The Clay Travis and Buck Sexton Show

Episode: Hour 1 - What’s Next In Iran?
Date: March 20, 2026
Host: Clay Travis (solo)
Podcast: iHeartPodcasts

Episode Overview

This episode, hosted solo by Clay Travis, delves into the evolving situation in Iran amidst recent US military actions. Clay discusses the implications for US foreign policy, public opinion on the strikes, President Trump's approach to Iran (including historical perspectives), and the broader geopolitical consequences—especially regarding oil markets and alliances. The conversation explores both tactical updates and the larger questions of morality, exit strategy, and the future of governance in Iran.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

1. Positive News from Iran Amidst Media Skepticism

• Clay opens with an update on Iran, criticizing mainstream media for their dour perspective and emphasizing that, according to military and political sources, things are going “very positively” for the US.

  "[...] the news continues to be very positive despite the way that much of the media is covering it."
  — Clay Travis (04:20)

2. Public Opinion & Political Polling on Iran Strikes

• Clay cites a new Politico poll indicating strong support among Trump voters for military action in Iran (81%), with 43% overall American support.

  "This would actually make the war in Iran one of the more popular elements of the Trump activity so far."
  — Clay Travis (08:01)

• He observes that opposition is smaller than expected and that many have no clear opinion, showing the complexity of public sentiment.

3. President Trump's Posture & Decision-Making

Trump on US Naval Supremacy and Iran’s Defeat

• Clay plays a fresh audio cut of President Trump detailing recent US victories over the Iranian navy:

  “They had a navy two weeks ago. They have no navy anymore. It's all at the bottom of the sea. 58 ships knocked down in two days [...]. We're not going to let them have nuclear weapons, because if they had them, they'd use them. And we're not going to let that happen."
  — Donald Trump (08:40)

• The host frames Trump as decisive and resolute in his strategy.

Rumors of Israeli Influence & Strategic Targets

• Clay directly addresses the narrative that Trump is only acting at Israel's behest, dismissing it as baseless and playing an audio response from Israeli PM Netanyahu:

  "Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do? Come on. President Trump always makes his decisions on what he thinks is good for America."
  — Benjamin Netanyahu (11:02)

• Clay suggests that seizing Kharg Island—a vital Iranian oil transit point—could be Trump's strategic "trump card," leveraging economic leverage without destroying oil infrastructure.

4. Tactical Precision & Oil Markets

• Despite crippling military strikes, Iranian oil and gas flows have not been disrupted, demonstrating the precision of US military action.

• Global oil prices are higher ($96/barrel, up from $65), but not as catastrophic as many analysts predicted. The US remains less affected than other nations.

• Clay notes Trump's frustration with NATO allies who benefit from stable oil flows but aren't materially supporting the military operation.

  “Why in the world will these other countries not show up and help provide transit through the Strait of Hormuz?"
  — Clay Travis (17:12)

5. Historical Context: Trump’s Longstanding Iran Policy

• Clay rebuts the argument that Trump is acting on outside influence by revisiting archival Trump interviews.

• Trump in 1980 advocated for a military response during the hostage crisis, and in 1987 suggested seizing Iran's oil fields—mirroring today’s policy.

  "So President Trump has been saying for 40 plus years exactly what we should do in Iran, and now he's doing it."
  — Clay Travis (25:17)

6. Morality & The Struggle of Good vs. Evil

• Netanyahu offers a philosophical commentary on the necessity of strength and the clarity of good versus evil in international conflicts:

  "History proves that [...] if you are strong enough, ruthless enough, powerful enough, evil will overcome good. [...] You have to be blind not to see that the democracies led by the United States have to reassert their will to defend themselves and to oppose their enemies in time." — Benjamin Netanyahu (28:37)

• Clay discusses recent human rights abuses in Iran, including the execution of a 19-year-old wrestling champion and the threats faced by Iranian women's soccer players and their families.

• The episode includes a moving cut from a former women's soccer player describing the regime's strategy of repressing dissidents by threatening their families.

  "In that moment, because I was in that situation and it's really hard, this is about your future or about your family [...] they're going to face even imprisonment or rape. So this is good and this is evil."
  — Former Iranian soccer player (31:40, paraphrased by Clay Travis)

7. Challenges Ahead: Regime Change & Modern Warfare

• Clay points to the dilemma: Is it possible to foment regime change in Iran without US boots on the ground, thanks to drone and intelligence technology?

