The Intelligence from The Economist Follow the leader: Iran picks the son
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Mar 9, 2026 
Gregg Carlstrom, Middle East correspondent reporting on Iran and regional conflict. Daniella Raz, U.S. correspondent and data journalist covering American politics and science policy. Joel Budd, Britain social affairs editor exploring cultural trends. They discuss Iran’s new supreme leader and wartime dynamics. They cover threats to US scientific research and funding. They examine why British choirs face a shortage of tenor voices.
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Conflict Shifting To Economic Infrastructure Attacks
- The conflict is escalating into attacks on vital regional infrastructure, becoming an economic war.
- Gregg Carlstrom recounts strikes on fuel depots, oil fields, desalination plants and a refinery causing smoke, injuries, and paused production.
Quick Victory Hopes Failed Raising Oil And Risk
- Both sides miscalculated hopes for quick victory; escalation raises oil price volatility and broader risk.
- Gregg Carlstrom cites oil over $100/barrel, Goldman Sachs' $150 projection, Gulf states' hardened stance, and threats from Saudi Arabia.
Protect Research By Locking In Budgets
- Preserve scientific agency structures and budgets to shield research from political disruption.
- Daniella Raz explains Congress resisted cuts, maintained NIH, NSF and NASA budgets, and inserted language to restrict misuse of funds.