‘Trump could reopen Hormuz if he dared, I’ve done it’: a rear admiral speaks out

‘Trump could reopen Hormuz if he dared, I’ve done it’: a rear admiral speaks out

From Iran: The Latest by The Telegraph

May 7, 2026 · 48 min

About this episode

The episode discusses the potential for reopening the Strait of Hormuz and features insights from retired Royal Navy rear admiral James Parkin on military strategies and the current geopolitical climate.

The focus of the US-Iran war rests once again on the Strait of Hormuz, is there any way to get it open again?   Since Donald Trump cancelled Project Freedom, Iran’s chokehold on the vital waterway is as tight as ever. But James Parkin has some ideas. The former Royal Navy rear admiral was in charge of the task force that broke the last attempted IRGC shut down in 2019, and tells Roland Oliphant that the US could do it again - if it really wanted to.  He also explains what it is like fighting the fanatical but talented sailors of the IRGC navy, and why he thinks their claims to have mined the Strait are probably lies.  Plus, The Telegraph’s foreign correspondent Akhtar Makoii gives the view from Iran amid growing expectations of an imminent peace deal today, and Venetia Rainey looks at why Israel has suddenly bombed Beirut despite a ceasefire. They also discuss the latest news of extensive damage to American bases in the Gulf and the long-term implications.  Highlights  ‘Trump could reopen Hormuz if he dared, I’ve done it’ Retired Royal Navy rear admiral James Parkin speaks out CONTRIBUTORS: Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst…

People in this episode

Host: Roland Oliphant

Guest: James Parkin

Topics covered

  • US-Iran relations
  • Strait of Hormuz
  • military strategy
  • naval operations
  • Middle East conflict
  • peace negotiations

Keywords

  • Strait of Hormuz
  • James Parkin
  • US-Iran war
  • military strategy
  • IRGC
  • Project Freedom
  • peace deal
  • naval operations

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: IRGC, The Telegraph, Royal Navy

Places: Iran, Strait of Hormuz

More episodes of Iran: The Latest

Explore listener stats, chart rankings, contacts and more on the Iran: The Latest podcast page.