From Tehran to Taipei: How the Iran War Reshapes China’s Taiwan Calculus (feat. Matt Pottinger)

From Tehran to Taipei: How the Iran War Reshapes China’s Taiwan Calculus (feat. Matt Pottinger)

Author: FDD March 26, 2026 Duration: 44:23

On the battlefield, the Iran war is expanding, and the real negotiations aren’t happening in backchannels — they’re happening in the Strait of Hormuz. 

The Iran war isn’t just about Iran. It’s about energy, leverage, and whether Beijing—and even Taiwan—are already learning the lessons of this war in real time. 

FDD’s Matt Pottinger joins host Mark Dubowitz to break down why a deal may be closer than it looks, why Trump may not take it, and how this war is already reshaping the global balance of power — and why China’s watching closely.


Hosted by Mark Dubowitz, The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz is a focused miniseries from FDD that cuts through the noise surrounding one of the world's most persistent and complex crises. Rather than just recounting headlines, this podcast delves into the underlying forces-historical, religious, and societal-that shape Iran's actions both at home and abroad. You'll hear detailed analysis on the regime's nuclear ambitions, its support for proxy networks across the Middle East, and the ongoing struggle for human rights within its borders. Each episode aims to connect these geopolitical strategies to their real-world impact, offering a clearer understanding of a nation that consistently defies simple explanation. For anyone trying to make sense of the tensions that ripple from Tehran to the wider world, this series provides essential context and insight, moving beyond surface-level reporting to explore the deeper cultural and ideological drivers. Tune in for a sober, informed exploration that treats the subject with the gravity it demands.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 54

The Iran Breakdown with Mark Dubowitz
Podcast Episodes
FDD SITREP: The Islamic Republic Is Falling [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 29:50
Bonus Episode of The Iran Breakdown: Mark Dubowitz joins FDD's Jonathan Schanzer and Rich Goldberg for a late night FDD SITREP following the death of Khamenei.---In the early hours of February 28, the United States and I…
48 Hours in Iran (feat. Behnam Ben Taleblu) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 47:17
One of the gravest human rights crises in recent history is happening right now in Iran. The Islamic Republic has carried out mass killings on a scale not seen in modern Iranian history, slaughtering an estimated 33,000,…
In the Eye of the Storm (feat. Rich Goldberg) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:47
The regime in Iran has slaughtered tens of thousands of Iranians and plunged the country into an internet blackout — and dared the world to look away. Still, President Trump warned that American support was coming as U.S…
Iran Protests, Day 18 | A Decisive Moment for Iran [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 31:17
While the United States is on the brink of military action in Iran, Iran itself may be on the brink of something far bigger.U.S. forces are repositioning. Allies are on alert. And in Tehran, a crippled regime already at…
Iran Protests: Day 16 | Mark's Generation Jihad interview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:11
Iran Breakdown-ers, we're pleased to introduce you to Generation Jihad, a podcast from FDD's Long War Journal hosted by Bill Roggio.It's January 12, 2026, day 16 of the Iran protests. Bill hosts Mark on Generation Jihad…
Day 12 of the Iran Protests (January 8 update) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 36:07
The strong-as-ever Iranian people are back on the streets, protesting against the weak-as-ever regime in the shadow of the 12-Day War. Recorded live on X Spaces on Thursday, January 8, 2026 as events unfolded, this episo…