The Iran War Is the Biggest Strategic Blunder in US History (w/ John Mearsheimer) | TCHR

Aug 30, 2026 | John Mearsheimer breaks down the current state of the Iran War, and how the conflict increasingly appears to look like the most dire strategic mistake in US history.

Trump Allies Won’t Defend ‘Lake America’ Stunt | Harriet Alexander

Aug 29, 2026 | “A lot of Americans are quite embarrassed by this.”

Even Trump supporters reportedly think renaming Lake Ontario is “a bit ridiculous”, but the move is designed simply to “kick the hornet’s nest and get everybody talking”, says Harriet Alexander.

‘Iran War Is Effectively Done’: Trump Adviser Reflects On 6 Months Of Iran Conflict

Aug 28, 2026 | “The Strait of Hormuz is not going to be used by Iran to blackmail the world again.”

National security adviser to Trump KT McFarland says the US-Iran conflict is “effectively done” as Iranian nuclear weapons are buried underneath mountains and oil is increasingly being moved through Middle Eastern pipelines.


KT McFarland is a far-right loon! Nothing she says should be taken seriously. She utters nonsense. — © Mark Alexander

'Trump Is a Catastrophe for the Entire Planet' – Professor Mohammad Marandi

Professor Marandi is spot-on ! Trump is a disaster!

Six Months In, Iran’s Regime Stands, U.S. Goals Remain Unmet

Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | A man holding an Iranian flag in an apartment destroyed by U.S.-Israeli airstrikes in Tehran earlier this year. Credit: Arash Khamooshi/Polaris for The New York Times
THE NEW YORK TIMES: Trump’s replacement of a military war with a heightened economic one is not expected to alter Iran’s strategy, while further impoverishing its people.

It was supposed to be quick.

Still, six months after the U.S. and Israel launched massive airstrikes on Iran, the conflict drags on. The Trump administration has replaced its military war with an economic one, but the result is likely to be no different, analysts said, with a lack of American clarity about goals, a decline in American credibility and a strategic defeat.

One thing remains constant, however. The ordinary people of Iran are bearing the brunt of the war, victims of both the United States and their own leaders.

On the first day of the war, Feb. 28, President Trump promised Iranians that “the hour of your freedom is at hand.” Six months later, his administration is trying to impoverish them further, hoping against hope that they will revolt against a repressive, militarized regime and overthrow it.

The Iranian leadership, increasingly dominated by military men, sees its own survival as the nation’s, and it considers the sacrifices of ordinary Iranians as a necessary act of patriotism and even martyrdom. It has been ever more ruthless in stamping out the slightest signs of dissent. » | Steven Erlanger | Steven Erlanger, based in Berlin, has covered Iran and the diplomacy around it for many years. | Friday, August 28, 2026

Iran and Oman Announce Hormuz Deal - What Does This Mean for Trump’s ‘Economic Onslaught’

August 27, 2026 | Pakistan is the latest country to hit back after the White House threatened countries who trade with Iran.

China has already said it won’t be taking orders from America.

So is this another failed bid by Donald Trump to bend Iran and its backers to his will? Or could this actually work?

Several senior Iranian leaders have recently acknowledged the economic pain that the country and its people are feeling.

On this episode of The Fourcast, Krishnan Guru-Murthy speaks to Mohammed Marandi, a professor at Tehran University and a former adviser to Iran’s nuclear negotiating team to get a view from inside Iran.

Trump’s Iran Gamble: Will It Backfire? | The Global Story

Aug 27, 2026 | There have been a lot of sanctions programmes against Iran. But this week US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced Operation Economic Outcast, which promises to go further than ever before. It will punish not just Iran but any country helping Iran - including China. It is the Trump administration’s latest attempt to end the war. Will it work? We speak to Vali Nasr, professor of international affairs and Middle East studies at Johns Hopkins University, and ask whether in trying to end one war, President Trump risks starting a global trade conflict.

Iran May Have Little to Lose as U.S. Tries to Squeeze Its Economy

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Experts warn that a campaign aimed at avoiding military escalation could instead provoke it, as Iranian leaders vow retaliation across the oil-rich Gulf.

Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | Drivers waiting at a taxi station in Tehran last month. Credit: Arash Khamooshi/Polaris for The New York Times
Facing a fresh economic assault from the United States, Iran’s leaders are gambling that they can weather the coming storm and make the cost of their suffering felt in an oil-rich region that is critical to the global economy.

With Iran’s devastating economic crisis deepening, experts warn, Iranian leaders may feel they have little to lose by responding to U.S. pressure with the kind of military escalation President Trump now seems keen to avoid.

“The harder Washington pushes third countries to sever Iran’s remaining lifelines, the stronger Tehran’s incentive becomes to demonstrate that participating in Iran’s isolation carries costs of its own,” said Sina Toossi, an Iran expert at the Center for International Policy.

