PREVIEW FOR LATER (1)
HEADLINE: The Five Men Ruling the Iranian State (2)
GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer (3)
SUMMARY: Jonathan Schanzeridentifies five key figures ruling Iranwhile the Ayatollah is reportedly incapacitated. These leaders, including Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, manage various military, intelligence, and repressive operations against protestors and foreign targets. (4)

1917 SOUTH PERSIA RIFLES, BRITISH EMPIRE

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, MONDAY 4-6-2026,
1911 GRAIN MARKET PERSIA

The provided transcript features a conversation between John Batchelor, Bill Roggio, and Husain Haqqani regarding the escalating geopolitical conflict involving Iran and the United States. The speakers analyze the "fog of war" surrounding a downed airman's rescue and the subsequent disinformation pervasive in modern media cycles. They express significant concern over the Trump administration's inconsistent strategy, specifically noting the lack of clear military objectives and the failure to address the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The dialogue highlights how Iran’s control over global oil routes serves as a strategic countermeasure against American threats, which the participants view as increasingly ineffective and undiplomatic. Furthermore, they examine the internal stability of the Iranian regime, questioning whether domestic resistance or military defections are sufficient to trigger regime change without a massive external intervention. Ultimately, the source illustrates a tense military standoff where both sides are navigating economic pressures, shifting alliances, and the high human cost of a prolonged war. (1)

JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, MONDAY 4-6-2026.
1918 PARADE  OF THE SOUTH PERSIAN RIFLES.

1. U.S. Conflict with Iran and Shifting War Aims Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: Experts analyze rising oil prices and the IRGC's determination to hold power despite U.S. strikes. They critique the President’s undiplomatic threats and question if the American people are truly prepared for a long, expensive war.,, (1)

2. The High Cost of Ground Troops in Iran Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: The discussion focuses on the dangers of deploying "boots on the ground" in Iran. Bill Roggio warns of significant equipment losses and the lack of visible popular support from Iranian citizens for a U.S. operation.,, (2)

3. Israel’s Military Objectives in Southern Lebanon Guest: David Daoud and Bill Roggio Summary: David Daoud explains the IDF’s realistic military goals in Lebanon, focusing on a manageable activity zone to disarm Hezbollah. They discuss risks of overextension and the necessity of disproving Hezbollah’s narrative of successful resistance.,, (3)

4. Divergent U.S. and Israeli Strategies in the Middle East Guest: David Daoud and Bill Roggio Summary: Guests contrast U.S.-led war aims in Iran with Israel’s independent operations in Lebanon. They explore if Israel’s strikes on petrochemical facilities are coordinated with Washington or represent a tactical good cop/bad cop diplomatic strategy.,, (4)

5. Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Against Russian Energy Infrastructure Guest: John Hardie and Bill Roggio Summary: Ukraine is utilizing innovative long-range drones and AI targeting to strike Russian oil terminals and refineries. This campaign aims to cripple Moscow’s revenue windfall resulting from inflated global energy prices during the Middle East crisis.,, (5)

6. Iranian Threats to Gulf State Infrastructure Guest: Akmed Scharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Iran is threatening "crushing" attacks on Gulf desalination plants and oil fields. Experts analyze the vulnerability of regional air defenses and Iran’s strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure to pressure the United States and its allies.,, (6)

7. Presidential Elections and Political Shifting in Peru Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Keiko Fujimori leads Peru’s presidential polls amidst a crowded field of thirty candidates. The discussion highlights a regional shift toward right-wing leadership and the ongoing challenge of Chinese and Cuban influence in South American politics.,, (7)

8. The Collapse of Cuban Influence in South America Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Experts analyze the fragility of the Cuban regime and its diminishing impact on Venezuela and Brazil. They note improvements in Venezuela's economy as leadership distances itself from Havana’s influence and follows cues from Washington instead.,, (8)

