Inside the War Room with Admiral Stavridis: How Presidents Decide to Strike

Is the United States on the brink of striking Iran? Michael is joined by Admiral James Stavridis, former Supreme Allied Commander of NATO, to break down President Trump’s options—from diplomacy and cyber operations to limited precision strikes and the possibility of “shock and awe.” With massive U.S. forces already deployed, has America ever prepared this much firepower without pulling the trigger? Then, listeners weigh in—including sailors and submariners who describe the real-life toll of extended deployments: missed funerals, months without sunlight, and the strain on military families. A powerful conversation about war planning, presidential decision-making, and the human cost of staying ready. Original air date 23 February 2026.