Podcast Summary: "How US Troops Could Go About Taking Hormuz"

Podcast: Big Take (Bloomberg/iHeartPodcasts)
Date: March 27, 2026
Host: David Gura
Guest: Admiral James Stavridis (Ret.), former NATO Supreme Allied Commander and Bloomberg Opinion columnist

Overview of the Episode

This episode examines how the conflict between the US and Iran over control of the Strait of Hormuz might escalate militarily, and what the deployment of thousands more US troops to the Middle East signals about US strategy. Retired Admiral James Stavridis offers a frank, experienced assessment of military options, potential consequences, and diplomatic challenges in reopening the Strait—a critical chokepoint for global oil and gas.

Admiral Stavridis shares his operational insights and draws on historical precedent, with a clear-eyed look at both the risks of escalation and opportunities for negotiation. The episode is rich in strategic analysis, sober caution regarding "forever wars," and pragmatic advice for US policymakers.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The State of the Conflict and Stakes for the US and Iran

[01:48–04:25]

The war in Iran has reached the four-week mark, with heavy casualties and thousands of airstrikes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut, causing a global spike in energy prices.
President Trump has threatened further military escalation, specifically strikes on Iranian energy sites, unless demands are met.
Both sides are under intense pressure:
- For the US, rising gas prices, escalating costs, fading public support, and the looming presidential election.
- For Iran, the destruction of military and economic infrastructure.

Notable Quote:

“There are two clocks ticking right now. One clock that's ticking is in Washington…It's the election in November…And for Iran, the clock here is their infrastructure…That clock strikes midnight in probably three to four weeks.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [02:57]

Stavridis estimates a 65% chance of a negotiated resolution, but warns the chance of Iran holding out and further escalation is “uncomfortably high” at about 35%. [03:46]

2. Lessons from the Past: The Challenge of Securing the Strait

[05:09–06:08]

Stavridis reflects on his experience in the 1980s escorting ships through the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War.
Unlike then, current threats include drones and much more sophisticated Iranian capabilities.
Diplomatic solutions are preferable, but the US cannot allow Iran to control the Strait.

Notable Quote:

"It’s navigationally challenging. And to do it under Iranian fire, as we did in the 1980s, is doubly challenging... A key thing to remember is they did not have drones then.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [05:09]

3. Deployment of US Troops: Intent and Strategic Aims

[06:08–07:20]

Recent deployment: 7,000 additional troops, including two Marine Expeditionary Units, signaling both pressure and credible military threat.
The deployment isn't about conquering Iran, but about having precise options to press negotiations.

Notable Quote:

“President Trump wants those troops to kind of hold them like a hammer over the head of the Iranians and threaten actually seizing Carg island…Not only am I bombing broadly across...Iran, but I also have precise boots-on-the-ground options.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [06:31]

4. How To Take Kharg Island: Play-by-Play of a Hypothetical Operation

[07:29–10:13]

Detailed hypothetical stages for military action to seize Kharg Island (Iran's main oil export terminal):
- Navigating through the heavily contested Strait; facing mines, missiles, drones, small boats.
- 350-mile journey under persistent threat to reach Kharg.
- Marines land via air and sea, with air/naval cover, possibly facing civilians and entrenched Iranian defenders.
- Risk of booby traps, landmines, drones, and urban-type conflict.
Stavridis suggests a naval blockade might be a smarter, less risky option than attempting a full-on amphibious landing.

Notable Quote:

"It’s kind of easy for me to sit here and say it, but to execute that mission will be costly in terms of lives and equipment. Final point: if I were advising the administration, I would say maybe a better idea, blockade the island…"
— Admiral James Stavridis [09:56]

5. Other Military Options & The Risks of Escalation

[10:19–12:38]

Other possible US military targets:
- Larak Island (controls the northern Strait)
- Abu Musa and Greater/ Lesser Tunbs (disputed islands at the Strait's entrance)
- A deep operation to seize Iranian nuclear material near Isfahan (would be the largest special forces op in history).
Stavridis reiterates his preference for a diplomatic solution but underscores the need for credible military power to bolster negotiations.

Notable Quote:

“I want to say I'm not advocating those missions…I firmly believe we need to get to a diplomatic resolution here. But soft power without the ability to apply hard power is no power.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [12:13]

6. Military Pathways to Reopen the Strait: Practical Realities

[12:38–14:34]

The “theory of the case” is that taking or blockading Kharg Island would provide strong leverage to force Iran to reopen the Strait.
Iran hasn’t "hard closed" the Strait; rather, it’s maintained significant threat (mines, drone attacks on shipping), creating room for negotiation.
If forced to reopen militarily, the US would need significant resources: minesweepers, guided missile ships, special forces—but full clearance would be dangerous and costly.
Achieving this safely would require air supremacy and reduction of Iranian capabilities in the area.

