How Iran Shapes Global Politics : Behind the enemy lines with Ken Timmerman

The James Altucher Show

A Note from James:

This week, there’s a lot happening with Iran. Some strategies the U.S. has tried with them are just mind-boggling. My guest, Ken Timmerman, says it best: Iran is the biggest issue we face right now, and the closest we’ve been to World War III. What went wrong? What could go wrong next?

Ken has been covering Iran and terrorism for 40 years. In this episode, we unpack his early days as a hostage of terrorists, the state of Iran’s nuclear ambitions, and some downright shocking conclusions. I challenge Ken on some of his points, but his insights are hard to ignore. His new book, The Iran House, is a must-read for anyone wanting to understand the history and future of this volatile situation. Here's Ken Timmerman, terrorism expert and author of The Iran House.

Episode Description:

James sits down with investigative journalist and war correspondent Ken Timmerman to discuss the ongoing threat posed by Iran and its nuclear ambitions. From being held captive by terrorists to winning a $6 billion court judgment against Iran for their involvement in 9/11, Ken’s experiences provide unparalleled insights into Middle Eastern politics. The episode explores why Iran’s regime remains a global threat, the role of U.S. policy in shaping the region, and what’s needed to empower the Iranian people toward meaningful change.

What You’ll Learn:

1. Why Iran’s leadership is considered the most significant threat to global security today.
2. Ken’s personal story of surviving 24 days as a terrorist hostage and how faith shaped his outlook.
3. How Iran funds terrorist organizations across Sunni and Shia divides to destabilize the region.
4. The real impact of U.S. policies, from Obama’s nuclear deal to Trump’s “maximum pressure” campaign.
5. How empowering the Iranian people can lead to regime change without military intervention.

Timestamped Chapters:

• [01:30] James’ introduction: Why Iran matters now more than ever.
• [02:58] Ken’s harrowing experience as a hostage in Beirut.
• [12:27] How Iran’s funding spans both Sunni and Shia terrorist groups.
• [18:00] The controversy of U.S. policies toward Iran: Obama vs. Trump.
• [39:54] Non-violent warfare: Empowering Iranians for change.
• [55:16] Iran’s nuclear capabilities and global implications.
• [01:07:23] Final thoughts: A hopeful path forward for peace.

Additional Resources:

• Ken Timmerman’s latest book: The Iran House: Tales of Revolution, Persecution, War, and Intrigue.
• Ken’s memoir: And the Rest is History: Tales of Hostages, Arms Dealers, Dirty Tricks, and Spie
• U.S. Victims of State-Sponsored Terrorism Fund information
• A history of Iran’s nuclear ambitions from the International Atomic Energy Agency

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