Scott Ritter & Larry Johnson | INTEL Roundtable | July 3, 2025

Source: Judge Napolitano - Judging Freedom youtube



Key Points

  • Ukraine Conflict and U.S. Support
    • Scott Ritter: Russia remains firm on its "special military operation" goals in Ukraine, including territorial demands, reducing Ukraine’s military, and blocking NATO membership. Russia advances across front lines, targeting infrastructure.
    • U.S. is cutting critical munitions (e.g., Patriot missiles, artillery) due to depleted stockpiles, leaving Ukraine vulnerable. Ritter calls Ukraine a "hospice patient" nearing collapse.
    • Larry Johnson: U.S. can’t ramp up production for modern warfare, contrasting slow F-35 production (18-24 months) with WWII-era B-24 bombers (18 hours).
  • Trump-Putin Dialogue
    • Ritter: Recent Trump-Putin call focused on re-engagement, Iran, Gaza, and cultural exchanges to counter U.S. Russophobia, not Ukraine specifically. Putin reiterated Russia’s unyielding stance.
    • Johnson: Putin’s talks with Trump and Macron tested for softening on Russia’s demands, which remain firm on addressing war’s root causes and new territorial realities.
  • Iran’s Nuclear Program
    • Ritter: Iranian officials (Oct 2024) claimed near nuclear weapons capability, fueling U.S./Israeli fears. Iran’s 60% enriched uranium makes it a threshold state, though no final bomb decision exists.
    • Iran agreed (June 2025) to limit enrichment to 3.75% and allow U.S. inspectors, but U.S.-Israeli strikes (June 12-13) disrupted this. Ritter urges Iran to avoid provocative rhetoric; both criticize Israel’s IAEA influence.
    • Johnson: Loss of IAEA access blinded Western intelligence on Iran’s program, necessitating Russia’s help to restore inspections.
  • Israel-Iran Conflict
    • Ritter: Iran’s missile strikes (using older missiles) heavily damaged Israeli military/intelligence sites, overwhelming defenses with maneuvering warheads and decoys. Iran reserved advanced hypersonic missiles.
    • Johnson: Israel’s small size makes it vulnerable (e.g., one airport loss halts civilian flights), unlike Iran, which absorbs damage due to its size and population.
    • Both: Netanyahu’s U.S. visit (post-July 4, 2025) seeks continued support, domestic political leverage, and intelligence restoration. Rumors of B-2 bomber transfers dismissed due to Israel’s history of leaking U.S. tech.
  • Netanyahu’s Agenda
    • Ritter: Netanyahu aims to project U.S. support for his leadership, avoid escalation with Iran, and navigate domestic legal issues, with Trump interfering via sanction threats.
    • Johnson: Israel needs IAEA access to rebuild intelligence networks in Iran after exposing operatives.
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