Notable Quotes:

“If...we have to militarily open the strait, you need more minesweepers...guided missile frigates...special forces on small boats...But again, it'll be costly. It would be far better that we got to a negotiation here.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [13:28]

7. The Role of NATO and US Allies

[18:06–21:25]

The Trump administration has had a rocky relationship with NATO and European allies; initial support waned during the “Greenland episode” and recent Gulf build-up.
The US could focus on offensive and direct military operations, while requesting European naval and technical support for reopening the Strait (e.g., minesweepers, frigates, destroyers).

Notable Quote:

“Don’t tell me NATO hasn’t stood with us in combat. Now we come to the current moment… I think President Trump would be wise to say to the Europeans... We need you to help open the Strait of Hormuz. I think Europe would take that mission gladly.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [19:57]

8. Military Buildup Without War: Precedents and Cautions

[21:25–22:42]

Discussion about whether such a large show of force has ever been deployed and not used in modern history.
The 2003 Iraq invasion haunts the current moment; Stavridis warns against “forever wars.”

Notable Quote:

“To me, that's the cautionary tale here. It's the forever wars. That's what we desperately must avoid.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [21:54]

Memorable Quotes – At-a-Glance

"There are two clocks ticking right now... one for the Trump administration... and one for Iran, the clock here is their infrastructure."
— Stavridis [02:57]

"You cannot cede control of [the strait] to this rotten theocracy in Tehran."
— Stavridis [05:09]

“It’s kind of easy for me to sit here and say it, but to execute that mission will be costly in terms of lives and equipment.”
— Stavridis [09:56]

“Soft power without the ability to apply hard power is no power.”
— Stavridis [12:28]

"Don’t tell me NATO hasn’t stood with us in combat."
— Stavridis [19:37]

"To me, that's the cautionary tale here. It's the forever wars. That's what we desperately must avoid."
— Stavridis [21:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:48] — Setting the stage: current conflict, casualties, and stakes
[02:57] — “Two clocks ticking”: political and military pressures on US and Iran
[05:09] — Personal reflection: escorting tankers in the 1980s and lessons for today
[06:31] — Analysis of recent troop deployments and strategic messaging
[07:29] — Step-by-step scenario: how to seize Kharg Island—and alternative strategies
[10:19] — Other military options in the region and risks of escalation
[12:38] — How (and whether) military options might reopen the Strait
[13:28] — What military force would be required; the risks of clearing the way militarily
[18:06] — The strained relationship with NATO, and how US allies might actually help
[21:25] — Risks of large military buildups going unused, and lessons from history

Conclusion

This episode delivers a sobering, detail-rich look at the balance between military leverage and diplomatic necessity in one of the globe’s most volatile geopolitical flashpoints. Admiral Stavridis’s blend of operational know-how, historical perspective, and candid skepticism about open-ended wars provides essential context for understanding the options—and perils—facing US decision-makers as the Strait of Hormuz crisis unfolds.

Podcast Summary: "How US Troops Could Go About Taking Hormuz"

Overview of the Episode

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. The State of the Conflict and Stakes for the US and Iran

[01:48–04:25]

The war in Iran has reached the four-week mark, with heavy casualties and thousands of airstrikes.
The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively shut, causing a global spike in energy prices.
President Trump has threatened further military escalation, specifically strikes on Iranian energy sites, unless demands are met.
Both sides are under intense pressure:
- For the US, rising gas prices, escalating costs, fading public support, and the looming presidential election.
- For Iran, the destruction of military and economic infrastructure.

Notable Quote:

“There are two clocks ticking right now. One clock that's ticking is in Washington…It's the election in November…And for Iran, the clock here is their infrastructure…That clock strikes midnight in probably three to four weeks.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [02:57]

Stavridis estimates a 65% chance of a negotiated resolution, but warns the chance of Iran holding out and further escalation is “uncomfortably high” at about 35%. [03:46]

2. Lessons from the Past: The Challenge of Securing the Strait

[05:09–06:08]

Stavridis reflects on his experience in the 1980s escorting ships through the Persian Gulf during the Iran-Iraq War.
Unlike then, current threats include drones and much more sophisticated Iranian capabilities.
Diplomatic solutions are preferable, but the US cannot allow Iran to control the Strait.

Notable Quote:

"It’s navigationally challenging. And to do it under Iranian fire, as we did in the 1980s, is doubly challenging... A key thing to remember is they did not have drones then.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [05:09]

3. Deployment of US Troops: Intent and Strategic Aims

[06:08–07:20]

Recent deployment: 7,000 additional troops, including two Marine Expeditionary Units, signaling both pressure and credible military threat.
The deployment isn't about conquering Iran, but about having precise options to press negotiations.

