The Shawn Ryan Show

#289 Michael Lester - Is the United States Going to War with Iran For Israel?

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Mar 19, 2026
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INSIGHT

Middle East War Risks Global Economic Cascade

  • Lester highlights the economic ripple from conflict: oil above $100, regional business collapse, and strategic reserve drawdowns that weaken long‑term cushions.
  • He warns disrupted Gulf trade and lost expat investment could cascade into U.S. market shocks.
INSIGHT

Cheap Drones Force Expensive Defensive Spending

  • Lester points out asymmetric cost dynamics: Iran's cheap drones vs U.S. interceptors produce steep attrition costs for the U.S.
  • He gives an example: $20k Shahid drone vs $4M Patriot missile, creating an unsustainable cost ratio for the defender.
ANECDOTE

Analysts Linked School Strike To Tomahawk Fragments

  • Lester and Shawn cite analysts who identified a school strike in Iran as likely caused by a Tomahawk, with parts found bearing USA markings.
  • They use this to highlight U.S. involvement and collateral civilian harm tied to Israeli objectives.
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