Iran’s Next Target: Undersea Cables and US Data Centers in the Persian Gulf

Iran says US data centers and undersea cables in the Persian Gulf are next. We break down the four cable systems at risk and why they matter.

Social-Economic Renaissance in Mongol Iran

This episode explores Shivan Mahendrarajah’s A History of Herat: From Chingiz Khan to Tamerlane (Edinburgh University Press, 2022), tracing the city’s transformation from its destruction under Chingiz Khan in 1222 to its capitulation to Tamerlane in 1381. Despite this violent history, Herat rose to become a major political, cultural, and economic center of the eastern Islamic world. Note: Herat is located in present-day Afghanistan, a country whose borders were drawn by British imperial powers in the 19th century.

Saudi-Yemen War: Iran and Houthis Defeat the US

Saudi Arabia reignited its war on Yemen’s Ansarallah (“Houthis”) on 13 July, deploying mercenary forces and expecting a quick win. Instead, Ansarallah went on the offensive, striking Saudi military bases and oil infrastructure, including the East-West pipeline. By September 11, they’d captured Yemen’s west coast and key Red Sea islands, securing fire-control over the Bab al-Mandab chokepoint. Episode examines how the war became a strategic defeat for Saudi Arabia and the US, and a win for Iran.

Saudi–Yemen War: Iran Wins, USA Loses

Saudi Arabia reignited war with Yemen's Ansarallah (Houthis) on 13 July, deploying mercenary forces. Ansarallah struck back, hitting Saudi military bases and oil facilities, including the East-West pipeline. By September 11, they'd captured Yemen's west coast and key Red Sea islands, securing fire-control over the southern Red Sea and Bab al-Mandab