Iran: The Latest US sends Marines to Strait of Hormuz & why Iran can still fire missiles
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Mar 20, 2026 Fabian Hoffman, University of Oslo missiles expert, explains Iran’s launcher limits and interceptor dynamics. Peter Apps, Reuters defence commentator, breaks down US Marine roles, reopening the Strait of Hormuz, regional strategy and the conflict’s effects on China-Taiwan calculations. Multiple short, punchy conversations on missile stocks, interception challenges and what seizing islands or protecting shipping would actually involve.
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Syria Publicly Seeks To Stay Out Of The War
- Syrian President Ahmad al-Shara publicly said Syria wants to avoid getting involved, calling current events 'a major and rare event in history'.
- Venetia Rainey read his quote noting Syria is 'carefully calculating' to keep out of the war.
Saudi Threats Are Regionally Self Interested
- Saudi Arabia's statements about military action are driven by self-interest and regional signalling, not to serve US or Israeli aims.
- Peter Apps argues Saudis would act to assert regional leadership and avoid direct strikes on Iranian oil fields to prevent reciprocal damage.
Iran War Creates Window Against A Taiwan Attack
- The Iran conflict functions as a test for US-China competition, reducing the chance China will attack Taiwan soon.
- Apps argues China discovered capability gaps in its forces, creating a 2–3 year window where Beijing is unlikely to go hot.