Can the British Reopen the Strait of Hormuz?

Chapters

1. 0:00

   The British Coalition Attempt

   Peter Zeihan discusses the news of Britain attempting to build a coalition without the US to force open the Strait of Hormuz.

2. 0:31

   The Post-WWII Security System

   Zeihan explains how the US allowed allies to trade globally in exchange for writing their security policies, leading to a lack of independent navies.

3. 1:33

   The Reality of Current Naval Power

   Zeihan states that only five navies are worthy of the name, but only three can reach the Persian Gulf from home. Zeihan describes how Iran has established a toll system where ships must check in and pay money to pass through their sector. Zeihan notes that Iranian drones have a range of at least a couple hundred miles, making simple escort impossible without occupying the coastline. Zeihan compares the Iranian coastline length to the US coast from New York City down to Savannah, highlighting the massive scale required for occupation.

4. 4:01

   The Necessity of a Political Deal

   Zeihan concludes that since no other country has meaningful amphibious capacity, the only solution is a political deal with Iran. Zeihan states that every defense official warned presidents since 1979 about the consequences of war, but the Trump administration chose to ignore them. Zeihan suggests the best scenario is the US pulling out completely and hoping Iranians just move on, which he believes is not likely.

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