S8 Ep1245: Jonathan Schanzer discusses the opaque leadership within Iran, noting the Supreme Leader's prolonged absence and the IRGC's tightening grip on power. The regime appears sclerotic, relying on aging loyalists while forcing the U.S. to remain engaged in regi
S8 Ep1245: Jonathan Schanzer discusses the opaque leadership within Iran, noting the Supreme Leader's prolonged absence and the IRGC's tightening grip on power. The regime appears sclerotic, relying on aging loyalists while forcing the U.S. to remain engaged in regi  
Podcast: The John Batchelor Show
Published On: Wed Aug 12 2026
Description: Jonathan Schanzer discusses the opaque leadership within Iran, noting the Supreme Leader's prolonged absence and the IRGC's tightening grip on power. The regime appears sclerotic, relying on aging loyalists while forcing the U.S. to remain engaged in regional conflicts to strain its economy. Simultaneously, the Houthis have escalated maritime attacks in the Red Sea and on Saudi infrastructure, effectively opening a new front in the conflict. This escalation exploits fractures between Arab states like Saudi Arabia and the UAE, who remain in competition rather than forming a unified front against Iranian proxy networks. (2)