STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, TUESDAY 4-7-2026. 
1905 PEKING STREET IN SHANGHAI.

This transcript from The John Batchelor Show features experts David Shedd and Jack Burnham discussing the aggressive campaign by the People’s Republic of China to illicitly acquire American technology. The conversation highlights a shifting focus toward robotics and artificial intelligence, noting that China frequently utilizes a "playbook" of espionage and "adversarial distillation" to replicate expensive U.S. innovations at a lower cost. To counter these threats, the experts analyze new bipartisan legislation aimed at preventing the federal government from purchasing Chinese-made humanoid robots that could serve as data-leaking tools. Additionally, they discuss how private tech giants like Google and OpenAI are beginning to collaborate to defend their models from foreign exploitation. The dialogue emphasizes that while the methods of theft and sabotage mirror historical Soviet tactics, the modern scale and speed of these operations pose an unprecedented risk to national security. Ultimately, the sources warn that the civil-military fusion in China ensures that any stolen data or hardware serves the strategic interests of its state security apparatus.

JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, TUESDAY 4 -7-2026.
1521 HORMUZ STRAIT.

1. FEDERAL RESERVE’S LIMITED ROLE IN INFLATION. ELIZABETH PEEK. Elizabeth Peek explains that the Fed cannot control supply-shock inflation caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. She warns that upcoming reports will reflect soaring diesel prices currently affecting Europe. (1)

2. REPUBLICAN MIDTERM STRATEGY AND THE ECONOMY. ELIZABETH PEEK. Voter focus has shifted from the border to cost-of-living issues that skyrocketed under current leadership. Peek notes Republicans struggle with messaging despite initiatives to lower healthcare costs and prescription drug prices. (2)

3. EUROPE’S ENERGY CRISIS AND THE TRANSATLANTIC RIFT. JUDY DEMPSEY. Judy Dempsey reports on soaring German and French energy costs necessitating diesel subsidies. She highlights European distrust of the American administration and the fraying of traditional multilateral institutions. (3)

4. FAR-RIGHT GAINS IN EAST GERMAN ELECTIONS. JUDY DEMPSEY. Dempsey analyzes the AfD’s momentum in East Germany, where pacifist sentiment and economic resentment drive support. The far-right party now contests Chancellor Mertz’s coalition in upcoming regional state elections. (4)

5. DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY IN GLOBAL CONFLICTS. MARY KISSEL. Mary Kissel outlines the State Department’s roles in economic diplomacy and humanitarian coordination during global crises. She emphasizes the necessity of consistent messaging between the White House and international allies. (5)

6. THE EBB TIDE OF SOCIALISM IN SOUTH AMERICA. MARY KISSEL. Kissel discusses right-of-center political shifts in Venezuela and Chile, crediting Marco Rubio for fostering regional economic growth. She calls for a transition of power to benefit the Cuban people. (6)

7. ESCALATION AND IRAN’S REFUSAL TO NEGOTIATE. JONATHAN SCHANZER. Schanzer details the five-man collective governing Iran and their commitment to revolutionary martyrdom. He describes US strikes on infrastructure while questioning if Pakistan is acting as a Chinese proxy. (7)

8. THE IDF CAMPAIGN TO DEFANG HEZBOLLAH. JONATHAN SCHANZER. Jonathan Schanzer reports on Israel’s efforts to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to prevent rocket attacks. He reveals that the IDF has already destroyed roughly 80% of Hezbollah’s arsenal. (8)

9. GERMAN ECONOMIC REFORM AND LARS KLINGBEIL. JOSEPH STERNBERG. Joseph Sternberg profiles the Finance Minister’s supply-side proposals, including tax reforms and labor law flexibility. These initiatives aim to revive the German economy and reclaim voters from the far-right. (9)

10. UK POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND THE KING’S VISIT. JOSEPH STERNBERG. Sternberg discusses Keir Starmer’s unpopularity and the upcoming royal visit to America. He suggests the visit offers an opportunity to repair the special relationship despite deep strategic differences over Iran. (10)

11. CHINESE ESPIONAGE AND THE ROBOTICS THREAT. DAVID SHEDD AND JACK BURNHAM. Experts examine the Schumer-Cotton bill targeting Chinese robotics, warning that these technologies contain software egress points for data theft. They argue this follows a long-standing pattern of intellectual property larceny. (11)

12. AI SMUGGLING AND CIVILIAN-MILITARY FUSION. DAVID SHEDD AND JACK BURNHAM. The guests detail illicit efforts to smuggle Nvidia chips and steal American AI models through "adversarial distillation". They highlight China’s strategic plan to acquire Western innovation without the investment. (12)

