In this extra episode, we unpack the dramatic events of the early morning Israeli airstrikes on Iranian territory. Around 3 AM CEST, hundreds of missiles struck multiple locations in a long-prepared operation involving cyberwarfare and ground operatives. As the attacks continue, we ask: Was this an act of war?

We explore the immediate reactions—Western allies balancing carefully worded responses like “Israel has a right to defend itself,” while distancing themselves from involvement. Meanwhile, Trump ominously warns this is “just a warm-up.”

As Benjamin Netanyahu calls it a decisive moment, we question the glaring imbalance in how military actions are perceived, depending on who launches them. Is the world’s focus on Iran’s possible response proof that some actions are simply more tolerated than others?

This podcast is published with the help of RAIA NOW gUG but is an individual project between the Director of RAIA Dario Hasenstab and Balder Hageraats. If you would like to get in touch with us, please email us at thewesternbubble@gmail.com.