Links to two conversations from Judging Freedom Podcast, followed by links to EIGHT reports: from the Associated Press, Common Dreams, and National Public Radio; others are accessible by clicking on their initials below. (Scroll down for IRAN 2-23-26 and UKRAINE.) — MCM  

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Mearsheimer: Trump has no off-ramp. From Judging Freedom Podcast. Judge Napolitano talks today with Professor John Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago on Trump administration Iran policy reflecting the heavy influence of the Israel lobby. He agrees with Joint Chiefs of Staff chairman Dan Caine, who has advised against a war. Click HERE for video.

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FROM FEB. 23  McGovern, Napolitano discuss Russia-Ukraine war and whether war with Iran is to be avoided. From Judging Freedom Podcast / Consortium News. Judge Andrew Napolitano and retired CIA analyst Ray McGovern consider intelligence, narrative and history relating to the Ukraine-Russia war and prospects to avoid war with Iran. Click HERE for video.

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FROM FEB. 23  Students in Iran hold protests as U.S. forces gather in region for possible strikes, by Amir Hussein-Radjy and Kareem Chehayeb | AP  CAIRO — Students held anti-government protests at universities across Iran’s capital on Monday, according to witnesses and videos circulating online, in a new sign of unrest. READ MORE . . .

Iran’s deputy foreign minister on the country’s plan if the U.S. strikes. Reported by Steve Inskeep | NPR  Iran’s Deputy Foreign Minister Majid Takht-Ravanchi talks about the status of U.S.-Iran negotiations and what Iran is prepared to do in the event of a U.S. strike. Click HERE to listen and, later.

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FROM FEB. 23  Trump’s sanctions on Iran have dramatically effected its economy and led to protests. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR  Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent admitted that Washington helped spark recent protests in Iran by creating a U.S. dollar shortage, leading to runaway inflation. Click HERE to listen and, later.

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FROM FEB. 20  Former U.S. Navy commander talks about the U.S. military buildup near Iran. Michel Martin of NPR asks retired Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan, a former Navy commander in the Middle East, about the U.S. military buildup near Iran. Click HERE to listen and read.

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FROM FEB. 20  Second U.S. carrier nears Middle East, as Trump pressures Iran to make a deal. Reported by Greg Myre and Leila Fadel | NPR  A second American aircraft carrier moved closer to the Middle East Thursday, as President Trump remains noncommittal about whether he’ll use force against Iran. Click HERE to listen and read.

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FROM FEB. 20  Iranian authorities crack down on mourners trying to honor people killed in protests. Reported by Jackie Northam | NPR  Iranian authorities are cracking down on mourners as they try to memorialize their loved ones who were killed in last month’s protests. Click HERE to listen and read.

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