The third Gulf war: one week on

The episode focuses on the escalating conflict in the Middle East, particularly examining the strategic implications and potential outcomes of the ongoing war between America, Israel, and Iran. It highlights the extraordinary firepower being used by American and Israeli forces, while also questioning the overall purpose and long-term strategy behind the conflict. The resilience of the Iranian regime is also analyzed, considering succession plans and the role of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps. The discussion further explores the sustainability of missile defense systems in the face of intense ballistic missile attacks, noting the potential for a rapid depletion of interceptor stocks and the broader implications for global defense strategies. Finally, the podcast reflects on the life and complicated legacy of Iran’s Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei, who was killed in the early hours of the conflict.