9. Life in Tehran and the Hope for Regime Collapse Guest: Jonathan Sayeh and Bill Roggio Summary: Jonathan Sayeh reports on the declining legitimacy of the Iranian regime among the population. While desertions are increasing, the IRGC remains resilient, and many Iranians fear the regime surviving despite the destruction of national infrastructure.,, (9)

10. The Kidnapping of Shelley Kittleson in Baghdad Guest: Bridget Tumi and Bill Roggio Summary: Kata'ib Hezbollah has abducted an American journalist in Baghdad to use as leverage for prisoner exchanges. Guests discuss the militia's deep integration into the Iraqi government and the risk of hostages being moved to Iran.,, (10)

11. The Tuesday Deadline and the Survival of the Islamic Republic Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: President Trump has set a final Tuesday deadline for an Iranian ceasefire, which the IRGC is likely to ignore. Experts argue the regime views concessions as defeat, choosing to outlast U.S. patience and military efforts.,, (11)

12. Shifting War Aims and the Strategic Importance of Hormuz Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: U.S. war aims have expanded to include reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion highlights how Iranian aggression has united Gulf allies, Ukraine, and international partners against a new, Russo-Chinese backed "axis of disruption.",, (12)

13. Chinese and Russian Involvement in Downing U.S. Aircraft Guest: General Blaine Holt and Gordon Chang Summary: Following the downing of an F-15E, experts suspect China or Russia supplied Iran with passive infrared detection systems. This signals a major shift in Beijing’s involvement, necessitating new U.S. electronic warfare countermeasures and tactical adjustments.,, (13)

14. North Korea’s Role as the Arsenal of Tyranny Guest: Greg Scarlatoiu and Gordon Chang Summary: Kim Jong-un is expanding his nuclear and conventional arsenal to ensure regime survival. North Korea has become a key proliferator, supplying weapons to Russia and Iranian proxies while enjoying increased diplomatic status among anti-Western allies.,, (14)

15. The Legal Crisis of Aboriginal Title in British Columbia Guest: Mary Anastasia O’Grady Summary: A landmark court ruling in British Columbia has granted Aboriginal title priority over private property rights. This creates economic uncertainty and raises questions about whether land acknowledgments will lead to the forced transfer of property.,, (15)

16. Political Reconciliation and Legal Disorder in Canada Guest: Conrad Black Summary: Conrad Black critiques the recommendations of Justin Trudeau’s reconciliation policies. He warns that prioritizing original land titles over established property rights creates a state of legal disorder that threatens the legitimacy of Canadian national institutions.,, (16)

16. Political Reconciliation and Legal Disorder in Canada Guest: Conrad Black Summary: Conrad Black critiques the recommendations of Justin Trudeau’s reconciliation policies. He warns that prioritizing original land titles over established property rights creates a state of legal disorder that threatens the legitimacy of Canadian national institutions.,, (16)

1910 RUSSIAN  MILITARY IN PERSIA

15. The Legal Crisis of Aboriginal Title in British Columbia Guest: Mary Anastasia O’Grady Summary: A landmark court ruling in BritishColumbia has granted Aboriginal title priority over private property rights. This creates economic uncertainty and raises questions about whether land acknowledgments will lead to the forced transfer of property.,, (15)

1910 DERVISHES, MULLAHS

14. North Korea’s Role as the Arsenal of Tyranny Guest: Greg Scarlatoiu and Gordon Chang Summary: Kim Jong-un is expanding his nuclear and conventional arsenal to ensure regime survival. North Korea has become a key proliferator, supplying weapons to Russia and Iranian proxies while enjoying increased diplomatic statusamong anti-Western allies.,, (14)

1906 PERSIA

13. Chinese and Russian Involvement in Downing U.S. Aircraft Guest:General Blaine Holt and Gordon ChangSummary: Following the downing of an F-15E, experts suspect China or Russiasupplied Iran with passive infrared detection systems. This signals a major shift in Beijing’s involvement, necessitating new U.S. electronic warfare countermeasures and tactical adjustments.,, (13)

