The New Dark Age

Tuesday, 17 June 2025 — Danile Davbis / Deep Dive

The segment features a conversation criticizing U.S. and Israeli military policy, particularly in the context of Iran and missile defense systems. U.S. officials reportedly rejected a proposal to assassinate Iran’s Supreme Leader, fearing escalation. Israeli Prime Minister Netanyahu is portrayed as exaggerating Israel’s defensive capability and moral authority, claiming Israel is saving the world from Iranian aggression. His claims are challenged by guest Andrei Martyanov, a Russian military analyst, who accuses Israel of lying and being militarily weak, with its air defense systems largely American-made and ineffective.

Martyanov argues:

Israel’s military performance has been poor, especially in the past 96 hours.

The U.S. and Israel’s air defense systems like Iron Dome, David’s Sling, THAAD, and Patriot are overrated and unable to intercept modern missiles effectively, especially hypersonic ones.

American media and defense narratives are driven by hype and self-deception, not real military performance.

Iran has only begun using its older missile stock and still holds more advanced capabilities in reserve.

Russian air defense systems (e.g., S-300, S-400) are significantly more advanced, able to handle high-speed and maneuverable missiles.

Russia’s integrated, multi-band radar and air defense network is based on decades-old designs that outclass Western systems.

Russia has successfully intercepted over 80,000 aerial threats, including 7,500 advanced missiles, due to this superior defense philosophy and infrastructure.

Overall, the guest portrays Western military superiority as a myth and claims current events are exposing that myth.