Notable Quote:

“President Trump wants those troops to kind of hold them like a hammer over the head of the Iranians and threaten actually seizing Carg island…Not only am I bombing broadly across...Iran, but I also have precise boots-on-the-ground options.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [06:31]

4. How To Take Kharg Island: Play-by-Play of a Hypothetical Operation

[07:29–10:13]

Detailed hypothetical stages for military action to seize Kharg Island (Iran's main oil export terminal):
- Navigating through the heavily contested Strait; facing mines, missiles, drones, small boats.
- 350-mile journey under persistent threat to reach Kharg.
- Marines land via air and sea, with air/naval cover, possibly facing civilians and entrenched Iranian defenders.
- Risk of booby traps, landmines, drones, and urban-type conflict.
Stavridis suggests a naval blockade might be a smarter, less risky option than attempting a full-on amphibious landing.

Notable Quote:

"It’s kind of easy for me to sit here and say it, but to execute that mission will be costly in terms of lives and equipment. Final point: if I were advising the administration, I would say maybe a better idea, blockade the island…"
— Admiral James Stavridis [09:56]

5. Other Military Options & The Risks of Escalation

[10:19–12:38]

Other possible US military targets:
- Larak Island (controls the northern Strait)
- Abu Musa and Greater/ Lesser Tunbs (disputed islands at the Strait's entrance)
- A deep operation to seize Iranian nuclear material near Isfahan (would be the largest special forces op in history).
Stavridis reiterates his preference for a diplomatic solution but underscores the need for credible military power to bolster negotiations.

Notable Quote:

“I want to say I'm not advocating those missions…I firmly believe we need to get to a diplomatic resolution here. But soft power without the ability to apply hard power is no power.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [12:13]

6. Military Pathways to Reopen the Strait: Practical Realities

[12:38–14:34]

The “theory of the case” is that taking or blockading Kharg Island would provide strong leverage to force Iran to reopen the Strait.
Iran hasn’t "hard closed" the Strait; rather, it’s maintained significant threat (mines, drone attacks on shipping), creating room for negotiation.
If forced to reopen militarily, the US would need significant resources: minesweepers, guided missile ships, special forces—but full clearance would be dangerous and costly.
Achieving this safely would require air supremacy and reduction of Iranian capabilities in the area.

Notable Quotes:

“If...we have to militarily open the strait, you need more minesweepers...guided missile frigates...special forces on small boats...But again, it'll be costly. It would be far better that we got to a negotiation here.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [13:28]

7. The Role of NATO and US Allies

[18:06–21:25]

The Trump administration has had a rocky relationship with NATO and European allies; initial support waned during the “Greenland episode” and recent Gulf build-up.
The US could focus on offensive and direct military operations, while requesting European naval and technical support for reopening the Strait (e.g., minesweepers, frigates, destroyers).

Notable Quote:

“Don’t tell me NATO hasn’t stood with us in combat. Now we come to the current moment… I think President Trump would be wise to say to the Europeans... We need you to help open the Strait of Hormuz. I think Europe would take that mission gladly.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [19:57]

8. Military Buildup Without War: Precedents and Cautions

[21:25–22:42]

Discussion about whether such a large show of force has ever been deployed and not used in modern history.
The 2003 Iraq invasion haunts the current moment; Stavridis warns against “forever wars.”

Notable Quote:

“To me, that's the cautionary tale here. It's the forever wars. That's what we desperately must avoid.”
— Admiral James Stavridis [21:54]

Memorable Quotes – At-a-Glance

"There are two clocks ticking right now... one for the Trump administration... and one for Iran, the clock here is their infrastructure."
— Stavridis [02:57]

"You cannot cede control of [the strait] to this rotten theocracy in Tehran."
— Stavridis [05:09]

“It’s kind of easy for me to sit here and say it, but to execute that mission will be costly in terms of lives and equipment.”
— Stavridis [09:56]

“Soft power without the ability to apply hard power is no power.”
— Stavridis [12:28]

"Don’t tell me NATO hasn’t stood with us in combat."
— Stavridis [19:37]

"To me, that's the cautionary tale here. It's the forever wars. That's what we desperately must avoid."
— Stavridis [21:54]

Timestamps for Key Segments

[01:48] — Setting the stage: current conflict, casualties, and stakes
[02:57] — “Two clocks ticking”: political and military pressures on US and Iran
[05:09] — Personal reflection: escorting tankers in the 1980s and lessons for today
[06:31] — Analysis of recent troop deployments and strategic messaging
[07:29] — Step-by-step scenario: how to seize Kharg Island—and alternative strategies
[10:19] — Other military options in the region and risks of escalation
[12:38] — How (and whether) military options might reopen the Strait
[13:28] — What military force would be required; the risks of clearing the way militarily
[18:06] — The strained relationship with NATO, and how US allies might actually help
[21:25] — Risks of large military buildups going unused, and lessons from history