** NEW MERCH ** Jackets & Sweatshirts, Thermo Mugs!! Daniel Davis Deep Dive Merch: Etsy store https://www.etsy.com/shop/DanielDavisDeepDive?ref=seller-platform-mcnav Larry Johnson warns that the U.S. is being dangerously steered toward a military confrontation with Iran based on deep ignorance and hubris at senior political and military levels—not just from Trump, but from the advisors briefing him. He recounts a shocking example of a retired three-star admiral confidently claiming the U.S. could easily destroy Iran’s mobile missile forces, despite the U.S. having failed to do exactly that against far weaker Houthi forces in Yemen, even with total air superiority. He argues this false confidence could lead to a catastrophic war, potentially causing damage and U.S. casualties on a scale not seen since Vietnam. The core problem, he says, is America’s long-standing refusal to treat Iran as a legitimate state, instead demonizing it while ignoring the historical reality that the U.S. has largely been the aggressor since the 1979 revolution. The speaker challenges claims that Iran is weak or harmless because it previously showed restraint after incidents like the Soleimani assassination or strikes on Iranian sites. He stresses that restraint is not weakness, and that Iran’s missile capabilities are clearly taken seriously—otherwise the U.S. and Israel would not now be demanding their elimination. Militarily, he argues the U.S. posture is far weaker than advertised: fewer ships than in past failed operations, partially armed destroyers, carriers forced to operate far offshore due to Iranian anti-ship missiles, and cruise missiles whose range barely reaches Iranian territory. He warns that if war breaks out, the U.S. could lose ships and large numbers of sailors. Finally, he notes Iran’s capabilities have grown significantly, backed by China and Russia through advanced radar, GPS-jamming technology, and air defenses. Assuming Iran will continue to show restraint, he concludes, is reckless and extremely dangerous—even though Iran does want a deal. The problem is that U.S. demands (missiles, proxies, and more) go far beyond what Iran is willing to negotiate, setting the stage for conflict rather than diplomacy.