Unraveling the US-Iran Conflict: Scott Horton’s Insights on War Origins

Historical Roots of US-Iran Tensions

On July 3, 2025, Tucker Carlson hosted Scott Horton, director of the Libertarian Institute and editorial director of Antiwar.com, on his network to discuss the complex history leading to the current US and Israeli conflict with Iran. Horton, also the author of 'Enough Already: Time to End the War on Terrorism' and 'Provoked: How Washington Started the New Cold War with Russia and the Catastrophe in Ukraine,' provided a detailed historical overview. Starting at the beginning of the discussion, he traced Iran’s significance as a global focal point, highlighting key events and policies that have shaped the ongoing tensions.

Horton emphasized the impact of the Jimmy Carter Doctrine, discussed around the 11:16 timestamp, which positioned the US as a protector of Persian Gulf interests, setting a precedent for military involvement in the region. He also delved into the brutal Iraq-Iran War of the 1980s, noted at the 22:29 mark, describing it as a devastating conflict that deepened regional animosities and drew in external powers, including the United States.

Mistakes and Missteps in US Foreign Policy

Moving further into the conversation at the 29:40 point, Horton labeled the First Iraq War as a significant misstep for the US, arguing that it unnecessarily escalated American military presence in the Middle East. He also pointed to specific policy decisions under President Bill Clinton as fatal errors around the 41:32 mark, which he believes further entrenched US involvement in the region. These decisions, according to Horton, contributed to a cycle of conflict that has persisted for decades.

At approximately the 1:02:15 segment, Horton explored the historical relationship between Israel and Iran, shedding light on how their rivalry has influenced US policy. He also discussed Osama bin Laden’s motivations at the 47:44 timestamp, suggesting that bin Laden’s actions were partly a reaction to US foreign policy in the Middle East, a perspective that challenges mainstream narratives.

Key Events and Policies Under Scrutiny

Horton’s analysis included a critical look at the 1990s terror attacks around the 50:08 mark, providing lesser-known context about their connection to broader geopolitical strategies. He also addressed the concept of 'neocon' ideology at the 1:31:02 point, defining it as a driving force behind aggressive US foreign policy in the region. Additionally, at the 1:38:47 segment, he discussed Israel’s 'Clean Break Strategy,' which he argued was designed to reshape Middle Eastern alliances and conflicts to favor Israeli interests, often at the expense of US stability in the region.

At about the 2:01:50 mark, Horton critiqued President Barack Obama’s role in escalating foreign wars, particularly in how policies during his administration intensified conflicts in Syria and beyond. He also touched on Iran’s nuclear program around the 2:23:11 timestamp, offering insights into the debates surrounding its development and the international response.

Reflections on Recent Administrations

Towards the latter part of the interview, around the 2:33:32 mark, Horton evaluated President Donald J. Trump’s bombing campaign on Iran, questioning its effectiveness and long-term impact on US-Iran relations. He expressed support for Trump’s efforts to challenge entrenched foreign policy norms, viewing them as a necessary push against decades of misguided interventions. At the 2:43:46 point, he speculated on the potential consequences of regime change in Iran, cautioning against repeating past mistakes that have led to prolonged instability.

Finally, at roughly the 2:50:18 mark, Horton shared his thoughts on America’s future, balancing cautious optimism with a call for a reevaluation of foreign policy priorities. His discussion with Carlson underscored a deep concern for the trajectory of US involvement abroad, advocating for a focus on national interests over endless military engagements. This comprehensive dialogue serves as a critical resource for understanding the intricate web of history, policy, and conflict that defines the current state of affairs with Iran.