The Rest Is Politics: US 177. The Real Reason Trump’s Blocking The Strait of Hormuz
351 snips
Apr 13, 2026 
Richard Haass, veteran American diplomat and former Council on Foreign Relations president, joins a sharp conversation on why blocking the Strait of Hormuz could pressure Iran. They dig into how interdiction might work, why China is the pivotal player, whether Trump’s attacks on the Pope could hurt him with Catholic voters, and how the conflict is reshaping America’s global standing.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Why Economic Sweeteners Miss Iran's Motivation
- Haass says US negotiators misread Iran by assuming material incentives can overpower humiliation, dignity, and historical grievance.
- He contrasts the Kushner Witkoff promise of economic upside with his experience that Middle Eastern actors primarily seek pride and respect.
Why The War Could Increase Iran's Nuclear Drive
- The war may strengthen Iran's desire for a bomb because leaders can now argue nuclear weapons deter invasion, as in North Korea.
- Richard Haass says the answer is not trust but strict limits and intrusive inspections, essentially a tougher version of the JCPOA.
Why US And Israeli Priorities Are Diverging
- Haass sees a growing US-Israel strategic split even after close wartime coordination.
- He says Washington prioritizes reopening the strait and preventing a bomb, while Benjamin Netanyahu prioritizes missiles, proxies, and potentially perpetual war.
