SCHEDULE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 6-29-2026.
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Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio discuss the fragile US-Iran ceasefire and a flawed memorandum concerning the Strait of Hormuz. Roggio argues the agreement effectively grants Iran control, while Haqqani notes GCC countries feel excluded and wary of de-escalation on Iranian terms. The US lacks a plan to force Iranian understanding of consequences. 1
Hussain Haqqani and Bill Roggio examine regional dynamics, noting the Iranian system remains unchanged despite the Supreme Leader's death. Haqqani describes the US-Iran memorandum as a "damp squib" that ignores fundamental security issues. Roggio suggests Saudi Arabia feels "stuck" with the US but may reconsider its primary regional backing. 2
Ernesto Araújo addresses the Venezuelan earthquake and the Maduro regime's inability to manage the crisis, calling leadership a "gangster gathering." He sees international aid as a chance for accountability and renewal. He also questions why the US hesitates to allow democratic leader María Machado to return home. 3
Ernesto Araújo discusses recent democratic victories in Colombia and Peru, characterizing them as a rejection of organized crime and socialism. He criticizes media bias for framing these shifts as a "right-wing drift" while ignoring the deep-seated corruption of regional leaders like Lula da Silva. 4
Jonathan Schanzer and Bill Roggio analyze Iran's perceived "escalation dominance" in the Strait of Hormuz after the US lifted its naval blockade. Schanzer argues Iran uses the waterway as leverage to derail nuclear talks. Roggio critiques the US admission that there is no military solution to the waterway. 5
Jonathan Schanzer and Bill Roggio investigate reports of damaged historic sites in Iran, suggesting they are Iranian information operations. Schanzer explains that many sites were actually torched by protesters rejecting Islamism. He also notes the morality police are doubling down on control following recent ceasefire stunts. 6
David Daoud explores the Israel-Lebanon security deal and the IDF's destruction of a major Hezbollah arsenal. Daoud explains the concept of "pilot zones" where the Lebanese Armed Forces must perform demonstrably before territorial expansion. He notes Hezbollah wants a pragmatic end to pain but rejects normalization. 7
David Daoud and Bill Roggio analyze "pilot zones" as a mechanism to hold Lebanon's feet to the fire regarding Hezbollah's disarmament. Daoud warns that if the US prioritizes quiet with Iran, these zones could become pressure tactics against Israel rather than mechanisms for actual Lebanese performance. 8
Richard Epstein critiques the Supreme Court's 6-3 decision allowing the President to fire independent commission heads. Epstein argues this undermines the separation of powers between prosecution and adjudication. He warns that "presidential accountability" is an illusion in such a unitary power structure. 9
John Hardie and Bill Roggio report on Russian fuel shortages caused by Ukrainian long-range drone strikes on refineries. Hardie notes this crisis breaks Putin's "social contract" of stability for passivity. Despite economic trouble, Putin maintains maximalist war demands due to inflated military reports from his general staff. 10
Edmund Fitton-Brown critiques the UN's "toxic obsession" with Israel and its lack of evidence regarding genocide claims. Fitton-Brown highlights how China and Russia manipulate the UN system to avoid scrutiny. He notes Israel is uniquely targeted by permanent commissions while worse regimes go free. 11
Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio discuss the instability of the Iran MOU and the upcoming Doha talks. He contrasts this with a balanced Israel-Lebanon framework that aims to marginalize Hezbollah. However, the MOU's vague language allows Iran to claim legitimate control over the Strait of Hormuz. 12
Henry Sokolski examines the stalemate over Iran's nuclear program following a previous B2 raid. Sokolski notes Iranrefuses IAEA inspections at damaged uranium enrichment sites. He warns of massive plutonium risks at the Bushehrplant and calls for public hearings on regional nuclear restraint. 13
Ahmad Sharawi documents Hamas's presence in Turkey, where senior operatives enjoy sanctuary to plot attacks in the West Bank. Sharawi notes Turkey provides a permissive environment to weaken Israel's regional freedom. Hamas maintains leadership and financing networks despite being whittled down in Gaza. 14
David Maxwell and Gordon Chang analyze North Korea's "salami slicing" strategy in the DMZ designed to normalize its activities. Maxwell warns Kim Jong-un seeks to divide the US-South Korea alliance. He urges a superior political warfare strategy to expose and strangulate North Korea's malign activities. 15
Gordon Chang challenges China's manufacturing numbers as "science fiction" and the promotion of robotics to hide massive youth unemployment. Chang explains that Xi Jinping prioritizes manufacturing over consumption to keep the population dependent. He also warns of rising state-promoted xenophobia against foreigners. 16
USA