1906 PERSIA

12. Shifting War Aims and the Strategic Importance of HormuzGuest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: U.S. war aims have expanded to include reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion highlights how Iranian aggression has united Gulf allies, Ukraine, and international partners against a new, Russo-Chinese backed "axis of disruption.",, (12)

1896 OMAN

11. The Tuesday Deadline and the Survival of the Islamic RepublicGuest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: President Trump has set a final Tuesday deadline for an Iranian ceasefire, which the IRGC is likely to ignore. Experts argue the regime views concessions as defeat, choosing to outlast U.S. patience and military efforts.,, (11)

1891 ACROSS PERSIA

10. The Kidnapping of Shelley Kittleson in Baghdad Guest: Bridget Tumi and Bill Roggio Summary:Kata'ib Hezbollah has abducted an American journalist in Baghdad to use as leverage for prisoner exchanges. Guests discuss the militia's deep integrationinto the Iraqi government and the risk of hostages being moved to Iran.,, (10)

1873 SHAH AND PRINCE OF WALES (LATER KING GEORGE)

9. Life in Tehran and the Hope for Regime Collapse Guest: Jonathan Sayeh and Bill Roggio Summary:Jonathan Sayeh reports on the declining legitimacy of the Iranian regime among the population. While desertions are increasing, the IRGC remains resilient, and many Iranians fear the regime surviving despite the destruction of national infrastructure.,, (9)

1870 PERSIAN DERVISHES

8. The Collapse of Cuban Influence in South America Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Experts analyze the fragility of the Cuban regime and its diminishing impact on Venezuela and Brazil. They note improvements in Venezuela's economy as leadership distances itself from Havana’s influence and follows cues from Washingtoninstead.,, (8)

1862 URMIA CHRISTIAN SEMINARY FOR WOMEN

7. Presidential Elections and Political Shifting in Peru Guest:Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Keiko Fujimori leads Peru’s presidential polls amidst a crowded field of thirty candidates. The discussion highlights a regional shift toward right-wing leadership and the ongoing challenge of Chinese and Cuban influence in South Americanpolitics.,, (7)

1817 RUSSIA EMPIRE AND PERSIA

6. Iranian Threats to Gulf State Infrastructure Guest: Akmed Scharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Iran is threatening "crushing" attacks on Gulf desalination plants and oil fields. Experts analyze the vulnerability of regional air defenses and Iran’s strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure to pressure the United States and its allies.,, (6)

1810 SHAH OF PERSIA

5. Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Against Russian Energy Infrastructure Guest: John Hardieand Bill Roggio Summary: Ukraine is utilizing innovative long-range drones and AI targeting to strike Russian oil terminals and refineries. This campaign aims to cripple Moscow’s revenue windfall resulting from inflated global energy prices during the Middle East crisis.,, (5)

1803 QAJAR 

4. Divergent U.S. and IsraeliStrategies in the Middle East Guest:David Daoud and Bill RoggioSummary: Guests contrast U.S.-led war aims in Iran with Israel’s independent operations in Lebanon. They explore if Israel’s strikes on petrochemical facilities are coordinated with Washington or represent a tactical good cop/bad copdiplomatic strategy.,, (4)

1721 PERSIA

3. Israel’s Military Objectives in Southern Lebanon Guest: David Daoud and Bill Roggio Summary:David Daoud explains the IDF’s realistic military goals in Lebanon, focusing on a manageable activity zone to disarm Hezbollah. They discuss risks of overextension and the necessity of disproving Hezbollah’s narrative of successful resistance.,, (3)

1721 PERSIA

2. The High Cost of Ground Troops in Iran Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: The discussion focuses on the dangers of deploying "boots on the ground" in Iran. Bill Roggio warns of significant equipment losses and the lack of visible popular support from Iranian citizens for a U.S. operation.,, (2)

