Squawk Pod Strikes in Iran and Lloyd Blankfein Looks Back 3/2/26
Mar 2, 2026
Lloyd Blankfein, former Goldman Sachs CEO known for risk management, reflects on his Wall Street rise and market posture. Alex Harstrick, veteran and VC focused on defense tech, discusses AI’s role in modern warfare and the Silicon Valley–Pentagon culture clash. They cover AI-enabled weapons, geopolitical risk after strikes in Iran, energy and shipping disruptions, and governance questions around military AI.
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Gulf Capitals Reeling From Strikes
- Gulf capitals are on edge after intense US, Israeli and Iranian strikes elevated regional risk and disrupted daily life in cities like Dubai and Abu Dhabi.
- Dan Murphy reported loud blasts, airports and ports targeted, flights canceled, and residents sheltering as air defenses remained on high alert.
Struck Refinery Raises Supply Chain Alarm
- Ras Tanura refinery was hit by an Iranian drone causing a contained fire but no supply impact yet, raising fears of escalation.
- Analysts warned the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea are the systemic risks where shutdowns would sharply lift oil prices.
Hormuz Transit Is The Oil Market's Pressure Point
- A closure orinsurance stoppage in the 21-mile Strait of Hormuz would meaningfully raise oil prices because ~20% of world oil transits there.
- Brian Sullivan showed live marine traffic with virtually no tankers transiting the strait amid security and insurance concerns.