For months, as military confrontation has slowed, Iran’s struggle with Washington has amounted to a game of chicken over who can withstand the economic pain longer. » | Erika Solomon and Sanam Mahoozi | Tuesday, August 25, 2026

China Responds to US Sanctions: "Illegal" Threat over Iran Trade Branded ‘Operation Economic Outcast’

Aug 25, 2026 | China has officially slammed US threats of secondary sanctions over its trade with Iran, calling the measures illegal and vowing to take "all necessary measures" to defend its national interests. As Beijing continues to purchase an estimated 80% of Iran’s oil exports, this standoff puts the Trump administration's "Operation Economic Outcast" to the ultimate test. While US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced sanctions on 60 individuals, entities, and vessels tied to Iranian trade, Chinese financial institutions were noticeably absent from the list. When asked why the White House stopped short of targeting Beijing directly, Bessent responded: "Why would I want to blow up the global financial system?"

ANTHONY DAVIS can be supported on Patreon here.

It doesn’t matter what scheme or ‘operation’ these ineffective people dream up, they are destined to lose this war with Iran. Iranians are an extremely intelligent and very well-educated people. They are also wily. If I am not greatly mistaken, victory is Iran’s for the taking. — © Mark Alexander

Professor Marandi: Global Consensus Growing that Israeli Regime, Allies Are a 'Menace to Humanity'

Speaking on Al Mayadeen’s The Grand Standoff: Iran and the World on Monday, Professor Mohammad Marandi said he believes “the future belongs to the people of the region.”

He said Iran’s resistance and resilience, together with its partners in the Axis of Resistance, have brought about an “enormous and extraordinary change.” Professor Marandi added that the broader global resistance movement is also part of this shift, saying it exists across the world and is standing up against the Israeli regime.

“There is a broad consensus across the world, across the global majority, across the Global South, and even increasingly in the West, that the United States and the Israeli regime, the US government, the regime in Washington, and the Israeli regime and their allies are a menace to humanity,” he said.

Prof. Mohammad Marandi explains.

U.S. Treasury Secretary's Total Fail on Iran

August 23, 2026

Scott Bessent thinks that America can grow its way out of its $40 trillion national debt! Who the hell is he trying to kid? A country would need one hell of a lot of economic growth to be able to grow its way out of a debt as big as that! That man is living in Cloud-cuckoo-land! He is also talking tosh! — © Mark Alexander

'They Should Be Very Careful,' Marandi Warns Gulf States as Iran Prepares for Economic Warfare

Professor Mohammad Marandi said that Iran is preparing for "a very long war" by transitioning to a wartime economy "when the United States initiates this new phase of economic warfare."

He further warned that Gulf states including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and Kuwait should "be very careful about their actions in the days and weeks ahead," arguing that if they assist US operations against Iranian civilians, "they will be severely punished, and their regimes will probably not survive."

Marandi asserted that Iran is preparing not only for prolonged war but for the economic and political challenges that come with it, with the Supreme National Security Council positioned to oversee "all aspects of life in Iran, not just war."

Professor Mohammad Marandi explains.

Iran Warns Gulf States Against Joining Trump’s Economic War, or Else

THE NEW YORK TIMES: Iran’s new hard-line national security adviser, Mohsen Rezaei, vowed to prevent “a single drop of oil” from leaving the region.

Screenshot taken from this NYT article. | Mohsen Rezaei, Iran’s new security chief, last month in Tehran. Though hostilities have largely ceased, the United States and Iran are locked in an economic standoff. Credit: Mohammed Salem/Reuters
President Trump has warned that “Economic D-Day” is coming for Iran. This weekend, Tehran promised to fight back, threatening any nation that helps the United States.

Iran’s new security chief, Mohsen Rezaei, on Saturday vowed to strike the interests of oil-rich neighbors if they joined U.S. efforts to further isolate Iran, whose economy is already in free fall. He warned that Tehran would seek to prevent “even a single drop of oil” from leaving the region.

“Any country that becomes a partner in creating economic restrictions against us will be regarded by us as an enemy,” he said in an interview with Iran’s state broadcaster.

Mr. Razaei is a political hard-liner and former head of the Revolutionary Guards. The interview offered his first extensive comments since taking up his new post two weeks ago — and struck an aggressive tone in line with Iran’s increasingly uncompromising regional strategy. At one point, he asked whether Iran should pursue building a nuclear bomb, which Tehran has previously insisted it has no intention of doing. » | Erika Solomon | Sunday, August 23, 2026

Broken DUBAI: 10 Areas Turning Into Ghost Zones as Tourism Collapses in 2026

July 25, 2026 | What is really happening across Dubai in 2026?

After years of record-breaking tourism, some of Dubai's most famous destinations began experiencing quieter streets, changing visitor patterns, and growing economic uncertainty. But is Dubai really in decline, or is the reality more complex?

In this documentary, we explore 10 areas across Dubai that have sparked discussion about the city's future, including Jumeirah Beach Residence (JBR), Palm Jumeirah, Downtown Dubai, Dubai Marina, Business Bay, Jumeirah Lakes Towers (JLT), Jumeirah Village Circle (JVC), DIFC, Global Village, and The World Islands.

