The Editors Episode 857: Fighting over the War
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Mar 17, 2026 A sharp roundup on recent targeted killings in Iran and the ripple effects for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. A heated debate about whether current strikes are degrading Iran’s military and what it would take to secure maritime routes. Discussion of intra-right fractures over the war and how MAGA politics shape foreign-policy expectations. A critique of Paul Ehrlich’s bleak legacy.
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Limited Iranian Strikes Have Outsized Economic Impact
- U.S. strikes are degrading Iran's strike capacity, reducing missile, drone, and launcher availability across the Persian Gulf.
- Yet even limited Iranian attacks or perceived minefields can halt tanker traffic through the Strait of Hormuz and spike global energy prices.
Securing The Strait May Require More Than Escorts
- Military control of the Strait of Hormuz is complex and may require prolonged naval escorts or even ground control to keep shipping safe.
- Experts warn escorts alone may be insufficient because mines or small-boat attacks from shore can still threaten tankers.
Dismantling Production And Leadership To Force Negotiation
- The campaign targets Iran's production and command structure to degrade launch capabilities and peel away regime leadership.
- The goal is a negotiated ceasefire with a weakened rump regime, followed by internal Iranian change rather than full occupation.