The Warning with Steve Schmidt Weekend Iran War Update with Ken Harbaugh & Jacob Kaarsbo
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Mar 15, 2026 Jacob Kaarsbo, former Danish Defence Intelligence Middle East chief, offers regional intelligence on Iran and European limits. Ken Harbaugh, former U.S. Navy pilot and veteran, analyzes naval operations, rules of war, and military ethics. They discuss escalation dynamics, Iran’s asymmetric threats like mines and the Strait of Hormuz, allied reluctance for combat support, and the challenges of securing dispersed nuclear material.
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Shifting Rationales Reveal Lack Of Strategy
- Administration messaging on the war has been inconsistent, shifting rationales from nukes to regime change to election interference.
- Ken Harbaugh warns changing public rationales undermines credibility and fuels escalation without clear strategy.
Military Advice Must Challenge Political Falsehoods
- Senior military leaders have a duty to challenge political misstatements; failure to do so signals weak civilian‑military counsel.
- Ken Harbaugh criticises General Cain for not correcting President Trump about his confirmation claims.
Choose Full Campaign Or Damage Limitation Now
- Either commit to a full, clearly defined campaign or move immediately to damage limitation and de‑escalation.
- Jacob Kaarsbo advises the US must choose one path because partial measures play into Iran's quagmire strategy.