Rufo & Lomez Army Ranger Vet: Why ‘Winning’ Iran Could Cost Everything | Ep 34
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Mar 24, 2026 William Thibeau, an Army Ranger veteran and scholar at the Claremont Institute, speaks on U.S. options in Iran and the risks of escalation. He details Iran’s remaining missile, drone, and proxy threats. He breaks down how the Strait of Hormuz might be secured and outlines operational mechanics, timing, and potential coalition and strategic divergences.
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U.S. Has Degraded Iran But Costs Rise Sharply
- U.S. strikes have achieved generational degradation of Iranian military power but at increasing marginal cost.
- Will Thibeau notes 70%+ destruction of stockpiles and 95% of launch capability, yet remaining capabilities still pose asymmetric threats.
Iran Still Capable Of Precision Energy Strikes
- Iran can still conduct precise strikes on regional energy infrastructure and has demonstrated that capability recently.
- Thibeau cites Iranian strikes on gas facilities in Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and Haifa as evidence of continued precision and impact.
Move Forces Closer To Protect The Strait Of Hormuz
- To secure the Strait of Hormuz the U.S. must create an echelon of fires using closer air and naval assets and possibly Marines to control launch sites.
- Thibeau recommends moving aircraft and ships closer, forming a buffer zone, and considering Marines for key terrain like Kharg Island.