How the Iran War Could Spiral Out of Control (with Sen. Ruben Gallego)

Sen. Ruben Gallego on the Iran war, War Powers, drone warfare, and why the U.S. is "chasing the dragon" | Iraq War veteran and Arizona senator delivers a blunt warning about escalation, ground troops, and the path to a nuclear Iran. Sen. Gallego joins Jake Sullivan and Jon Finer to explain why Congress has failed to rein in the Executive Branch’s ability to wage war and why even limited military action against Iran could be far more dangerous than expected. Then, Jake and Jon review Trump’s narrowing options on Iran and reflect on their experience in the Obama White House seeking authorization for strikes in Syria and what it reveals about why Congress avoids voting on war. New episodes drop weekly — follow The Long Game on Apple, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts. #IranWar #RubenGallego #warpowers CHAPTER TITLES: 0:00 — Intro: Congress, War Powers & the Iran Conflict 2:34 — Ruben Gallego on Iraq War Experience & Political Awakening 5:32 — “Don’t Send Us to Stupid Wars”: Lessons from Iraq 9:17 — Why Congress Struggles to Reclaim Authority 12:24 — Can the U.S. Actually Win This War? 16:38 — The Reality of Modern Warfare: Drones & New Risks 19:07 — “Chasing the Dragon”: How Wars Spiral Out of Control 29:45 — Domestic Politics: How War Impacts Elections 37:05 — Jake and Jon Reflect on Obama’s Syria Red Line Decision 49:04 — Public Opinion, Gas Prices & Political Pressure 56:02 — Why Energy Prices Shape War Decisions 57:36 — Wrap: Final Thoughts, Book Picks & What to Watch Next