1690 PERSIA

1. U.S. Conflict with Iran and Shifting War Aims Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: Experts analyze rising oil prices and the IRGC's determination to hold power despite U.S. strikes. They critique the President’s undiplomatic threats and question if the American people are truly prepared for a long, expensive war.,, (1)

1521 PERSIA

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Edmund Fitton-Brown analyzes shifting U.S. war aims regarding Iran. He emphasizes the critical need to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and prevent the Iranianregime from establishing long-term maritime blackmail capabilities. (1)

1680

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: John Hardie discusses the evolution of drone warfare in Ukraine, highlighting long-range strikes against Russianenergy infrastructure. He details how AI-enabled guidance and terminal recognition technologies are reversing Russia's tactical and economic advantages. (2)
1955

PREVIEW FOR LATER TONIGHT: Jonathan Sayeh explores the Iranianpublic's perspective on potential strikes against national infrastructure. He discusses the balance between enduring catastrophic loss for freedom and the risk of the regime remaining in power. (4)

1654

PREVIEW FOR LATER: General Blaine Holt analyzes the tactical shifts following the loss of two F-15s. He discusses the urgent need for air dominance over Iranand the potential deployment of prototypical, high-tech weapon systems. (1)

PREVIEW FOR LATER: Greg Scarlatoiu examines Kim Jong-un’s surprising effectiveness as a manager of North Korea's nuclear program. Despite initial hopes for reform, his understanding of the West has actually bolstered his aggressive diplomatic capabilities. (2)
1951

2. GUEST GAIUS AND GERMANICUS DEBATE N LONDINIUM, SPRING 92 AD. (3)
The discourse turns to the "impending economic calamity" caused by soaring energy prices and global supply chain disruptions. Germanicus warns that the Emperor’s failure to balance "guns and butter" has already baked in a recession and potential global famine. They compare the current climate of rumors to the psychological state of WWII Berliners, noting that the public increasingly relies on conspiracy rather than official news. Germanicus suggests a cornered leader might escalate war as a final distraction, concluding that in a classic emperor system, only a "conspiracy" among the ruling class can unseat a failing ruler. (4)

CLAUDIUS BEGS FOR HIS LIFE FROM THE GUARD THAT WILL MAKE HIM EMPEROR.

7. Zimmerman recounts the perilous return to Earth, highlighting Jim Lovell’s emergency use of a sextant for navigation after a computer error. The mission concluded with a high-speed, "double-skip" atmospheric re-entry and a successful Pacific splashdown. This triumph solidified Apollo 8’s legacy for humanity. (7)

1951

6. Zimmerman covers the iconic "Earthrise" photograph and the crew's Christmas Eve television broadcast. He describes how the astronauts chose to read from Genesis to deliver a universal message to a global audience. The broadcast combined high-tech exploration with deep moral significance during a tumultuous era. (6)
1918

3. Zimmerman explains how Soviet Zond program failures prompted NASA to aggressively pivot Apollo 8 into a lunar mission. George Low spearheaded the plan to bypass the delayed lunar module for a circumlunar flight. Despite extreme risks, NASA leadership authorized the mission to secure Cold War victory. (3)

1903  DC LANGLEY TEST.

1. Bob Zimmerman introduces the crew: Frank Borman, Jim Lovell, and Bill Anders. He highlights their intense dedication and military backgrounds. The discussion covers the high-stakes decision to launch the Saturn V rocket and the essential support provided by the astronauts' families in the NASA village. (1)

1917

8. Election night 1936 resulted in a historic landslide victory for Franklin D. Roosevelt, defying the predictions of the *Literary Digest* straw poll. Roosevelt carried 46 of 48 states and secured a massive mandate in both houses of Congress. The victory signaled a fundamental political realignment, as FDR captured 104 of the nation’s 106 major cities, driven by the coming-of-age of immigrant populations. This sweep solidified the modern Democratic coalition, uniting urban centers, organized labor, and minority voters. The triumph transformed the party into a national powerhouse for decades to come. (9)

