In Part II of their conversation, Mark Dubowitz and Reuel Marc Gerecht dive into what the 12-Day War exposed about the Islamic Republic and why Iran’s leaders, even after decades of hostility, were caught flat-footed. From the failures of counterintelligence to the delusions of anti-Semitic ideology, they break down how the regime misjudged Israeli capabilities, misunderstood American politics, and underestimated both. Through his on-brand blending of spycraft, ideology, and dark humor, Reuel shares a rare glimpse inside the mind of the regime — and why, despite its repression and resilience, it may be closer to collapse than it thinks.