Executive Summary: Interview with Col. Douglas Macgregor on CapitalCosmOverview:
On February 19, 2026, host Danny interviews retired Army Colonel Douglas Macgregor, a former senior advisor to the Acting Secretary of Defense during the first Trump term. The discussion focuses on the escalating U.S.-Iran tensions, including military buildup, imminent airstrikes, strategic objectives, potential Iranian responses, regional implications, and global economic risks.
Macgregor predicts a U.S.-led air and missile war against Iran within 72-96 hours, driven by Israeli interests, with uncertain outcomes due to Iran’s advanced defenses and alliances. He critiques U.S. policy as lacking clear end goals, ties it to broader geopolitical shifts (e.g., Ukraine, multipolarity), and warns of high casualties, refugee crises, and financial instability.
Key Discussion Points with Timestamps:
Introduction and Military Buildup (00:00:01 - 00:01:19): Macgregor is introduced; discussion of recent U.S. deployments (e.g., 48 F-16s, 12 F-22s, 18 F-35s, tankers, carriers like USS Gerald R. Ford and Abraham Lincoln) signals imminent conflict, not a crisis but a “war.”
Imminent War Timeline and Israeli Defense Role (00:01:24 - 00:02:51): War expected in 72-96 hours, awaiting Ford carrier group for air/missile defense support to Israel. Anticipates Iranian missile retaliation on Israel, far more severe than the June 2025 12-day conflict.
