The Commentary Magazine Podcast Whack-a-Mullah
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Mar 10, 2026 A rapid rundown of shifting claims about the Iran war, including reported strikes, leadership turmoil, and drone operations. They parse strategic messaging from U.S. politicians and debate options short of full invasion. The conversation covers oil market swings around the Strait of Hormuz and tactics like seizing strategic islands. They also critique media framing of a recent NYC IED incident and local political controversies.
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Public Splits Show Regime Fragility
- Internal Iranian disagreement is public: civilian president apologized to Gulf states while Larijani contradicted him, showing fraying central authority.
- Podhoretz says that public dissent in a totalitarian regime signals degradation benefiting U.S. strategy.
Secure The Strait Of Hormuz To Anchor Markets
- Keep the Strait of Hormuz open by showing naval control to stabilize markets and reassure allies.
- Abe Greenwald urges U.S. control of the shipping lane as a practical demonstration of strength to calm oil markets.
Presidential Rhetoric Moved Oil Futures Rapidly
- Trump publicly acting as a 'reinsurer' for shipping lowered oil futures from about $118 to $85 per barrel that day.
- John explains markets react to perceived risk and presidential assurances can move short‑term futures dramatically.