Former Mossad official says Iran was underestimated by Trump administration
Quick Insights
The Bottom Line
Former Mossad official says Trump administration underestimated Iran's capabilities amid regional conflict escalation.
AI Summary
A former Mossad official has argued that the Trump administration underestimated Iran's capabilities and intentions, according to an interview with correspondent Holly Williams. The criticism emerges as Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen have escalated their involvement in the broader conflict with Israel, demonstrating Tehran's ability to mobilize proxy forces across the region. The assessment suggests potential gaps in the White House's strategic assessment of Iranian regional influence and its capacity to expand the conflict beyond direct Israeli-Iranian confrontation. The Houthis' involvement underscores how Iran has leveraged non-state actors to extend its reach and challenge Israel without direct military engagement. This criticism reflects ongoing debate among Israeli and U.S. officials about the proper strategy for countering Iranian regional expansion.
Source Coverage Map
23 of 43 tracked sources covered this story
Following this story?
Get notified when new coverage appears
Other Sources Covering This Story
5 sourcesMultiple outlets have reported on this story. Compare perspectives from different sources.

Trump Wanted to Replicate His Venezuela “Success” in Iran. What Has It Even Looked Like?

Middle East war live: Iran attacks tanker at Dubai Port, Chinese vessels transit Strait of Hormuz
This article is part of a story we're tracking:
Should this be getting more attention?
You Might Have Missed
Related stories from different sources and perspectives
GlobalTrump administration sidelines, threatens Europe in Iran war: EU flounders in new world order
After Greenland and trade tariffs, US President Donald Trump is threatening European countries once again. If they fail to help reopen the Strait of Hormuz, "it will be very bad for the future of NATO", Trump has said. US Secretary of State Marco Rubio has made it clear that the US will make its own security decisions, whatever Europe thinks. Admittedly, Europe's own standing has been diminished by its inability to speak with one clear voice on this crisis, as on previous ones. Our guests evaluate the EU's response as US-Israeli strikes on Iran continue.
National SecurityOne month into Iran war, some Trump objectives are unfulfilled as he looks to wind down the conflict - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMilgFBVV95cUxQNDhWWHl5dy1sZ0RMWjlsam9BMHQwaDhJaHRmRUE0blotRlRUbGxDcTM2QjBrdlIwRjRlWEpmaVBCQ1NXbGlHQm4zZDRiQUlpS3NyYVRXajdQUmNfYms2V1g0V1pxMjY2S3ZUVXZlcTZQMWNJRjIySi1ZOXVuRVJ0NFJZV0dSU1E4Y0tUdGZSYWNuQ25fOWc?oc=5" target="_blank">One month into Iran war, some Trump objectives are unfulfilled as he looks to wind down the conflict</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
GlobalYemen's Houthis enter Iran war with attacks on Israel, while US Marines arrive in region - Reuters
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMi0AFBVV95cUxNbGZJMUdyVUtHd0VTaE5QTnhITmJGNE5EMDdwMVZsV2h5UFdDenF6bGpMdVBPdUN0MkZMM1RwOThuVTgxV1dLY0Zsbmdyck5oUUZYd3JSVExjNy1lR0dMZE5KVTdBTjJXeVhWS0J1RlVBOGlReTdpUmJlTThLaEdmVld5S2JYOHB1eTkxSEU0aVNneWlBaVg5RkNFUlprR1I3em41bWtDdXFWUDJZV3czX1hZSktrRDhMWHE5OW03N0pWYUtSX0sxblZPM0lvakZS?oc=5" target="_blank">Yemen's Houthis enter Iran war with attacks on Israel, while US Marines arrive in region</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">Reuters</font>
PoliticsMinnesota sues Trump administration over shootings, including deaths of Alex Pretti and Renee Good - AP News
<a href="https://news.google.com/rss/articles/CBMirwFBVV95cUxPc0FNaG1BT3plZ3ducklMNFMySzJSMURQYU5sa0doWFBtcXpvY0NKN1I2eU9rTVJvNGhWcWxyS1I5cWFNdjYydnNJbDRVRkNsakhLTUdiT3BEb0dYOTcyMWRkaW1Uc2dHUHdfLWo1VXh4Z2F6SWgtMTdXeG44dXlGMHY4Z0ZxX1ZLSC1PTndEanFNRFJnNDBtaDNITEdQNmVQWUFINTRlSkM3dGlwdF9j?oc=5" target="_blank">Minnesota officials filed a federal lawsuit against Trump administration over 3 shooting deaths</a> <font color="#6f6f6f">AP News</font>
PoliticsTrump official refers New York AG Letitia James for prosecution again
A Trump administration official has made new criminal referrals against New York Attorney General Letitia James to federal prosecutors in Miami and Chicago for two cases of possible homeowner's insurance fraud, sources told CBS News.
PoliticsTrump approval sinks to 36 percent in Reuters/Ipsos poll amid gas price spike, Iran war
President Trump’s approval rating is taking a hit during his administration’s military operations against Iran, according to a Reuters/Ipsos poll. The president’s job performance rating sunk to a new low of 36 percent in the Reuters/Ipsos survey, with 62 percent of respondents saying they disapproved of Trump’s performance. A survey from the polling center only…

Lawmakers react to reports Pentagon preparing for ground operations in Iran
<p>Conflict shows signs of entering new, more dangerous phase as additional 3,500 US troops arrive in the Middle East</p><p>US lawmakers responded to reports that the Pentagon is preparing for weeks of ground operations in Iran, as thousands of US troops assemble in the Middle East and the conflict showed signs of entering a new, more dangerous phase.</p><p>Officials <a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/03/28/trump-iran-ground-troops-marines/">told the Washington Post </a>that a ground operation in Iran could be limited to raids by Special Operations forces and infantry troops, but it was unclear whether Donald Trump would approve any of the Pentagon’s plans.</p> <a href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/mar/29/pentagon-ground-operations-iran-report">Continue reading...</a>
Did this story change how you see things?
Stories like this only matter when people see them. Help us get verified journalism in front of more eyes.
The Verity Ledger curates verified investigative journalism from trusted sources only.
See our sourcesMost Read This Week
Senate deal reached to cap insulin costs

'The gravest crime against humanity': What does the UN vote on slavery mean?

Pentagon will remove media offices after judge reinstates NYT's press credentials

At Pentagon Christian service, Hegseth prays for violence 'against those who deserve no mercy'

After 16 years and $8 billion, the military's new GPS software still doesn't work





