The Peter Zeihan Podcast Series The U.S. Helps India and Russia Helps Iran || Peter Zeihan
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Mar 16, 2026 A breakdown of two separate international developments that many are mistakenly linking together. Discussion of U.S. waivers that let India import Russian oil and why that move made sense. A look at Russia’s long history of backing anti-U.S. groups and its implications for U.S. policy. Political pressure and market signals nudging possible shifts in strategy.
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Why The US Gave India Temporary Waivers
- The US issued temporary waivers allowing India to import Russian crude to avoid an Indian energy shock.
- Peter Zeihan explains this preserves Indian energy supply after Persian Gulf flows fell to near zero and curbs a potential 25 million bpd shortfall impact.
Russia's Longstanding Role Supporting Anti US Actors
- Russia is still a major source for groups targeting the US, including providing targeting information to Iran's IRGC.
- Zeihan notes this continues a long Russian practice of supporting actors that keep US forces occupied while Moscow exploits regional freedom of action.
Don't Use Energy Blackmail To Isolate Allies
- Avoid forcing India into energy-induced economic hardship as leverage to cut Russian ties.
- Zeihan argues waivers were practical: cutting Russia while cutting Persian Gulf supplies would create a severe global oil deficit focused on India.