The John Batchelor Show

SCHEDULE JBS, 5-4-26
PARTHIA, PERSIA, IRAN
1/16: Bill Roggio discusses Project Freedom, a mission to escort ships through the Strait of Hormuz. The IRGCclaimed to hit a US warship, but the Navy reported no ships were struck.
2/16: Bill Roggio explains that al-Qaeda is expanding across Mali and Somalia, exploiting weak governments to build a caliphate. Both al-Qaeda and ISIS are partitioning territories and increasingly threatening regional capitals.
3/16: Rick Fisher and Gordon Chang discuss the Artemis mission and China's competitive drive to establish a permanent moon base. Both nations are also developing combat satellites and weapon systems for use in lunar orbit.
4/16: Alan Tonelson and Gordon Chang examine how the Iran war drives inflation and damages Asian manufacturing. China continues to flood markets with subsidized exports while using lawfare and harassment against smaller nations like Panama.
5/16: Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter report on escalating violence in the Gulf, including the sinking of IRGC boats. They also discuss Mahmoud Abbas's attempt to install his son, Yasser Abbas, as his political successor.
6/16: Malcolm Hoenlein and Thaddeus McCotter warn that Iran is running out of oil storage, potentially forcing a production halt. Hoenlein characterizes the recent Gaza flotilla as a failed PR stunt carrying no aid.
7/16: David Daoud argues the ceasefire restricts Israel while allowing Hezbollah to rearm. Hezbollah is exploiting cheap FPV drones to harass Israeli forces, utilizing a low-tech method that lacks an effective counter.
8/16: David Daoud explains the IDF was caught off guard by Hezbollah's innovative use of fiber-optic and FPV drones. Despite these threats, the Israeli public largely favors continuing military operations to secure borders.
9/16: Bridget Toomey and Bill Roggio discuss Ali Al-Zadei, a businessman elevated to Iraqi Prime Minister with Iranian support. While endorsed by Trump, his background in illicit finance raises concerns about ongoing militia influence.
10/16: Gordon Chang analyzes how China supports Iran while negotiating trade with the US. This conflict creates economic instability, including rising inflation and slower growth across major Asian trading economies.
11/16: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa report that Delcy Rodríguez is avoiding elections in Venezuela. Araújo discusses Lula's weakening power in Brazil and judicial shifts that could lead to Jair Bolsonaro's release.
12/16: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa highlight Cuba's collapse as Russian and Venezuelan oil supplies vanish. Araújo details Panama's resistance to Chinese influence over its canal ports and subsequent retaliatory trade pressure from Beijing.
13/16: Ahmad Sharawi details Iranian strikes on UAE oil facilities aimed at disrupting Project Freedom. Meanwhile, Bashar al-Assad seeks Gulf investment while reportedly coordinating quietly with Israel against Hezbollah.
14/16: Joe Truzman reports on London stabbing attacks claimed by Ashab al-Yamin, an Iranian front organization recruiting criminals. The UK has raised its terrorism threat level to severe due to these developments.
15/16: Miad Maliki and Bill Roggio describe political chaos in Tehran and the regime's inability to make decisions under extreme pressure. Experts warn of a global energy tipping point involving severe fuel shortages within thirty days.
16/16: John Hardie and Bill Roggio report on Vladimir Putin's isolation in bunkers due to intensified assassination fears. Simultaneously, President Zelenskyy is establishing international drone production partnerships with Finland and other NATO allies.

STREAM MAKING OF JBS, FEATURING BILL ROGGIO AND GORDON CHANG, 5-4-26
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The provided text is a transcript from the John Batchelor Show, detailing a complex geopolitical crisis involving the United States, Iran, and China. Central to the discussion is a reported confrontation in the Strait of Hormuz, where Iranian media claimed to have struck a U.S. Navy frigate with missiles. While U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM)denies any ships were hit, the incident coincides with Project Freedom, a Trump administration initiative to escort stranded vessels through the blockade. Beyond the naval standoff, the sources address a severe terror threat in Londonlinked to Iranian proxies and the rising dominance of drone warfare. The dialogue further explores Al-Qaeda’s expanding influence in Africa and the political instability currently facing Mali and Somalia. Finally, experts examine the economic consequences of these conflicts, noting significant growth downgrades for Asian economies and the strategic maneuvering of China as it balances its support for Iran with vital trade interests.

16/16: John Hardie and Bill Roggio report on Vladimir Putin's isolation in bunkers due to intensified assassination fears. Simultaneously, President Zelenskyy is establishing international drone production partnerships with Finland and other NATO allies.
1962

15/16: Miad Maliki and Bill Roggio describe political chaos in Tehran and the regime's inability to make decisions under extreme pressure. Experts warn of a global energy tipping point involving severe fuel shortages within thirty days.
1767 YEMEN

15/16: Miad Maliki and Bill Roggio describe political chaos in Tehran and the regime's inability to make decisions under extreme pressure. Experts warn of a global energy tipping point involving severe fuel shortages within thirty days.
PERSIA