School of War Are We About to Send the Marines Into Iran? With Rich Goldberg and Garrett Exner
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Mar 23, 2026 
Garrett Exner, a Marine and special operations veteran, and Rich Goldberg, a Navy intelligence reservist and analyst, unpack Iran’s crisis. They debate reopening the Strait of Hormuz. They weigh amphibious raids, Kharg Island’s importance, MEU capabilities, covert strikes on nuclear sites, intelligence gaps, and timelines for quick raids versus longer campaigns.
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Why The President Paused Threats To Iran
- President Trump's delay of striking Iranian power plants was likely aimed at buying market stability and time to work through military target sets.
- Rich Goldberg explains the pause removed a market risk premium while military operations with Israel and U.S. forces continued in parallel.
Small Boats Are The Core Strait Threat
- CENTCOM views Iran's remaining significant threats as small boats, mines, and explosive-laden boats rather than just missiles and drones.
- Admiral Cooper described using A-10s and helicopters to hunt these small-boat threats to enable reopening the Strait of Hormuz.
Use MEUs For Raids Not Occupation
- Use a Marine Expeditionary Unit (MEU) for targeted raids and specialized amphibious options rather than large-scale occupation.
- Garrett Exner notes MEUs offer helicopter, track, and boat raid capabilities and escort assets, not territory-holding forces.