Thousands of US Marines and sailors are heading towards Iran - does this mean boots on the ground? 

Venetia Rainey is joined by Reuters global defence commentator Peter Apps to discuss the war three weeks in, how to open the Strait of Hormuz and whether as part of it, Trump will order troops to take Kharg Island. 

They also discuss whether this counts as a world war and why this conflict is likely deterring China from taking Taiwan by force for at least another few years. 

Plus, how is Iran still able to inflict so much damage on its neighbours? University of Oslo missiles expert Fabian Hoffman explains why Iran’s launchers may run out before its missiles do and how much longer interceptor stocks in the Gulf and Israel could last. 

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host @venetiarainey

Peter Apps, Reuters defence columnist @pete_apps

Fabian Hoffman, University of Oslo @FRHoffmann1

Producer: Peter Shevlin

Executive Producer: Louisa Wells

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