The Duran Podcast

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.

Discussion of US oil embargo tactics aimed at forcing political change in Cuba. Analysis of Russian tanker deliveries and why they may only provide short-term relief. Debate over whether the United States might intercept or restrict foreign shipments. Exploration of how Russian aid could translate into economic or political leverage for Cuba. Connections drawn between Cuba’s choices and wider regional geopolitics.

Tense analysis of massive strikes on major Gulf gas fields and their implications for regional energy supplies. Discussion of alleged covert attacks and targeted killings tied to escalating tensions. Examination of widening US military involvement, troop movements, and big wartime funding requests. Consideration of how prolonged conflict could destabilize Gulf regimes and global markets.

Discussion of Ukraine's increased drone strikes on Moscow and the political aims behind them. Analysis of recent Russian ground gains around Liman and Konstantinovka. Debate over Russian defensive responses and the domestic political fallout from cross-border attacks. Exploration of how escalation choices could shape Russia's leadership and ties with allies.

Discussion of Baden-Württemberg's political shifts and why a wealthy region turned away from long-ruling conservatives. The surprising rise of the AfD and the Greens' appeal among affluent suburban voters. Analysis of the SPD's collapse as working-class support drifts right. Conversation about economic pressures, energy sanctions, and the potential decline of establishment parties.

A deep look at allegations connecting Mandelson to Epstein and claims he accessed classified material. Documents suggesting Starmer was warned about Mandelson before appointing him are discussed. The bypassed vetting, motives for an ambassadorial post, and potential political fallout for Labour are explored in short, punchy segments.

Stanislav Krapivnik, a commentator on Russian and regional military affairs, gives frontline-informed analysis. He covers tactical fights around Konstantinovka and Krasnyi Lyman. He explains how melt-season mud and logistics slow offensives. He details Ukraine's equipment and missile shortages, growing drone and loitering-munition threats, and risks of a concentrated Russian spring offensive.

A heated look at US strategy and confused messaging around the Iran conflict. Analysis of why the fight is sliding into a war of attrition and how Iranian resilience is reshaping leverage. Discussion of military limits, deterrence challenges, and the pitfalls of tanker escorts and televised special‑ops rhetoric. Exploration of diplomatic off‑ramps, allied reluctance, and risks of escalation if talks are refused.

Brian Berletic, independent geopolitical analyst behind The New Atlas, offers sharp commentary on Iran, Ukraine, and great power maneuvering. He traces long-term US strategy toward Iran and links regional conflicts to efforts to counter China. Discussions cover think-tank planning, escalation risks, energy chokepoints, and how prolonged wars reshape states and global alignments.

Alexander McCurris, political commentator and analyst on geopolitics and energy. He links Iran’s strikes to wider Russia-Ukraine dynamics. He explains Hormuz closure and its shock to global oil and insurance markets. He examines diplomatic off-ramps, Gulf state choices, and how BRICS and energy realignments reshape strategic balances.