The hottest Military conflict Substack posts right now

And their main takeaways

You Can't Make People Cheer For Your Wars After Committing A Live-Streamed Genocide, And Other Notes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2030 implied HN points • 21 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Committing visible atrocities destroys public support, so governments can’t expect people to cheer for their wars.
Ignoring decades of military warnings and escalating toward a ground invasion of Iran risks huge regional fallout, economic pain, and more lives lost.
Political leaders who don’t face personal consequences send others to fight, and history shows people only forcefully oppose wars when they themselves have skin in the game.

Iran Is Forcing The World To Care About US-Israeli Warmongering

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2822 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

A US-coordinated Israeli strike on Iran’s largest natural gas field has crossed a red line and sparked Iranian attacks on Gulf energy infrastructure, driving up fuel prices and risking a global energy crisis.
Western media, many US allies, and the public are much less willing to rally behind the administration this time, showing low support and growing skepticism of official war narratives.
Because energy supplies and prices are being directly affected, ordinary Westerners will likely be forced to pay attention and react, and the situation could rapidly get much worse or better with uncertain outcomes.

The shape of the multipolar world is a little clearer

Noahpinion • 27412 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The end of Pax Americana removed many rules that used to restrain U.S. power, so a more multipolar world now lets leaders act more unilaterally and aggressively — something advocates of multipolarity may regret.
Trump’s recent strikes, including the killing of Iran’s Supreme Leader, are a major escalation and show the president can launch a war of choice without Congress; that’s dangerous for American democracy even if Iran’s regime was brutal.
This conflict has materially weakened the China–Russia–Iran axis but hasn’t ended the multipolar era, and Western leftists’ strong public support for Iran shows a troubling loss of coherent moral or strategic judgment.

How Israel Convinced Trump to Wage War Against Iran (w/ Max Blumenthal) | The Chris Hedges Report

The Chris Hedges Report • 231 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

An influence campaign by Israeli-aligned actors and wealthy backers leveraged Trump’s transactional instincts and fears to push him toward aggressive action against Iran.
The FBI’s use of informants and sting operations appears to have manufactured or exaggerated assassination plots on U.S. soil, reinforcing the belief that Iran was targeting Trump and helping justify escalation.
Those pressures contributed to a damaging war that shut down negotiations, provoked heavy retaliation, and raised the risk of a wider or even nuclear confrontation while leaving key questions about motives and accountability.

Trump Starts a Major Regime-Change War with Iran, Serving Neoconservatism and Israel

Glenn Greenwald • 6015 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The Trump administration has launched a large-scale regime-change war against Iran that serves long-standing neoconservative and Israeli goals.
This action directly contradicts Trump’s decade-long promises to end regime-change wars, betraying the anti-war stance many of his supporters expected.
The war lacks a clear justification, congressional approval, or exit strategy and risks massive, unpredictable destruction and prolonged U.S. entanglement in the Middle East.

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Opposing "Both Sides" In This War Is Crazy Imperialist Nonsense, And Other Notes

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1806 implied HN points • 11 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

If you live under a western empire, don’t amplify 'both sides are bad' or regime‑change narratives; use your voice to oppose your own government’s role in the war.
Bashing the Iranian regime right now helps manufacture consent for violence and makes you partly responsible for the suffering it causes, without improving rights for people there.
This escalation was predictable — tearing up the JCPOA and leaning on regional allies made war more likely, so strikes, mine threats to the Strait of Hormuz, and wider fallout should have been anticipated.

The Iran War and Barakah

Gordian Knot News • 124 implied HN points • 21 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The Iran War could lead to an attack on the Barakah nuclear plant in the UAE, creating a real risk of radioactive release.
Having a reliable plume dispersion model and an accurate radiation harm model ready is essential, because poor modeling or panic can multiply the actual harm.
Common tools like MACCS2 for plumes and the linear no‑threshold (LNT) harm model are inadequate and using them would worsen the response, yet no organization currently appears to have the right capability—a serious system failure.

TGIF: Get Them Before They Get Me

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 1929 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The US has begun bombing Iran and claims fast success, while Iran has retaliated across the region but with a largely ineffective showing.
Trump is loudly taking personal credit for the strikes and even talks about influencing who replaces Iranian leaders, treating the conflict like a personal victory lap.
The war is reshaping American politics: some GOP figures are being sidelined into symbolic 'war room' roles while older leaders keep control, leaving parts of the Republican right politically damaged.