• He notes that U.S. drone capability allows for precise targeting of Iranian leadership, but the risk and cost of installing a pro-Western government remains immense, as lessons from Iraq and Afghanistan show.

• An example of dark humor circulating: Iranian leadership has been so thinned by strikes, it's joked that those remaining are all Mossad assets unknowingly working together.

8. International Response & Geopolitical Dynamics

• Russia and China have been largely silent, with reports of Putin offering to halt intelligence support to Iran if the US scales back for Ukraine.

• Clay highlights the neutrality (even condemnation) of other Middle Eastern states, noting an absence of regional backlash against the US/Israeli campaign.

  "Look at the comments that are coming out of Qatar. Look at the comments coming out of Saudi Arabia. Look at the comments coming out from other Middle Eastern countries. None of them are rising up yet in favor of Iran in any respect."
  — Clay Travis (35:29)

9. Listener Calls: Frustrations and Open Questions

• Clay takes a call from a Trump-supporting listener frustrated that Iran is still allowed to export oil, but who also opposes the war and lacks a clear solution.

  "Look, have a take. That's all I would ask. Have a take."
  — Clay Travis (47:11)

• Clay reiterates that the US can stop bombing at any time; the problem is achieving lasting results rather than a cycle of recurring conflict.

10. Lighter Segment: NCAA Upset Joy

• To close out the hour, Clay shares audio from student broadcasters celebrating High Point University’s upset victory in the NCAA tournament for comic relief and a dose of “pure joy.”

  "That is, I'm sorry, Wisconsin fans. But that was High Point University, one point upset win yesterday over Wisconsin."
  — Clay Travis (44:43)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments with Timestamps

• On the success of US action in Iran:

  “They had a navy two weeks ago. They have no navy anymore... 58 ships knocked down in two days."
  — Donald Trump (08:40)

• On Trump’s long-established Iran stance:

  “So President Trump has been saying for 40 plus years exactly what we should do in Iran, and now he's doing it.”
  — Clay Travis (25:17)

• On decision-making independence:

  "Does anyone really think that someone can tell President Trump what to do? Come on. President Trump always makes his decisions on what he thinks is good for America."
  — Benjamin Netanyahu (11:02)

• On the moral dimension:

  "[...] this is good and this is evil. And again I said one of the big challenges that we face is how do you try to create an Iran that is better for the vast majority of the 90 million people that live there?"
  — Clay Travis (31:40 paraphrased)

• Listener’s frustration and Clay’s retort:

  "Look, have a take. That's all I would ask. Have a take. If you call in. I don't even know what that guy wanted.”
  — Clay Travis (47:11)

Important Timestamps

• Introduction of Topics – (04:20)
• Trump’s Iran Update – (08:40)
• Netanyahu on Trump’s Independence – (11:02)
• Polling and Oil Discussion – (13:00–16:30)
• Archival Trump Iran Audio – (22:59, 24:35)
• Netanyahu Good vs. Evil Statement – (28:37)
• Testimony of Iranian Women’s Soccer Player – (31:15–32:30)
• Discussion on Leadership and Intelligence in Iran – (34:00–36:00)
• Trump on NATO and Oil – (37:20)
• Lighthearted NCAA Segment – (43:40)
• Listener Call on Iran Oil Policy – (45:39)

Episode Tone and Style

Clay’s tone throughout the hour strikes a balance between assertive commentary on geopolitics and conversational engagement with his audience. He is critical of media coverage, passionate about US strength and moral clarity, and punctuates intense topics with humor and accessible references (such as the NCAA discussion).

Summary Takeaways

• Clay Travis positions the US’s actions in Iran as highly effective, surprisingly popular, and precisely executed—with oil flows largely undisturbed.
• He strongly rejects the notion that Trump is merely following Israeli orders, showing through archival audio that the former president’s tough stance has deep roots.
• Clay and guest voices stress the importance of moral clarity in geopolitics, especially as human rights abuses in Iran become a focal point.
• Listener feedback reveals the complexity and division of opinion even among Trump’s own base, especially concerning war aims and endgames.
• The episode closes on a lighter note with NCAA tournament excitement, setting up further calls and discussion for the following hour.

For those who missed it:
This hour provides a robust, detailed, and opinionated analysis of the US-Iran situation through Clay Travis's lens—mixing policy, polling, historical context, and ethical arguments, all anchored in his trademark direct and occasionally humorous style.