Ed Morrissey: Kharg Island Checkmate

Ed Morrissey: Kharg Island Checkmate

Author: Salem Podcast Network March 17, 2026 Duration: 1:00

Donald Trump has an opportunity to go for the jugular in his war with the Iranian terror regime—and the IRGC has provided a perfect pretext for it now.

During the first phase of the war, both sides kept the oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. As Iran’s other deterrents have failed, they have decided to attack shipping in the Persian Gulf to pressure Trump into retreat. A sharp rise in oil prices have panicked the media and some of our allies.

Trump has instead signaled that any further interference will result in either seizure or full-scale demolition of Kharg Island. Iran exports 96% of its oil through this facility, mainly to China and India. It is their only connection to hard currency, and it continues to operate.

Trump reportedly is considering an occupation of Kharg Island, now that the US has decimated its defenses. This would checkmate the regime while preserving the facilities for a successor government in Tehran.

It’s time to go for the jugular.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.


Each day's news cycle brings a whirlwind of headlines, but understanding their deeper significance requires perspective. Townhall Review | Conservative Commentary On Today's News cuts through the noise by bringing together insights from some of the most influential voices in conservative media. This curated podcast, from the Salem Podcast Network, features key segments and analysis from hosts like Hugh Hewitt, Dennis Prager, Mike Gallagher, Sebastian Gorka, and Charlie Kirk. Instead of chasing every story, the compilation focuses on the most pressing political and cultural issues, offering a cohesive narrative from a right-of-center viewpoint. You'll hear these hosts break down policy, debate current events, and provide context that often gets lost in rapid-fire reporting. It’s designed for anyone who wants to follow a consistent line of thoughtful, conservative commentary without tuning into multiple programs. By gathering these distinct voices in one place, the Townhall Review provides a comprehensive and intelligent digest of the day's most important discussions. This approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for listeners seeking substantive analysis beyond the standard news brief.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

Townhall Review | Conservative Commentary On Today's News
Podcast Episodes
Hugh Hewitt: We Cannot Have Another Munich [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
Americans must worry that something akin to Munich 2.0 looms. Munich, of course, refers to the summit on the eve of World War II when European leaders appeased Hitler and British Prime Minister Neville Chamberlain return…
Carol Platt Liebau: An Instructive Lesson From the American Left [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
In her new book titled “Alito” Mollie Hemingway offers revealing insights — not just about the Supreme Court justice — but on how the left’s take-no-prisoners mindset has infected the high court. Hemingway recounts an ep…
Seth Leibsohn: Our Challenge in the Face of America’s 250th [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
A recent poll illustrates something profound about the ideological divide in America: 81% of Liberals see the 250th anniversary of America as a time “to reflect on the country’s shortcomings.” That’s a direct quote. So:…
Hugh Hewitt: The Pope, the President and Our Media [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
The practice of manufacturing collisions between the Vatican and President of the United States, has continued with Pope Leo XIV because he is new in the job. And President Donald Trump, of course, always provides copy.…
Carol Platt Liebau: The High Cost of Our Social Experiment [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
Too many parents have faced the dilemma of how to help a child struggling with gender confusion. They’re often told anything short of affirming a new gender identity risks psychological harm—even suicide. New, comprehens…
Carol Platt Liebau: Seeing Swalwell Clearly [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
Congressman Eric Swalwell suspended his campaign for governor of California. Then, the very next day, he abruptly resigned from Congress. This followed a cascade of accusations involving sexual assault, misconduct, and u…
Albert Mohler: The Message of Artemis [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:00
In recent days we’ve watched the NASA Artemis II mission that successfully sent four astronauts around the dark side of the moon. Human beings have now traveled a greater distance from the earth than ever before in histo…