NATO’s Destruction of Ukraine Under the Guise of “Helping”

Glenn’s Substack • 1718 implied HN points • 17 Sep 24

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

NATO's support for Ukraine is often framed as a selfless act to help against Russia, but it may not align with what most Ukrainians actually want. Many Ukrainians have shown little interest in joining NATO.
There have been several instances where peace agreements, such as the Minsk-2 agreement, were ignored or sabotaged by Western powers, showing that their true interests may lie elsewhere.
The situation in Ukraine has led to severe consequences for the population, with many lives lost and a push towards nationalism and division, rather than unity and peace.

Iran: Competing War Narratives and the Euro Spat

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 96 implied HN points • 19 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The war is escalating and looks bad from the American perspective, with recent Israeli strikes and strong Iranian retaliations suggesting the campaign is not going well.
Attacks have begun targeting energy infrastructure — including a damaging strike on Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG hub — raising the real risk of a severe global energy crisis if Gulf facilities or the Strait of Hormuz become contested.
Three competing narratives have emerged in Western media, and a public spat between Trump and NATO allies over reopening the Strait of Hormuz highlights deep diplomatic divisions in how to respond.

Trump’s Endgame, Iran’s Miscalculations, and Where the War Goes Next. Plus. . .

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 500 implied HN points • 04 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Trump's likely endgame is to pressure Israel into a ceasefire, with the U.S. using its influence to force a quick end to active fighting.
Iran is escalating attacks to try to force that outcome, but its recent miscalculations have backfired and left the regime more isolated while driving closer alignment between Israel and Arab states.
The conflict has already sharply escalated—killing U.S. personnel, striking across the region, and disrupting trade and oil markets—creating a volatile situation that could either spiral further or prompt urgent diplomacy.

The Four Paths for a Post-Khamenei Iran

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 282 implied HN points • 06 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The death of Iran's Supreme Leader has left the regime at a critical inflection point, creating real uncertainty about its political future.
Despite that loss, the regime remains militarily aggressive, launching missiles and drones at U.S. bases, Israeli cities, and neighboring states.
The main question now is which direction Iran will take and how the U.S. will respond — whether the Islamic Republic collapses, reforms, hardens, or endures.

This Is How an Energy Crisis Starts

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 180 implied HN points • 09 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Iran and Israel are directly attacking oil tankers and storage facilities, putting energy shipments and infrastructure at immediate risk.
The Strait of Hormuz is effectively shut and oil prices have surged above $100 a barrel, signaling a tightening of global supply.
If the conflict spreads to include all Gulf producers and halts tanker traffic or damages infrastructure, it could spark a severe global energy crisis.

The Justifications For War With Iran Keep Changing

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1802 implied HN points • 29 Jan 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The public reasons for attacking Iran keep shifting — first nukes, then missiles, then protesters — which makes it look like war is the goal and excuses are being invented.
Military buildups and threats are being used to pressure Iran to give up key defenses, which would leave it weakened and more subject to US and Israeli demands rather than actually solve humanitarian or nuclear problems.
This pattern, similar to how the US has justified action against other oil-rich countries, shows that changing pretexts are used to manufacture consent for intervention, and rising tensions often come with more deception.

The Suicidal Folly of a War with Iran

The Chris Hedges Report • 567 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

U.S. leaders are making unrealistic demands on Iran and sidelining experienced diplomats. This raises the risk that bluster and force will replace negotiation.
Iran is unlikely to give up its nuclear or missile programs under those terms, and a military strike would likely provoke a swift, hard retaliation that could escalate quickly.
A war would be catastrophic: many U.S. troops could die, the Strait of Hormuz could be shut, oil prices would spike, and the global economy and region would face long-term damage.

Agreeing with Piers on Iran

John’s Substack • 10 implied HN points • 22 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Two commentators who normally disagree are in close agreement about the current state of the Iran war and where it seems to be heading.
A public discussion highlighted two contrasting voices: a sharp Middle East expert and a government-aligned spokesperson who predicts a decisive victory for Israel and the US.
The exchange underscores a split in perspectives — skeptical observers versus official optimism — leaving the ultimate outcome uncertain.

