What comes next in Iran

What comes next in Iran

From Reasonably Optimistic by The Washington Post

March 4, 2026 · 21 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the implications of recent U.S. and Israeli strikes on Iran and the potential consequences of a prolonged conflict.

On Feb. 28, the U.S. and Israel initiated strikes on Iran. What comes next? Host Megan McArdle sits down with Washington Post Columnist David Ignatius to discuss Iran's response, whether the U.S. can sustain a prolonged conflict, what the war signals to adversaries like China and the economic risks of a closed Strait of Hormuz. Subscribe to The Washington Post  here .

People in this episode

Host: Megan McArdle

Guest: David Ignatius

Topics covered

  • Iran conflict
  • U.S. foreign policy
  • Middle East tensions
  • economic risks
  • military strategy

Keywords

  • Iran
  • U.S.
  • Israel
  • David Ignatius
  • Megan McArdle
  • military conflict
  • economic risks
  • Strait of Hormuz
  • China

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: The Washington Post

Places: Iran, U.S., Israel, China, Strait of Hormuz

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