The Duran Podcast

Jim Webb, former U.S. Marine, ex-senator and national security writer, reflects on recent Iran conflict planning and strategy. He discusses the predictable risk of the Straits of Hormuz and why quick military fixes are unrealistic. He argues diplomacy and adjusted basing are the practical off-ramps and explores how regional partners, mines, air defenses and Russia shape negotiation leverage.

Discussion of visible economic decline in UK towns and rising energy and food costs. Critique of political elites prioritizing geopolitical narratives over everyday economic struggles. Analysis of Danish election as a backlash against elite priorities. Examination of Europe’s deference to US policy and where political careers may head next.

Discussion centers on Russia's economic contraction, high interest rates, and looming recession risk. Listeners hear about political fallout for economic managers and shifting monetary policy. They cover how oil revenues shape fiscal choices and debates over sanctions versus domestic causes. The conversation also tackles Telegram's troubled replacement, Kremlin messaging on Ukraine, and Russia's evolving stance toward Iran and negotiations.

Stanislav Krapivnik, former supply-chain and procurement director in oil & gas with refinery and LNG project experience. He warns Britain may face collapse, details long lead times and repair limits for large refinery equipment. He links production shortfalls to fertilizer and food risks, outlines realistic policy responses, and warns of social unrest and geopolitical constraints.

A fast-paced look at the push for rapid regime change in Iran and why time is running out for a US political win. They weigh competing approaches: hard strikes versus negotiated pauses and who should lead talks. Discussion covers risks of boots on the ground, Russian arms affecting regional balance, and wide economic fallout across oil, supply chains, and global finance.

A fast-paced tour of recent French, German and Italian voting shocks. Discussion of the shrinking center and surges for the political extremes. Local incumbency effects and surprising regional swings in Germany. Italy's referendum setback and tensions within right-leaning coalitions. Possible coalition collapse and what shifting narratives mean for Europe's political map.

A fast-paced rundown of conflicting claims about supposed Iran peace talks and whether they were real or political theater. Tense debate over US troop movements and reported deployments that may contradict diplomatic messaging. Examination of backchannels, intermediaries, and secret meetings that shape communication with Iran. Discussion of market reactions and the role of strikes on energy infrastructure.

Jim Jatras, longtime U.S. political commentator and former government official, offers sharp geopolitical analysis. He probes recent strikes, ultimatums, and whether Washington seeks regime change. Discussion covers escalation risks, nuclear options, Russian and Chinese responses, asymmetric Iranian tactics, regional balance, economic fallout, and the prospects for de‑escalation versus wider catastrophe.

João Quaresma, an independent geopolitical commentator and frontline reporter, shares firsthand reporting from Russia–Ukraine battle lines. He discusses drone schools in the Caucasus, underground drone labs at Liman, FPV and factory-built drones, frontline workshops that rapidly adapt designs, drone threats to supply routes, and evolving countermeasures and tactics.

Ray Zuccaro, a market analyst focused on energy and macro trends and founder of RVX, explains how the Middle East conflict creates widespread energy and supply breakdowns. He describes massive oil losses, LNG and fertilizer risks, aviation fuel shortages, and why Asia is hit before Europe. He also covers strategic reserves, Russia's shifting role, and potential global financial fallout.