The DSR Network The Daily Blast: Trump’s Iran Blunders Suddenly Look Darker as Damning New Leaks Hit
Mar 12, 2026
Elizabeth Saunders, Columbia political scientist who studies foreign policy and security, breaks down the Iran conflict. She explains the Strait of Hormuz’s chokehold on energy, why US naval tactics are risky, the dangers of a leadership insulated from expert advice, the absence of a clear exit strategy, and the fallout from strikes that hit civilians.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Strait Of Hormuz Holds 20 Percent Of World Oil
- The Strait of Hormuz controls about 20% of global oil flow and is a chokepoint vulnerable to shore-based attacks and mines.
- Elizabeth Saunders explains its narrow, shallow geography and Iran's ability to mine or strike tankers, creating a durable global energy shock, not a temporary Suez-style blockage.
War Driven Oil Spike Is Hard To Reverse
- Since the war began oil prices rose roughly 20% and volatility increased, foreshadowing higher pump prices for consumers.
- Saunders notes tankers stuck inside the Gulf and full storage tanks mean suppliers can't quickly ramp production to offset the shock.
Trump's Call To Use The Strait Misreads The Risk
- President Trump's urging for oil companies to 'use the Strait of Hormuz' misreads maritime and military realities and downplays ongoing risks like mines.
- Saunders counters Trump's claim that the U.S. 'destroyed all their mine ships' as factually false and warns captains won't ignore visible tanker fires.