Trump Is Back-Door Begging Iran to Talk Peace

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 65 implied HN points • 17 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Though publicly boasting of military success, the administration quietly asked Iran for talks, with special envoy Steve Witkoff sending messages to Tehran.
Iranian officials say they ignored those outreach efforts and that only the Supreme Leader can authorize negotiations, effectively closing the door to direct talks.
The contrast between loud public rhetoric and private pleas highlights mixed signals and suggests the conflict may continue until one side falters, raising doubts about the coherence of the strategy.

Noted geopolitical nonentity Ursula von der Leyen announces her determination to begin intensively monitoring the Iran situation as soon as the weekend is over

eugyppius: a plague chronicle • 281 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

A US-Israel strike reportedly killed Iran's Supreme Leader and several top commanders, and Iran has retaliated with ballistic missile and drone strikes against Israel, US bases, and allied Gulf states.
Ursula von der Leyen says the European Commission will begin intensive monitoring after the weekend and has been calling Gulf and regional leaders, but the Commission has limited concrete geopolitical influence so those actions are largely symbolic.
There is sharp criticism that EU leaders comment too much on global crises despite limited power, and that they should refrain from making performative statements.

Ukraine's Audacity

Diane Francis • 1338 implied HN points • 12 Aug 24

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Ukraine has launched a bold military operation by invading Russia with support from Western countries. Their goal was to show off their military strength and lower Russian morale.
During the invasion, the Ukrainian army faced minimal resistance, with Russian guards fleeing and leaving their posts. This success showcased Ukraine's effective tactics.
The U.S. responded positively to Ukraine's actions, reinforcing its support with additional military aid and confirming that this invasion wasn't seen as an escalation of the conflict.

"Kursk changed the war"

Glenn’s Substack • 539 implied HN points • 29 Aug 24

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The situation is tense between NATO and Russia, with both sides pretending not to be in a direct conflict. This makes it seem like a war is already taking place without formal recognition.
Recent attacks on Russian territory and nuclear plants are pushing the situation closer to nuclear war. This escalation raises serious concerns about global safety.
The American government's silence on these actions raises questions about their real intentions and strategy in the region. It makes people wonder how they plan to address these conflicts.

With ‘Epic Fury’, regime change radicals go to war on Iran

Aaron Mate • 196 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The US and Israel launched "Operation Epic Fury" to pursue regime change in Iran, carrying out assassinations and bombings that caused heavy civilian casualties and quickly widened the fighting across the region.
What looked like diplomacy was largely a cover, as US negotiators pretended to seek a deal while preparing military strikes and undermining a possible agreement.
The official reasons for war — that Iran was on the brink of a nuclear weapon or an imminent missile threat — were exaggerated or false, suggesting the action is ideologically driven and risks a catastrophic, open-ended conflict.

The Iranian Regime Is Betting on American Casualties

Common Sense with Bari Weiss • 153 implied HN points • 01 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Previous rounds of tit‑for‑tat strikes were carefully choreographed to avoid killing Americans, often causing little damage or no casualties.
After U.S. and Israeli strikes that killed Iran’s supreme leader and other senior figures, Iran launched wide retaliatory attacks using ballistic missiles and drones across the region.
Unlike earlier exchanges, the regime now appears to be risking a major escalation and is effectively betting on causing American casualties to press its advantage.

The Suicidal Folly of a War with Iran [VIDEO]

The Chris Hedges Report • 178 implied HN points • 24 Feb 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

A U.S. attack on Iran would be a catastrophic mistake driven by incompetent leadership and could spark a wider, prolonged regional war.
Demanding that Iran dismantle its nuclear and missile programs in exchange for no new sanctions is unrealistic and won’t convince Tehran to disarm.
Iran’s size, alliances, and ability to close the Strait of Hormuz and strike regional targets mean such a war would cause heavy casualties, soaring oil prices, and major global economic damage.

Crescendo

Doomberg • 8493 implied HN points • 04 Aug 25

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Putin switched from US Treasuries to gold as a way to challenge Western financial control. This change was significant because it suggested he could sell oil for gold instead of dollars.
The BRICS group, formed by Russia, China, and others, aims to help developing countries gain economic independence from Western powers. This reflects a broader fight over global economic freedom.
The current geopolitical situation is escalating towards a major conflict, with both military and economic tensions rising. The decisions leaders make now could dramatically shape the future of international relations.

