Is There an End in Sight for the US War in Iran?

About this episode

The episode discusses the US war in Iran, focusing on the implications for international shipping and geopolitical challenges.

What are the goals in the US war in Iran? Is the situation in the Strait of Hormuz manageable, or is the Iranian threat to shipping a challenge that must be confronted? And can it be resolved at an acceptable cost? Melanie, Chris, and Zack, discuss the latest from the war, with a particular focus on the threat posed to international shipping in the vital waterway. Grievances for Jeremy Corbyn, and for the Trump administration's decision to remove sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil. Attas to Japanese Prime Minister Takaichii Sanae for navigating her meeting with President Trump, to a federal judge for affirming that the press has First Amendment rights, and to Sean Penn for skipping the Academy Awards ceremony. Melania also acknowledges the incredible life and career of New York Times' war reporter John Burns who passed this month. Show Links: Caitlin Talmadge, " The Hormuz Minefield: In the Strait, Iran Holds the Advantage—and America Has No Good Options ," Foreign Affairs, March 13, 2026. Rosemary Kelanic, " Trump Is Making Jimmy Carter's Mistake on Iran and Oil ," New York Times, March 9, 2026. Charlie Savage, " Striking Down Pentagon Press Limits, Judge Vindicates…

People in this episode

Hosts: Melanie, Chris, Zack

Topics covered

• US War in Iran
• Strait of Hormuz
• International shipping
• Geopolitical tensions
• Media freedom

Keywords

• US War in Iran
• Strait of Hormuz
• international shipping
• geopolitical tensions
• media freedom

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Trump administration, New York Times, Foreign Affairs, Stimson Center

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