The US military buildup aimed at Iran is the largest in over 20 years, and the strangest thing about it might be how little noise it's making. You'd expect a deployment of this scale to dominate the conversation, but there's been almost no public debate about what the end game is, whether this is a pressure campaign, a prelude to strikes, or something that fizzles the way last year's strikes did without igniting anything larger. The silence around it is its own kind of signal.

Rob Breakenridge puts the week's central contradiction plainly: Trump sat in front of his Board of Peace, visibly disengaged at points, while the largest US military deployment in two decades was assembling nearby. He's made noise about deserving a Nobel Peace Prize. He also has warships in position. China has reportedly been feeding Iran intelligence while Trump works toward a Beijing visit in April and softer relations with Russia, which makes the posture toward Iran read differently depending on which part of the picture you're looking at.

Canada's week had its own strange geometry. A Conservative MP who explicitly said he wasn't crossing the floor crossed the floor months later to join the Liberals as a paid advisor. Rob also breaks down what Alberta's premier is likely to blame for a difficult budget, and it's a familiar playbook with a new target.

Topics: US military buildup Iran, Trump Middle East conflict 2026, floor crossing Canada, Alberta budget, China Iran intelligence

GUEST: Rob Breakenridge | robbreakenridge.ca

Originally aired on 2026-02-19

The US military buildup aimed at Iran is the largest in over 20 years, and the strangest thing about it might be how little noise it's making. You'd expect a deployment of this scale to dominate the conversation, but there's been almost no public debate about what the end game is, whether this is a pressure campaign, a prelude to strikes, or something that fizzles the way last year's strikes did without igniting anything larger. The silence around it is its own kind of signal.
Rob Breakenridge puts the week's central contradiction plainly: Trump sat in front of his Board of Peace, visibly disengaged at points, while the largest US military deployment in two decades was assembling nearby. He's made noise about deserving a Nobel Peace Prize. He also has warships in position. China has reportedly been feeding Iran intelligence while Trump works toward a Beijing visit in April and softer relations with Russia, which makes the posture toward Iran read differently depending on which part of the picture you're looking at.
Canada's week had its own strange geometry. A Conservative MP who explicitly said he wasn't crossing the floor crossed the floor months later to join the Liberals as a paid advisor. Rob also breaks down what Alberta's premier is likely to blame for a difficult budget, and it's a familiar playbook with a new target.
Topics:&nbsp;US military buildup Iran, Trump Middle East conflict 2026, floor crossing Canada, Alberta budget, China Iran intelligence
GUEST: Rob Breakenridge | robbreakenridge.ca
Originally aired on&nbsp;2026-02-19

Shane Hewitt & The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world—always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.

From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane’s signature style—thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.

If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt &amp; The Nightshift is your late-night companion for real talk, bold ideas, and unfiltered conversations that matter. Hosted by Canadian radio veteran Shane Hewitt, each episode dives into the headlines, human stories, and hidden truths shaping our world&mdash;always with curiosity, compassion, and a sharp edge.
From politics and pop culture to mental health, technology, and everyday life, this podcast is where night owls, deep thinkers, and curious minds come to connect. Featuring expert guests, passionate callers, and Shane&rsquo;s signature style&mdash;thoughtful, fearless, and refreshingly real.
If you crave meaningful dialogue, smart perspectives, and late-night radio energy in podcast form, subscribe now and join The Nightshift.

Shane Hewitt and The Nightshift

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.

Shane Hewitt is known for his engaging and relatable on-air personality, which captivates listeners. His ability to blend insightful commentary with humour and empathy creates a genuine connection with listeners.  Shane Hewitt and the Night Shift provides relatable content, informative discussions and expert insights – along with a balance of anecdotes and entertainment.