How the US Is Using Iran’s Economy to Fight the War in the Middle East | BBC News

Aug 21, 2026 | US Vice President JD Vance says the Iran War is in a ‘new phase’ of economic pressure.

It comes as US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent has said: “You are either with us or against us," as he urged US allies to support Washington's efforts to "squash" the Iranian economy.

But the Iranian Foreign Ministry has called the measures ‘economic terrorism’. The BBC has also heard from people inside Iran on what life is like for them.

UAE Accuses Iran of Ballistic Missile Attacks | The Palki Sharma Show | IGR | India Global Review

August 19, 2026 | The UAE has accused Iran of firing two ballistic missiles at its maritime assets. Iran has denied the allegation from Abu Dhabi. What does this fresh escalation mean for the Gulf's economic revival hopes? Is the Gulf boom over? Palki Sharma tells you.

Trump Wants to Declare Hormuz 'American Territory' | The Palki Sharma Show | India Global Review

August 15, 2026 | Donald Trump has said that he will declare the Strait of Hormuz as American territory after 'defeating' Iran. Tehran has hit back, saying 'tweets' will not change the Hormuz ownership. Where has Trump got this ridiculous idea from? Palki Sharma tells you.

It is such a pity that America has got a draft dodger as its Commander-in-Chief. His draft dodging has made the president clueless. If I am not greatly mistaken, he hasn’t got a snowball’s chance in hell of winning this war with Iran. As always, America is good at starting wars, but not so good at winning them. History shows this to be true. — © Mark Alexander

Trump Sends Son-in-law to Israel, Tells Iran to Surrender and Threatens to Bomb Ally

Aug 17, 2026 | Donald Trump is not having much luck in the Middle East - such is the US President’s frustration that today he even threatened to bomb Oman, America's ally, if they got in the way of peace talks with Iran.

And almost 11 months after the Gaza ceasefire deal was signed, the Strip is still a tent city amongst the rubble, caught between Trump’s impatience and Benjamin Netanyahu’s need for political survival.

Trump’s son-in-law Jared Kushner was dispatched to the Middle East to meet with the leadership of Hamas and then to huddle with the Israeli prime minister along with former UK Prime Minister Tony Blair.

A spokesman for Netanyahu, who flatly rejected the 15-point Gaza peace plan last week, described the talks as "deep and constructive." But the next step still depends on Hamas agreeing to surrender its arms and Israeli troops to withdraw.

Meanwhile, Trump has apparently opened up a whole new front in his war with Iran threatening to bomb Oman if they "got in the way" of his peace talks, while Tehran has threatened to go on the offensive.

Trump Threatens to Declare Strait of Hormuz ‘Territory of the United States’

THE GUARDIAN: Seriousness of remark made in New York on Friday, and whether it signaled new policy position, not clear

Screenshot taken from this Guardian article. | Donald Trump at the David S Mack Center for Training and Intelligence in Garden City, New York, on Friday. Photograph: Samuel Corum/Getty Images
Donald Trump has threatened to declare the strait of Hormuz as “a territory of the United States” as his administration struggles to conclude the war with Iran.

During a speech at a police academy on Long Island, New York, on Friday, the US president said he would “pretty soon” designate the waterway – a crucial chokepoint for global trade, through which about a fifth of the world’s seaborne oil supplies typically pass – a US territory.

The comment came as peace talks with Iran remain at an impasse following failed negotiations, with Tehran refusing to reopen the strait, which has been all but closed since the US and Israel launched their war on Iran in February.

Almost six months into the war, there is little indication that negotiations will soon yield peace, as Iranian officials continue to defy Trump’s demands. The US has been blockading Iranian shipping and ⁠ports in recent months in an effort to pile economic pressure on Tehran.

“After we finish defeating Iran, which is being very badly defeated, pretty soon I’ll be declaring the Hormuz strait a territory of the United States,” Trump said on Friday. “Essentially, that’s what it is. We have the blockade. No ships get through unless we want them to.”

The seriousness of Trump’s remark, and whether it signaled a new policy position for his administration, was not immediately clear. » | Maya Yang | Friday, August 14, 2026

Trump wants it all: Venezuela, Panama, Cuba, Canada, Greenland, the Strait of Hormuz, the world’s rare earth minerals, and all the billions he can filch, pilfer, and steal! This dude works on one simple principle: what mine is mine, and what’s yours is mine also! Trump is a natural born schemer! — © Mark Alexander

Iran War Round 3: Tehran Prepares Knock-out Blow | Prof Mohammad Marandi

While the US lives in fantasy world about the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran has been busy preparing for the next phase of the war, which doubtlessly the US will restart once more. Since there is no diplomatic solution, Tehran is coming around to the conclusion that with the next battle, a decisive military change in the region must occur—in the US satellites.

Prof. Seyed Mohammad Marandi joins me to discuss daily life in Tehran, Iran’s trade routes under blockade, the risk of renewed US attacks, Saudi Arabia’s position, missile strategy, and relations with Gulf states. He argues that Iran seeks to remove regional threats rather than spread instability,, and recommends books for understanding Iran.