Charlie and Peter discuss the unraveling Iran ceasefire talks, Israel’s renewed strikes on Lebanon, Gulf state pressure on Washington, and why Iran may still be holding back. In the second half, they turn to Russia’s shift in Ukraine, why Moscow is now talking about hitting decision-making centers in Kyiv, and whether years of restraint only encouraged more Western escalation. Timestamps:00:00 Iran or Russia-Ukraine?00:10 Iran talks break down amid strikes03:10 Lebanon ceasefire unravels06:00 Trump, Israel, and chaos in Washington12:50 Gulf states, Abraham Accords, and pressure on the US17:47 Oil reserves, gas prices, and economic fragility22:58 Are Gulf states moving toward China and Russia?27:06 What happens to Israel if the US leaves the Middle East?34:27 Can Israel actually win in Lebanon?39:58 Russia shifts to Ukraine40:13 Russia may target Kyiv decision-making centers45:23 Did Russia wait too long to escalate?51:17 Has Western deterrence against Russia collapsed?57:56 Western hypocrisy and the propaganda war1:02:15 Why non-intervention should be the default1:04:04 The unipolar mindset and Western decline1:07:44 Final thoughts Go Deeper: https://ruinsreport.com/ Substack: https://conversationsamongtheruins.substack.com/ Support the Conversation:Join as a Member: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCW9CSfmP6gEjqtOdGTD_JKw/join Buy Me a Coffee: https://buymeacoffee.com/amongtheruins