America's New Defense Strategy — and What It Means for Iran

Hosts Alistair Taylor and Matthew Czekaj are joined by MEI Distinguished Military Fellow Mick Mulroy to discuss the Trump administration's new National Defense Strategy (NDS) and its implications for the Middle East. While serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense (DASD) for the Middle East from 2017 to 2019, Mulroy helped prepare the 2018 NDS, giving him an insider perspective on US defense planning. Together, Taylor, Czekaj, and Mulroy unpack what the new strategy means for US priorities globally and for the Middle East in particular, including how it could be reflected in a potentially looming military strike on Iran. Recorded on February 4, 2026.

You can listen to America's New Defense Strategy — and What It Means for Iran online on Radio and Podcast. Open the player on this page to stream the available audio.

America's New Defense Strategy — and What It Means for Iran is an episode from Middle East Focus by Middle East Institute.

This episode is 45:25 long.

This episode was published on Feb 5, 2026.

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