Power & Politics Trump calls NATO allies 'cowards' over Middle East
9 snips
Mar 20, 2026 
Jean Charest, former Quebec premier and Canada–U.S. relations adviser, and Aaron O'Toole, former Conservative leader and defence commentator, join Katie Simpson, CBC foreign correspondent in the Gulf. They discuss strikes and leadership uncertainty in Iran, risks to the Strait of Hormuz and global energy, NATO tensions after Trump’s 'cowards' post, and Canada’s possible naval and trade responses.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
Iran Threats And Leadership Mystery
- Katie Simpson relayed that a senior Iranian military spokesman threatened global civilian attacks and another senior official cited about missile stockpiles was killed hours later.
- She highlighted the new supreme leader hasn't been seen on camera, intensifying speculation.
Escalation Creates Global Spillover Risk
- Iran and Israel exchanged strikes while Iran issued threats to target civilians worldwide, raising spillover risks.
- Katie Simpson noted Iran continues missile stockpiling and even aired a written statement from an unseen new supreme leader, fueling uncertainty.
Trump Publicly Shames NATO Over Hormuz
- Donald Trump publicly called NATO allies "cowards" for not joining efforts to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
- Katie Simpson reported 20% of global energy flows through the strait, which is why Trump pressured allies to act quickly.