Why Iran Is Running Rings Around Furious Trump

Why Iran Is Running Rings Around Furious Trump

From Mallen Baker: Faultlines by Mallen Baker

April 20, 2026 · 14 min · Episode 560

About this episode

The episode discusses Iran's strategic maneuvering in response to President Trump's policies regarding the blockade in the Strait of Hormuz.

President Trump thought he was being forceful in declining to drop the blockade on Iran's vessels in the Strait of Hormuz after Iran had declared it open. But now Iran has reminded him that it still is very happy to walk away from a deal if it doesn't suit Iran's interests - and it does so knowing that, for all his bluff and threats, he really can't. So now he is starting to talk about Pakistan asking him to lift the blockade - the same excuse he used the last time he delivered on Iran's demands while pretending not to. It's 'the Art of the Deal', but with Iranian characteristics. Let's discuss.

People in this episode

Host: Mallen Baker

Topics covered

  • Iran
  • Trump
  • Geopolitics
  • Diplomacy
  • International Relations

Keywords

  • Iran
  • Trump
  • blockade
  • Strait of Hormuz
  • diplomacy
  • geopolitics
  • Pakistan

Mentioned in this episode

Places: Iran, Strait of Hormuz, Pakistan

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