{"podcast":{"title":"The Brink","slug":"the-brink-7481910","podcast_index_feed_id":7481910,"rss_url":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/68bb49871af371182ae70db4","website_url":"https://feeds.acast.com/public/shows/the-brink","image_url":"https://assets.pippa.io/shows/cover/1757104476134-28bd493d-5273-4cf0-9918-8a6d2148544c.jpeg","author":"The Brink","episode_count":57,"summary":"Welcome to your much-needed antidote to centrist dad podcasts. Presented by Daily Telegraph columnist and foreign correspondent Jake Wallis Simons and former parachute regiment officer and geopolitical analyst Andrew Fox, The Brink brings their wealth of real-life experience to bear upon the most important topics of the day, from Israel to immigration, Ukraine to Islamism, asylum hotels to the rise of Reform UK. With a host of stellar guests and an emphasis on common sense, Jake and Andrew explore what it will take to bring the West back from the brink. A podcast from the edge of what’s coming. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.","last_synced_at":"2026-07-17T06:17:52.521942+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brink-7481910"},"episode":{"title":"“America is losing…” Trump’s former Iran expert Elliott Abrams","slug":"america-is-losing-trump-s-former-iran-expert-elliott-abrams","published_at":"2026-05-28T17:34:11+00:00","page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brink-7481910/america-is-losing-trump-s-former-iran-expert-elliott-abrams","show_page_url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brink-7481910","url":"https://shows.acast.com/the-brink/episodes/6a187c938fd07475b588705c","audio_url":"https://sphinx.acast.com/p/open/s/68bb49871af371182ae70db4/e/6a187c938fd07475b588705c/media.mp3","summary":"Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former US Special Representative for Iran Elliott Abrams for a wide-ranging conversation on the aftermath of the Iran war, Donald Trump’s foreign policy, and the future of American power in the Middle East. We examine the state of Iran’s nuclear programme after the 12-day war and ask whether the current negotiations are simply delaying the problem rather than solving it. Abrams warns that any sanctions relief risks strengthening the regime while doing little to address its missiles, proxy militias, or long-term ambitions. The conversation also explores Hezbollah, Lebanon, and the wider collapse of Iran’s so-called Ring of Fire following October 7th. Abrams argues that while Israel severely weakened Iran’s regional network, the underlying threat remains unresolved unless the regime itself is ultimately confronted. We also discuss Donald Trump’s approach to power and foreign policy. From the Strait of Hormuz crisis to Venezuela, NATO, and Ukraine, Abrams reflects on Trump’s strengths, weaknesses, and governing style, including the lack of long-term strategic planning inside the administration. Finally, we look ahead to the future of American politics, the battle between traditional conservatives and the MAGA movement, and whether figures like Marco Rubio or JD Vance could define the next era of the Republican Party. Don't forget to check out our merch store: https://www.thebrinkmerch.com/ Chapters 00:00 Introduction 04:55 Iran's Proxy Militia and Regional Dynamics 10:09 Nuclear Deal and Missile Concerns 15:12 Proxy Militia and Lebanon's Role 20:31 Economic Impact and Sanctions Relief 25:50 Trump's Negotiation Strategy and Military Planning…","meta_description":"Watch the full uncut interview HERE: https://thebrinkpodcast.substack.com In this episode of The Brink, Andrew and Jake are joined by former US Special Re…","key_points":[],"chapters":[],"topics":[],"duration_seconds":2465,"processing_state":"not_requested","actions":[{"name":"request_transcript","method":"POST","url":"https://stenobird.com/v1/public/podcasts/the-brink-7481910/episodes/america-is-losing-trump-s-former-iran-expert-elliott-abrams/transcription-requests","description":"Idempotently request low-priority transcript generation for this episode."},{"name":"read_markdown","method":"GET","url":"https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-brink-7481910/america-is-losing-trump-s-former-iran-expert-elliott-abrams.md","description":"Read the agent-friendly Markdown representation of this episode resource."}]}}