SCHEDULE THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, 5-6-2026.
1903 PERSIAN EMPIRE

1/16: Mary Kissel discusses Iran's blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as a tactic to divert negotiations from its nuclear program. She also addresses Vladimir Putin's paranoia and Ukraine's drone technology.

2/16: Mary Kissel examines the Maduro regime's refusal to step down in Venezuela. She highlights Cuba's role in propping up regional autocrats while hosting Chinese intelligence facilities and maintaining ties with Russia.

3/16: Professor John Yoo argues California's high energy prices result from sacrificing affordability for climate ideology. This approach ignores natural resources like the shale deposits in the middle of the state.

4/16: John Yoo details organized attempts to intimidate the Supreme Court through leaks and threats. He also explains the President's constitutional authority to unilaterally terminate international treaties like the NATO alliance.

5/16: Rebecca Grant highlights the US Navy's dominance in clearing the Strait of Hormuz and sinking Iranian fast boats. These operations signal to China that the US controls vital sea lanes.

6/16: Charles Burton criticizes proposals for AI cooperation with China, calling it a one-way technology transfer. He warns of espionage, citing the demise of Nortel as a warning against sharing high-end technology.

7/16: Scott Harold analyzes Prime Minister Takaichi's "proactive pacifism" and assertive regional security efforts. She must manage domestic concerns over a weakening yen and a declining population while shifting resources to defense.

8/16: Scott Harold discusses Japan's $10 billion lending initiative to counter Chinese influence in Asia. He also explores Japan's efforts to diversify energy sources, including nuclear power and importing American LNG.

9/16: Henry Sokolski critiques potential US concessions allowing Iran to enrich uranium, warning of rapid breakout capabilities. He also flags Turkey's ICBM development as a signal it is pursuing nuclear weapons.

10/16: Henry Sokolski warns that Sentinel program delays could lead to a four-fold expansion of the US nuclear arsenal. He also urges honesty regarding Israel's nuclear weapons to allow for public discussion.

11/16: Michael Bernstam predicts a global oil "tipping point" by late May due to the Strait of Hormuz closure. Shortages in refined products like jet fuel and diesel are particularly critical.

12/16: Michael Toth attributes California's high energy costs to political ideology rather than global events. These "self-inflicted wounds" have caused a middle-class exodus and potential shortages of materials like asphalt.

13/16: Simon Constable reviews surging commodity prices and the threat of famine in North Africa. He also discusses UK local elections, framing them as a protest vote against Keir Starmer's leadership.

14/16: Simon Constable analyzes potential Labour Party leaders Andy Burnham and Angela Rayner. He notes that voters still find the Conservative Party untrustworthy despite Labour's internal turmoil and perceived failures.

15/16: Bob Zimmerman explores rumors of SpaceX acquiring land in Louisiana to exit California. He also details technical delays for NASA's Artemis program and ongoing "technical issues" with Boeing's Starliner capsule.

16/16: Bob Zimmerman reports on an unexpectedly weak solar cycle and its link to climate. He also covers China's new space regulations and Russia's recent test flight of a suborbital rocket.