Here & Now Anytime Why U.S. allies are saying 'no' to Trump
Mar 16, 2026
Ifeoma Ajunwa, a law professor who studies AI and workplace surveillance, and Negar Mortazavi, an analyst of Iran and regional security, unpack high-stakes topics. They explore why allies resist reopening the Strait of Hormuz and the risks of U.S. military moves. They also probe AI headsets in fast food, from coaching claims to pervasive worker monitoring and automation threats.
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
How Iran Controls The Strait Of Hormuz
- Iran exerts practical control over the Strait by selectively denying passage to adversary-linked ships rather than a blanket closure.
- Negar Mortazavi explains Iran allows passage to some (like China) and uses asymmetric tools — drones, missiles, speedboats — to enforce selective access.
Karg Island Is A High Stakes Target
- Karg (Qeshm/Hark) Island is a small but strategically vital oil hub for Iran and hitting it escalates the war's economic stakes.
- Mortazavi warns seizing or stationing troops there would invite Iranian retaliation targeting regional oil facilities and U.S. personnel.
Troop Movements Could Expand Iranian Targeting
- Moving significant U.S. ground forces closer to Iran would broaden Iranian targeting options and likely increase direct attacks on U.S. personnel.
- Mortazavi cautions 2,500 Marines could change threat dynamics by placing forces within Iranian strike range.