The Commentary Magazine Podcast Waterways and Means
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Apr 10, 2026 They debate Pakistan as a potential mediator in Iran-Israel talks and the confusion around a claimed ceasefire. They weigh strategies for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the geopolitical impact of maritime extortion. They consider Iran's asymmetric reach, military options like naval escorts, and the timing risks tied to other global crises. They also discuss political fallout from attacks on right-wing podcasters and a film recommendation.
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Pakistan Mediator Undercuts Negotiation Credibility
- The choice of Pakistan as mediator exposes a diplomatic paradox where Islamabad publicly denounces Israel while hosting ceasefire talks.
- John Podhoretz highlights Pakistan's foreign minister tweeting that Jews are a 'cancer' while Pakistan is positioned as an interlocutor, undermining credibility.
Ceasefire Optics Helped Israel But Iran Kept Leverage
- The announced ceasefire quickly proved illusory as Iran kept pressure via closure of the Strait of Hormuz and intermittent strikes.
- Seth Mandel and John Podhoretz note ceasefire optics pulled Israeli sorties toward Lebanon while Iran used maritime closure to sustain leverage.
Israel Reallocated Airpower To Degrade Hezbollah
- Israel turned sortie capacity from strikes on Iran to concentrated operations against Hezbollah after the ceasefire.
- John Podhoretz reports reports of a Wednesday operation that allegedly degraded Hezbollah's command-and-control across Lebanon.