1936 FDR AND HIS CABINET

7. The 1936 campaign highlighted the disparity between Roosevelt’s mastery of modern technology and Alf Landon’s uninspired style. While Landon’s poll numbers initially showed strength, his momentum faded as he critiqued popular programs like Social Security. Eleanor Roosevelt emerged as a critical campaign asset, bridging the gap with the African-American community and attracting massive, enthusiastic crowds. FDR culminated his campaign with a fiery speech at Madison Square Garden, famously declaring that he welcomed the hatred of "economic royalists". This aggressive strategy resonated deeply with an electorate still reeling from the depression. (8)
1936 WPA SOUP KITCHEN

6. The Republican Party struggled to find a viable challenger to Roosevelt, considering figures like Herbert Hoover, William Borah, and Arthur Vandenberg. They eventually settled on Alf Landon, the governor of Kansas, known as the "Kansas Coolidge". Landon was viewed as a progressive who had successfully balanced his state's budget. However, he was an unremarkable campaigner with a poor radio presence, which was a significant disadvantage against the charismatic Roosevelt. Despite his fluke election in 1932, Landon secured the nomination largely because the party lacked other successful officeholders. (7)
1936 FDR, PERSHING AT ARLINGTON.

5. Media mogul William Randolph Hearst, once an uneasy ally, became a formidable foe for Roosevelt leading into the campaign. Boasting a massive empire of newspapers and radio stations, Hearst exercised immense influence through front-page editorials and aggressive "soak the rich" rhetoric. His relationship with FDR soured as the New Deal moved further left, specifically over tax policies targeting multi-millionaires. Hearst's public image was also tarnished by a controversial meeting with Adolf Hitler in 1934. Ultimately, Hearst sought to neutralize Roosevelt by throwing his media weight behind the Republicanopposition. (6)
1936 MAYOR BANQUET DC

3. Dr. Francis Townsend and Father Charles Coughlin emerged as major external pressures on Roosevelt's policy-making during the 1930s. Townsend’s popular $200-a-month pension plan for seniors effectively forced FDR to introduce Social Security to neutralize the movement's growing political momentum. Meanwhile, Coughlin, a powerful "radio priest," transitioned from a Roosevelt supporter to a fierce critic after a failed reconciliation meeting at Hyde Park. Coughlin eventually teamed up with Townsend and Gerald L.K. Smith to form a third party, though these "amateur" politicians struggled to gain significant ballot access. (4)

1936 SRRESTING PROTESTERS DC

2. Roosevelt encountered significant populist challenges from the South, primarily through the influence of Huey Long and Eugene Talmadge. Although Long was assassinated in 1935, his radical "Share Our Wealth" program continued to haunt the political landscape, threatening to siphon votes to the Republicans. Talmadge, a Jeffersonian conservative and race-baiter, further complicated the solid South by rejecting New Deal welfare programs and accusing Roosevelt of communist sympathies. These figures represented a potent brand of agrarian radicalism that forced the president to defend his left flank while maintaining his traditional Southern base. (3)
1936 CHINESE AMBASSADOR TUNES IN TO BAD NEWS FROM HOME.

1. In April 1936, Franklin D. Roosevelt faced the loss of his longtime political advisor, Louis Howe, who had guided his career since 1912. Howe’s death left a void as the president prepared for reelection against burgeoning internal Democratic threats. His former mentor, Al Smith, became a primary antagonist, aligning himself with the wealthy AmericanLiberty League. Smith accused Roosevelt of engaging in class warfare and adopting socialist principles through the New Deal programs. This period marked a critical shift as FDR transitioned from a regional politician into a national leader navigating a divided party. (2)
OCTOBER 1936  WHITE HOUSE