Resistance 101 Documentary Trailer (COMING FEB. 21)

The Chris Hedges Report • 216 implied HN points • 20 Feb 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Italian dockworkers have organized strikes and large demonstrations to block arms shipments to Israel in response to the ongoing genocide in Gaza.
Their actions are a direct response to international institutions and governments that have refused to confront the violence.
These industrial disruptions are offered as a model of resistance that could spread to other countries and possibly influence efforts to end the genocide.

Israel, Its Lobby, and the Iran War

John’s Substack • 16 implied HN points • 18 Mar 26

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military conflict

The Israel lobby still strongly shapes U.S. policy. It has lost control of the public conversation, and many now believe the U.S. was pulled into the Iran war by Netanyahu and the lobby.
A senior U.S. official resigned, saying he could not support the Iran war and arguing the conflict began because of pressure from Israel and its American lobby.
The war appears to be in a stalemate with no clear way for the U.S. to end it or win it, and there is no obvious viable exit strategy.

After Attacking Iran, The World Must Boycott, Divest, & Sanction The United States of America

JoeWrote • 80 implied HN points • 03 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The U.S. government is accused of running an aggressive, lawless foreign policy that kills civilians and destabilizes regions, with media and elite institutions enabling those actions.
Domestic repression is rising too, with state violence, detention practices, and a failure to hold powerful actors accountable eroding civil liberties at home.
The proposed remedy is international pressure—boycotts, divestment from U.S. financial instruments, and targeted sanctions—until the U.S. accepts international legal accountability and changes its behavior.

Trip Wire

Doomberg • 7068 implied HN points • 27 May 25

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Estonia is caught between major powers and has a history of being controlled by others. Its small size and location make it vulnerable but also strategically important.
There is a NATO obligation for members to defend Estonia if it's attacked. Recent incidents in the Gulf of Finland have increased tensions between Estonia and Russia.
The relationship between the U.S. and NATO could be affected by how European leaders, especially those in Estonia, handle conflicts with Russia. It's important to pay attention to these developments.

Israel Has Its War

God's Spies by Thomas Neuburger • 60 implied HN points • 28 Feb 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The U.S. and Israel have entered a wide-scale Middle East war, with missile strikes and attacks reported across the Gulf and on multiple bases and countries.
Israel appears to have pushed U.S. leadership into attacking Iran, with the U.S. strike reportedly planned months in advance and the attack date set weeks beforehand.
Iran has retaliated and warned it has far stronger weapons to follow, and reported targeting of the Ayatollah and IRGC leaders raises the risk that hardliners could take control and dramatically escalate the conflict.

The Flotillas to Gaza Are the World’s Conscience

The Chris Hedges Report • 255 implied HN points • 15 Jan 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Flotillas are bold acts of resistance that refuse to accept the blockade of Gaza, keeping hope alive and forcing the world to confront its moral duty. They serve both humanitarian and political purposes by shaming complicit governments and demonstrating that people can act.
Participants face harsh repression—interceptions at sea, arrests, beatings, solitary confinement and other abuses—but activists keep returning despite the real personal risks. Their persistence is meant to show solidarity with Palestinians and to sustain international attention.
Many governments and international bodies have failed to halt the humanitarian crisis and often enable it, so organizers argue that sustained global pressure, direct action and solidarity are necessary to raise the political cost and eventually force change.

Neither Law Nor Order

Gideon's Substack • 38 implied HN points • 02 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The US attack on Iran could set off many unpredictable regional and global consequences, and America has limited ability to control what happens next.
The Pentagon’s blacklisting of Anthropic shows the government is asserting near-total control over frontier AI, threatening tech independence and creating a precedent that firms under US law may be treated like arms of the state.
Together these actions signal a broader shift from rule-of-law and mutual trust to raw power and fear, eroding domestic and international trust and making the new path hard to reverse.

Chartbook 392 Incoming from outer space: The geo-military radicalism of Iran v. Israel 2025.

