The Peter McCormack Show #154 - Firas Modad - Who Actually Runs The American War Machine?
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Mar 6, 2026 Firas Modad, a Middle East geopolitical analyst, unpacks how war reshapes energy, shipping and global markets. He maps Iran’s strategic choices, regional spillovers into Lebanon and proxy tactics, and how donor networks and political incentives drive decisions in Washington. Short, sharp takes on economic shocks, drone warfare, and the fog of information.
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Religious Honor Makes Iranian Capitulation Unlikely
- Iran faces cultural drivers that make capitulation unlikely, making prolonged conflict and deterrence restoration their strategy.
- Modad cites Shia theology slogan ‘death rather than humiliation’ and regime social coalitions keeping them resilient.
Great Power Support Raises Conflict Complexity
- Russia and China are already assisting Iran technically, raising risk of broader alignment.
- Modad notes Chinese spy ships providing satellite data and reports of Russian help with drones.
Time And Cost Are Iran's Strategic Weapons
- Long war benefits Iran strategically by raising US costs and restoring deterrence.
- Modad explains Iran will trade its assets' damage to make intervention too costly for Washington.