Iran’s New Defense Chief Threatens U.S. Troops, Tankers Burn in Hormuz | Mike Drop Newsroom

Iran's new defense minister, a veteran of its missile program, says the U.S. will take casualties if strikes resume, as new details emerge about the Kuwait attack that killed six American troops.

MIKE DROP NEWSROOM | 18 OCTOBER 2026

Iran's parliament confirmed Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, a U.S.-sanctioned veteran of its missile program, as defense minister, and his first message was a threat aimed at American troops in the region. Mike Ritland breaks down why that threat deserves attention, and what the Kuwait strike that killed six U.S. troops says about the countermeasures still protecting our bases. His take: it's not a reason to back off, but leadership can't leave gaps in force protection again.

Also covered: two more tankers burning in the Strait of Hormuz as the U.S. and Iran disagree on what hit them, $10 gas and $110 oil, and President Trump's order exempting Russia from new sanctions as Washington looks for relief at the pump.

Are U.S. bases in the region better protected now than they were in March? Tell us in the comments.

Subscribe for daily breakdowns of the stories that matter to America's military.

Want ad-free Newsroom updates? Join our YouTube membership: https://www.youtube.com/@mikeritland/join

00:00 Iran's new defense chief threatens U.S. troops

01:25 The Kuwait strike: a husband's question for JD Vance

02:50 How seriously to take Iran's threats

03:45 Force protection can't have gaps

04:30 Two more tankers burning in Hormuz

05:20 $110 oil and $10 gas

07:25 Trump exempts Russia from new sanctions

10:25 "It's the economy, stupid"

11:40 Your take