Economist Podcasts Follow the leader: Iran picks the son
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Mar 9, 2026 
Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent analyzing Iran’s new supreme leader and regional military and economic fallout. Daniella Raz, U.S. correspondent and data journalist on cuts to American science funding and threats to renewable and vaccine research. Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor on the shrinking pool of tenor voices and how choirs are adapting.
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Dynastic Succession Signals Continuity Not Change
- Iran's appointment of Mostafa Moshtaba Khamenei signals continuity not reform in wartime leadership.
- Gregg Carlstrom notes Moshtaba is reclusive, lacks ayatollah credentials, and the Revolutionary Guard will likely pull many strings.
Conflict Is Becoming An Economic War On Infrastructure
- The conflict is shifting to attacks on critical energy and water infrastructure across the Gulf region.
- Gregg Carlstrom describes strikes on Tehran fuel depots, Saudi oilfields, and Bahrain desalination and refinery facilities causing major disruption.
The War Comes Down To Who Blinks First
- The war's endurance depends on who blinks first as economic pain accumulates for Gulf states and Iran.
- Carlstrom warns Gulf monarchs can endure weeks but months-long conflict risks reputational and economic fallout and wider escalation.