Why the Iran Conflict Is More Complicated Than It Looks, Plus: Jonathan Freedland on Diplomacy vs War and Ralph Reed on Charlie Kirk

Next Up with Mark Halperin

MK Media

News, Daily News, Politics

4.6 • 1.2K Ratings

🗓️ 17 March 2026

⏱️ 70 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

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Summary

Mark Halperin’s reported monologue breaks down the latest developments in the U.S. conflict with Iran, explaining why recent U.S. and Israel strikes are delivering meaningful tactical wins, while the broader strategy remains uncertain. He outlines what’s going well, what’s not, and why reopening the Strait of Hormuz is the single most critical factor in determining how this conflict unfolds, with major implications for the global economy and U.S. military strategy. Plus, Jonathan Freedland joins Mark to discuss how he became an expert on American politics from the U.K., and why so many in Britain misunderstand the United States, before making the case that diplomacy may have been a better path than war with Iran. And Dr. Ralph Reed reflects on Charlie Kirk’s legacy, explaining why he was a once-in-a-generation communicator and what his absence means for MAGA and the future of the conservative movement. ExpressVPN: Visit https://ExpressVPN.com/MARK to find out how you can get up to four extra months. Acre Gold: Start building physical gold with simple monthly payments and enter to win two Ancient Collection gold bars at https://GetAcreGold.com/MARK 120Life: Go to https://120Life.com and use code NEXTUP to save 20%

Transcript

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0:00.0	So much news, so much news, so much news. Welcome to next up. I'm Mark Elprin. Trying to track all the news.
0:09.0	I'm the editor-in-chief of the live interactive video platform two-way and the host here to try to keep up with the news and help you guide through the chaos to figure out what's happening next up.
0:19.0	Very happy you're here. Very happy St. Patrick's Day to you and
0:22.6	yours. You've made the right call to spend a little bit of time with me here. We have two great guests who
0:28.1	are going to explain a lot to you and my reported monologue on the status of the Iran conflict. First up,
0:34.5	talk more after my monologue about Iran, someone with a very strong perspective on
0:39.3	America and on why he thinks the Iran crisis, the Iran conflict was a big mistake.
0:46.2	The Guardians, Jonathan Friedland, joins us from the UK.
0:49.6	And then Dr. Ralph Reed joins us.
0:51.9	He's the founder and chairman of the Faith and Freedom Coalition.
0:54.8	I'm going to talk to him about the absence of Charlie Kirk as well as run through some of the current politics in 20206.
1:01.6	So Ralph Reed and Jonathan Friedland coming up.
1:04.3	But first, my reported monologue on the status of the conflict with Iran. What is going well?
1:10.9	What is not?
1:12.5	My reported monologue is next up.
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	...

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