SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-24-2026. 1890 TEHRAN

SHOW SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW 3-24-2026.
1890 TEHRAN

1. The Economic Impact of the Strait of Hormuz Closure Guest: Elizabeth Peak Elizabeth Peak discusses the Strait of Hormuz closure, which has trapped 3,400 ships and disrupted global energy and food supplies. Federal Reserve Chairman Jerome Powell remains skeptical of 1970s-style stagflation despite rising oil prices. Peak argues that international naval action or a total blockade could resolve the Iranian-led maritime crisis. (1)

2. Airport Chaos and the DHS Funding Crisis Guest: Elizabeth Peak Elizabeth Peak addresses the DHS funding dispute causing massive airport security delays. Democrats are reportedly withholding funding for TSA and FEMA to resist the Trump administration’s ICE agenda. This political "show" has led to four-hour wait times at JFK, frustrating travelers and harming government employees. (2)

3. Trump’s "Armageddon Taco Shuffle" and European Energy Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey analyzes President Trump’s "Armageddon taco shuffle" regarding Iranian negotiations. Berlin and Brussels face soaring energy bills and diesel prices as Middle Eastern tensions threaten LNG and fertilizer supplies. Concerns also mount over Iran's long-range missile capabilities, which now potentially range as far as major European capitals. (3)

4. German Populism and the Hungarian Election Guest: Judy Dempsey Judy Dempsey examines the AfD’s success in Germany's Palatinate election, signaling a shift away from the ruling SPD. Populist gains are driven by migration concerns and economic frustrations. Additionally, Hungary’s upcoming election pits Viktor Orbán against Peter Magyar, with Russia reportedly attempting to intervene to protect its regional interests. (4)

5. China’s Slowing GDP and Economic Transformation Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg discusses China’s record-low GDP growth target of 4.5 to 5%. The CCP struggles to transition from a real estate-dependent model toward domestic consumption. Slowing credit growth and an oversaturated EV market further complicate Beijing’s efforts to maintain economic stability without relinquishing political control. (5)

6. Keir Starmer’s Leadership During Global Tension Guest: Joseph Sternberg Joseph Sternberg critiques Keir Starmer’s "reactive" leadership during global tensions. Iranian missiles now threaten British bases in Cyprus and potentially range to London. Starmer’s perceived indecisiveness and focus on internal Labour Party politics leave Britain poorly prepared for the economic shocks of rising petrol and energy costs. (6)

7. The U.S. Strategy for the Strait of Hormuz Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer evaluates Trump’s strategy of "maximum flexibility" toward Iran. While 3,400 ships remain trapped in the Gulf, the U.S. prepares Marines for deployment to liberate the Strait. Schanzer notes that while Iran uses cheap drone swarms, Ukrainian experts are advising regional allies on how to counter them. (7)

8. Israel’s Security Zone in Southern Lebanon Guest: Jonathan Schanzer Jonathan Schanzer details Israel’s creation of a security zone in southern Lebanon to remove Hezbollah threats. The IDF is striking bridges over the Litani River to cut off supply lines. Schanzer notes that the IRGC remains entrenched in Lebanon, prompting debates about a generational opportunity for normalization. (8)

9. Asymmetric Warfare and the Midterm Election Dilemma Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses Iran’s asymmetric warfare and the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. He suggests President Trump faces a choice between strategic victory in Iran and domestic political stability ahead of midterms. Copley notes Iran's missile reserves are declining but they continue receiving resupplies from China via overland routes. (9)

10. Planning for Regime Change in Tehran Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley criticizes Washington’s lack of a long-term strategic plan for Iran. The Trump administration now weighs regime change versus tactical military operations like seizing Kharg Island. Copley suggests a provisional government under Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi could be established in occupied litorals to encourage Iranian military defections. (10)

11. European Energy Realism and the Ukraine Conflict Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley analyzes the shift in European politics toward pragmatism regarding Russian energy. High energy costs are forcing a rejection of "farcical" climate change ideologies in favor of nuclear and fossil fuels. Additionally, support for Ukraine is waning as nations prioritize economic survival and access to Central Asian markets. (11)

12. King Charles III’s Diplomatic Mission to Washington Guest: Gregory Copley Gregory Copley discusses King Charles III’s upcoming April visit to the U.S. to address a joint session of Congress. The visit aims to harmonize U.S.-UK relations amid tensions between Trump and the Starmer government. Meanwhile, Prime Minister Starmer faces internal leadership challenges within a troubled and incoherent Labour Party. (12)

13. The Success of NASA’s DART Mission Guest: Rahil Makadia Rahil Makadia explains the success of NASA’s DART mission, which impacted the asteroid Dimorphos to test planetary defense. This kinetic impact altered the asteroid's orbit by 30 minutes. Makadia notes that most asteroids are "rubble piles," and the impact's effectiveness is boosted by material kicked off the surface. (13)

14. Future Technologies in Planetary Defense Guest: Rahil Makadia Rahil Makadia discusses future planetary defense, including ESA’s Hera mission and NASA’s NEO Surveyor. While kinetic impactors are proven, other methods like "gravity tractors" require decades of lead time. Makadia emphasizes the need for continuous tracking of near-Earth objects to prevent surprise impacts over the next century. (14)

15. The Billionaire Wealth Tax and Medi-Cal Expansion Guest: Veronique de Rugy Veronique de Rugy critiques a proposed billionaire wealth tax in California designed to fund Medi-Cal. She argues the tax is based on flawed inequality metrics and will likely fail to raise projected revenues as billionaires flee the state. Medi-Cal expansion to undocumented residents has already doubled expected costs. (15)

16. Colombia’s Presidential Election and Security Crisis Guest: Mary Anastasia O'Grady Mary Anastasia O'Grady reports on Colombia’s upcoming election to replace the hard-left Gustavo Petro. Candidate Paloma Valencia, backed by Alvaro Uribe, faces a divided right-wing vote against Abelardo de la Espriella. The campaign centers on law and order as illegal armed groups threaten 70% of the country's municipalities. (16)