Today, Explained A man, no plan, Iran
214 snips
Mar 2, 2026 
Nahal Tusi, a senior foreign affairs correspondent at Politico who covers Iranian politics, explains who is running Iran now and the unclear power dynamics. She discusses Iran’s unprecedented strikes across the Gulf and why targeting civilians fits its strategy. She outlines limits of decapitation strikes, the disorganized opposition, and the IRGC’s role as the likely power broker.
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Shift To Civilian Targets To Pressure Gulf States
- Iran quickly shifted from hitting military sites to civilian infrastructure, including airports, hotels, and residential areas.
- Karlstrom noted attacks on the Burj al Arab hotel, Bet Shemesh homes near a synagogue, and other nonmilitary sites with no military value.
Economic Pressure Intended To Pull Allies Toward Deescalation
- Targeting Gulf civilian infrastructure aims to force U.S. allies to pressure Washington to end the conflict.
- Karlstrom argued Gulf states' economic dependence on stability makes them vulnerable to missile-and-drone disruptions.
Missile Rationing Explains Smaller Strikes On Israel
- Iran appears to be rationing long-range missiles against Israel while using larger short-range arsenals against nearby Gulf targets.
- Karlstrom suggested damage to launchers or deliberate conservation explains smaller volleys at Israel versus heavier attacks in the Gulf.