the movement has led to militarization, occupation, and human rights violations, particularly against Palestinians. They believe that Jewish identity should be rooted in justice, morality, and coexistence, rather than territorial expansion.

On the other hand, Zionist supporters claim that Israel is essential for Jewish survival, providing a safe haven against antisemitism. They argue that opposition to Zionism often overlaps with antisemitic rhetoric, making it difficult to separate criticism of Israeli policies from attacks on Jewish people.

Modern Implications: Today, the debate over Zionism and Jewish identity continues to shape global politics. In Israel, tensions exist between secular and religious Jews, as well as between Jewish and Palestinian communities. In the diaspora, Jewish communities are divided over Israel’s policies, with some advocating for Palestinian rights and others defending Israeli sovereignty.

The question remains: Is Jewish identity inherently tied to Zionism, or can Judaism exist independently of a nation-state? As discussions evolve, Jewish communities worldwide continue to grapple with the balance between faith, culture, and political ideology.