The Duran Podcast Iran war: Special Ops vs. Special Forces w/ Larry Johnson (Live)
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Apr 3, 2026 
Larry Johnson, former U.S. analyst and national security commentator (Sonar21, Substack). He examines why a US ground invasion of Iran would fail. He contrasts Special Forces types and likely deployments. He explains why naval and air tactics cannot reopen the Strait of Hormuz. He traces roots of US‑Iran antagonism and explores regional economic and geopolitical fallout.
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1980s SEAL Ops Show How Maritime Threats Evolved
- In the 1980s Iran–Iraq maritime clashes the US used Navy SEALs on a floating barge to protect shipping.
- Johnson recalls SEALs capturing ships amid mine-laying then versus today's vulnerability to drone and missile attacks.
Historical Grievances Drive US Misreading Of Iran
- US policy toward Iran is driven by long-standing hostility and narrative myths, not objective threat levels.
- Johnson traces history from 1953 coup, 1980s Iran–Iraq war, to recent mischaracterizations like blaming Iran for USS Cole.
Analyze Supply Chains To Forecast Diplomatic Breakpoints
- Use economic pressure analysis to predict conflict outcomes and force diplomatic moves.
- Johnson recommends studying supply chains (fertilizer, helium) and derivatives exposure to foresee when costs compel policy shifts.