The Commentary Magazine Podcast The Strait and Narrow
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Mar 12, 2026 
Jonathan Schanzer, a Middle East expert at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies, weighs in on Iran, Hezbollah, and regional security. He discusses Hezbollah's rocket barrage and Lebanese politics. He breaks down Iran's threats to the Strait of Hormuz, U.S.-Israeli military coordination, and how pressure on Iran could be applied without full nation-building. Politics and great power context are woven throughout.
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Hezbollah's Barrage Signals Desperation
- Hezbollah's overnight rocket barrage reflects desperation and signals it's thrown its lot in with Iran.
- Jonathan Schanzer says Israel will likely advance ~10 km to the Litani River to secure southern Lebanon and erode Hezbollah's power.
Missile Stocks And Launchers Are Being Worn Down
- U.S. and Israeli strikes have degraded Iran's missile inventory and key launchers substantially.
- Schanzer estimates Iran's missile stock may have fallen from thousands to between 500 and 1,000, while launchers are being hunted to choke strike capacity.
Unprecedented U S Israel Military Integration
- Despite political friction narratives, battlefield cooperation between U.S. and Israeli forces is highly integrated.
- Schanzer highlights shared targeting pictures, English communications, and U.S. planes flown by Israelis as a game changer militarily.