Raging Moderates with Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov Trump Spirals as Iran Blockade Triggers Recession Fears (ft. Sen. Chris Murphy)
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Apr 14, 2026 
Chris Murphy, Connecticut senator and outspoken voice on foreign policy, joins a sharp conversation on Trump’s Iran blockade, recession jitters, and the fight over war powers. They dig into Strait of Hormuz tensions, why Congress looks sidelined, how China and Russia could benefit, regional pressure to de-escalate, and the risk of a costly quagmire.
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Murphy Says Incompetence Is Driving Iran Policy
- Chris Murphy argues Trump’s Iran policy is driven less by strategy than by basic incompetence from people with little Middle East or negotiating experience.
- He calls the Strait plan absurd because the U.S. is trying to reopen it by further closing it, while Iran believes it can outlast U.S. economic pain.
Murphy Urges A Unilateral End To The War
- Chris Murphy’s explicit recommendation is to unilaterally end the war because he sees no military path to force Iran to surrender control of the Strait.
- He argues continued bombing would spend roughly $200 billion, kill more civilians, and still likely leave Iran tolling the waterway.
China And Russia Gain In Different Ways
- Chris Murphy says Russia benefits immediately from higher oil prices, while China may gain longer term by securing privileged transit through the Strait.
- He warns Iran could let Chinese ships pass in exchange for help rebuilding missiles, drones, and damaged infrastructure after U.S. bombing stops.