2WAY Tonight with Mark Halperin Iran War Latest: US Navy To Escort Tankers Through Strait of Hormuz "As Soon as Militarily Possible"
Mar 12, 2026
Garret Graves, former Republican congressman focused on national security and infrastructure, and Michael LaRosa, former Biden White House communications advisor. They debate reopening the Strait of Hormuz, the risks of escorting tankers, potential allied contributions, and the military and economic stakes of confronting Iran. Short, sharp takes on strategy, danger zones, and diplomatic friction.
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Strait of Hormuz Is The Conflict's Central Variable
- The Strait of Hormuz now towers over all other variables in the conflict because reopening it is existential for global energy flows.
- Mark Halperin and guests stress that whether the U.S. can secure safe passage will shape economic and strategic outcomes worldwide.
Allies Suffer More Immediate Energy Anxiety Than The U.S.
- Global markets show short, sharp volatility from Gulf disruptions, but Asian allies feel acute supply anxiety and frustration with U.S. policy.
- Michael LaRosa emphasizes allies' nervousness over energy disruption and perceived U.S. policy extraction of another regional leader.
Timing Disputes Raise Risk Of Severe Oil Shock
- Political and intelligence sources disagree on timing; military chiefs say a month, others say longer, raising the risk of steep oil price spikes.
- The panel warns that delays could push crude toward catastrophic price levels affecting global stability.