Chartbook • 2575 implied HN points • 20 Jun 25

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

The war between Israel and Iran is unique because the countries are 1000 miles apart and have no shared border. This means they can't directly confront each other on a front line, making the conflict more complex.
Israel relies on advanced fighter jets to attack Iran, while Iran fires missiles back in retaliation. This kind of long-range warfare is unusual and showcases a new way countries are fighting wars.
Missile defense systems, like Israel's Arrow, are becoming critical in this conflict. They can intercept missiles in space, marking a significant leap in military technology and strategy.

Lessons of the Ukraine War

David Friedman’s Substack • 467 implied HN points • 29 Nov 25

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Ukraine proved to be much stronger than expected, surprising many who thought Russia would easily win.
Russia also showed unexpected resilience, maintaining its economy and military strength despite ongoing sanctions and war costs.
Drones became key weapons in the conflict, showing that advanced technology from NATO countries wasn't as decisive as thought.

What is "Anti-European" and what are the Costs of our Manichean Mindset?

Glenn’s Substack • 419 implied HN points • 21 Jun 24

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Open discussion about complex issues, like the war in Ukraine, is important. Without it, we can't find real solutions.
Different countries have various views on what 'Europe' means, affecting how they see issues like democracy and values.
The media often simplifies conflicts into good vs. evil, which can stop meaningful debate and compromise from happening.

This Was All So Very Avoidable

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1993 implied HN points • 15 Jun 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military conflict

Peace in the Middle East was possible if the involved parties had taken the right diplomatic steps. It’s frustrating to see how close they were to an agreement that could have changed everything.
The US's involvement in Israel's conflicts has escalated tensions and violence in the region. A stronger antiwar stance should focus on pulling the US out of these wars rather than just staying away.
Right now, there are serious concerns about potential false flag attacks designed to manipulate public opinion and spark further conflict. It’s important to be aware of these troubling possibilities.

Anyone Who Wants The Ukraine War To Continue Is A Monster

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 2333 implied HN points • 20 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military conflict

The Ukraine war needs to end because many Ukrainians want peace. Wishing for the war to continue is seen as cruel and inhumane.
The leaders responsible for escalating this conflict should be held accountable for their actions. Their decisions have led to immense suffering and chaos.
There's a concern that those who caused this crisis will not face any consequences, which raises fears about future conflicts. We need to demand better leadership for a peaceful world.

Predictions and Prophecies for 2025

Contemplations on the Tree of Woe • 2601 implied HN points • 27 Dec 24

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military conflict

The petrodollar system is declining, which could change how countries trade oil. This could cause major shifts in global finance.
There’s a lot of conflict happening around the world, and some believe we might already be in World War III, though experts mostly disagree.
The upcoming presidency will be crucial for America. There are concerns about potential economic collapse and global conflict affecting the country.

The Rules of War

Discourse Blog • 1611 implied HN points • 14 Oct 23

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Human beings have the capacity for both horrific violence and compassion, and should strive to prevent harm to others in times of conflict.
The Geneva Conventions established rules of war to protect civilians, but these rules have been widely disregarded and broken.
In the face of extreme violence and atrocities in war, it is crucial for individuals to recognize and condemn evil acts, even when committed by powerful entities.

The IDF Didn't Just Target Hospitals, They Destroyed Individual Medical Machines

Caitlin’s Newsletter • 1881 implied HN points • 13 Feb 25

🇺🇸 U.S. Politics Military conflict

Lifesaving medical equipment in Gaza has been intentionally destroyed to prevent medical care. This act raises serious questions about the motivations behind such destruction.
People often ignore the harsh realities of conflicts, focusing instead on domestic political issues. This avoidance can lead to a detachment from the suffering experienced in war zones.
Real opposition to power does not revolve around individual politicians like Trump, but rather against the systems of capitalism, imperialism, and exploitation that enable these issues.

Did We Learn Nothing From Jeff Goldblum’s Speech in Jurassic Park?

I Might Be Wrong • 7 implied HN points • 05 Mar 26

🌍 World Politics Military conflict

Toppling Iran could be worth it only if it’s replaced by a genuinely better government; a limited outcome like a weapons deal wouldn’t justify the destruction and death.
The outcome of war is highly unpredictable — removing leaders might bring hopeful change, chaotic collapse, or an even worse, competent authoritarian replacement.
Any postwar government linked to the U.S. or Israel will face a huge legitimacy problem and likely be rejected at home, and history shows foreign‑backed regime changes often fail.