{
  "id": 8471095,
  "title": "Mike Huckabee on Iran, Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia and Israel’s US relationship - interview",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/mike-huckabee-on-iran-hezbollah-saudi-arabia-and-israels-us",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-19T14:04:41.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Jerusalem Post",
    "slug": "jerusalem-post",
    "url": "https://www.jpost.com/israel-news/article-909112"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "Mike Huckabee, a Baptist pastor, former Arkansas governor, presidential candidate, and television host, serves as the US Ambassador to Israel. He joined me at The Media Line studios to discuss Iran, Hezbollah, Saudi Arabia, and Israel's relationship with the United States.\n\nWhen asked about Iran's current position, Huckabee stated that Iran is at its weakest point in 47 and a half years due to President Trump's policies in concert with Israel. He believes Iran is weakening militarily, economically, and by the month. While he hopes this weakness might lead to regime change, he acknowledges that it is uncertain.\n\nHuckabee rejected the idea that confronting Iran is primarily Israel's problem, stating that it is a matter of concern for America since Iran's ultimate target has always been the United States. He noted that President Trump's decision to prevent Iran from possessing nuclear weapons, enriching uranium, or controlling shipping lanes through the Strait of Hormuz is a process he believes is working.\n\nTurning to Lebanon, Huckabee acknowledged that the Lebanese Armed Forces can gradually take on more responsibility, but it will not be an overnight process. He believes that if the Lebanese forces can become the sole security force, they can prevent a security vacuum and confront Hezbollah.\n\nRegarding Hezbollah, Huckabee stated that as long as Iran continues to finance and arm the group, it will remain a threat. He expressed less patience with UNIFIL, the UN peacekeeping force in Lebanon, which he believes has been ineffective. When pressed on the timeline for improvement, Huckabee suggested that it could take years.\n\nLastly, Huckabee discussed the new joint defense agreement among Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. While he did not see alarm in Washington about this development, he acknowledged that all three countries have reasons to be concerned about Iran and the agreement could also be intended to protect them from the Houthis or other armed groups. When asked if Israel would help Saudi Arabia if the kingdom were attacked, Huckabee admitted he did not know, but stated that Israel would welcome a security agreement with Saudi Arabia and would like to see the kingdom join the Abraham Accords.",
  "summary": "The US ambassador to Israel discusses issues from UNIFIL and attacks on Palestinians to Iran and regional diplomacy, while warning of the dangers posed by AI.",
  "key_points": [
    "Iran is at its weakest point in 47.5 years due to Trump's policies.",
    "Confronting Iran is a matter of concern for America, not just Israel.",
    "Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have formed a joint defense agreement."
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 6,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Al-Monitor",
        "title": "Smoke visible near Riyadh airport after Saudi Arabia issues all-clear",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/smoke-visible-near-riyadh-airport-after-saudi-arabia-issues-all-clear",
        "published": "2026-09-19T11:46:30.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Investing.com",
        "title": "Smoke visible near Riyadh airport after Saudi Arabia issues all-clear",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/smoke-visible-near-riyadh-airport-after-saudi-arabia-issues-all-clear-8451633",
        "published": "2026-09-19T11:54:26.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Channel News Asia",
        "title": "Smoke visible near Riyadh airport after Saudi Arabia issues all-clear",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/smoke-visible-near-riyadh-airport-after-saudi-arabia-issues-all-clear-8452848",
        "published": "2026-09-19T12:06:58.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Dawn",
        "title": "Smoke visible near Riyadh airport after Saudi Arabia issues all-clear",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/smoke-visible-near-riyadh-airport-after-saudi-arabia-issues-all-clear-8458611",
        "published": "2026-09-19T12:15:35.000Z"
      },
      {
        "outlet": "Haaretz",
        "title": "Did Iran really already have nuclear bombs before Israel attacked?",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/19/did-iran-really-already-have-nuclear-bombs-before-israel-attacked",
        "published": "2026-09-19T14:06:45.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}