On March 26, HonestReporting Canada & HR Canada Charitable Organization held a timely and illuminating conversation on the war with Iran, its regional implications, and its consequences here at home.

In the weeks since the US and Israeli-led operation against Iran began, the Middle East has entered a new and uncertain phase. What began, arguably, with Hamas’ attack on October 7 has evolved into a broader confrontation with potentially generational and paradigm-shifting consequences. Questions remain about the extent of U.S.-Israel alignment, the weakening of the Iranian regime, the risk of wider regional escalation, and whether we are witnessing a decisive turning point or the early stages of a much longer war.

To help unpack these issues, we were pleased to be joined by Jonathan Conricus, a former international spokesperson for the IDF and a senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies. Jonathan brings years of operational and strategic experience, offering an insider’s perspective on Israel’s military objectives, the role of the United States, and what may come next both on the battlefield and beyond.

The conversation was hosted by Alex Pierson, one of Canada’s most recognized radio broadcasters and political commentators. Known for her sharp, direct style, Alex will guide a discussion that moves beyond headlines to examine the deeper strategic, political, and ideological dimensions of the conflict, including the role of information warfare and the new realities of 21st-century conflicts.

Importantly, this discussion also examined how the war is reverberating far beyond the Middle East. In Canada and across the West, we are seeing a marked rise in antisemitism, alongside the targeting and intimidation of Iranian dissidents. This raises urgent questions about the influence of foreign regimes, the responsibilities of governments and law enforcement, and the long-term consequences of political hesitation and weak enforcement.

As policymakers, journalists, and ordinary citizens grapple with these realities, this webinar provided critical insight into not only what is happening, but what it means for the future of the region, and for the security and cohesion of Canada itself.