13. Headline: The Gulf Standoff: UN Vetoes, Asymmetrical Tactics, and Iran’s Ruling Council (13)

Guest: Gregory Copley (14)

Summary: John Batchelor and Gregory Copley discuss the Gulf standoff following Russian and Chinese UN vetoes,. They analyze Iran’s asymmetrical warfare, use of human shields, and the influence of five uncompromising hardliners currently steering the conflict,,,. (15)

14. THE IRANIAN STANDOFF AND STRATEGIC DEADLOCK. GREGORY COPLEY. Gregory Copley compares the conflict to a Korean-style stalemate where Iranian leadership refuses to provide a face-saving exit. Russia and China continue supporting Iran by providing missile propellant and equipment. (16)

15. VIETNAM WAR LESSONS FOR MODERN CONFLICT. GREGORY COPLEY. Copley warns that alienation from the government and a lack of defined victory objectives could lead to strategic catastrophe. He notes Trump has alienated allies who previously supported US endeavors. (17)

16. KING CHARLES AND THE ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE. GREGORY COPLEY. Gregory Copley discusses the King’s role in mending rifts between unpopular US and UK leaders. The visit celebrates American independence while offering the King a platform to improve diplomatic relations. (18)

16. KING CHARLES AND THE ANGLO-AMERICAN ALLIANCE.GREGORY COPLEY. Gregory Copley discusses the King’s role in mending rifts between unpopular US and UK leaders. The visit celebrates Americanindependence while offering the King a platform to improve diplomatic relations. (18)

 50 RIALS IRAN

15. VIETNAM WAR LESSONS FOR MODERN CONFLICT. GREGORY COPLEY. Copley warns that alienation from the government and a lack of defined victory objectives could lead to strategic catastrophe. He notes Trump has alienated allies who previously supported US endeavors. (17)

1971 IRAN

14. THE IRANIAN STANDOFF AND STRATEGIC DEADLOCK. GREGORY COPLEY. Gregory Copley compares the conflict to a Korean-style stalemate where Iranian leadership refuses to provide a face-saving exit. Russia and China continue supporting Iran by providing missile propellant and equipment. (16)

1971 SHAH PAHLEVI

12. AI SMUGGLING AND CIVILIAN-MILITARY FUSION. DAVID SHEDD AND JACK BURNHAM. The guests detail illicit efforts to smuggle Nvidia chips and steal American AI models through "adversarial distillation". They highlight China’s strategic plan to acquire Western innovation without the investment. (12)

 PERSIA

11. CHINESE ESPIONAGE AND THE ROBOTICS THREAT. DAVID SHEDD AND JACK BURNHAM. Experts examine the Schumer-Cotton bill targeting Chinese robotics, warning that these technologies contain software egress points for data theft. They argue this follows a long-standing pattern of intellectual property larceny. (11)

1850 PERSIAN EMPIRE

10. UK POLITICAL INSTABILITY AND THE KING’S VISIT. JOSEPH STERNBERG. Sternberg discusses Keir Starmer’s unpopularity and the upcoming royal visit to America. He suggests the visit offers an opportunity to repair the special relationship despite deep strategic differences over Iran. (10)

1787 PERSIA

9. GERMAN ECONOMIC REFORM AND LARS KLINGBEIL. JOSEPH STERNBERG. Joseph Sternberg profiles the Finance Minister’s supply-side proposals, including tax reforms and labor law flexibility. These initiatives aim to revive the German economy and reclaim voters from the far-right. (9)

1742 PERSIA

8. THE IDF CAMPAIGN TO DEFANG HEZBOLLAH. JONATHAN SCHANZER. Jonathan Schanzerreports on Israel’s efforts to establish a buffer zone in southern Lebanon to prevent rocket attacks. He reveals that the IDF has already destroyed roughly 80% of Hezbollah’s arsenal. (8)

1705 PERSIA

7. ESCALATION AND IRAN’S REFUSAL TO NEGOTIATE.JONATHAN SCHANZER. Schanzer details the five-man collective governing Iranand their commitment to revolutionary martyrdom. He describes US strikes on infrastructure while questioning if Pakistan is acting as a Chinese proxy. (7)

1701 PERSIA

6. THE EBB TIDE OF SOCIALISM IN SOUTH AMERICA. MARY KISSEL. Kissel discusses right-of-center political shifts in Venezuela and Chile, crediting Marco Rubio for fostering regional economic growth. She calls for a transition of power to benefit the Cuban people. (6)

1643 ARTAXERXES II

5. DIPLOMATIC STRATEGY IN GLOBAL CONFLICTS. MARY KISSEL. Mary Kissel outlines the State Department’s roles in economic diplomacy and humanitarian coordination during global crises. She emphasizes the necessity of consistent messaging between the White House and international allies. (5)

1623 PERSIAN SHA

4. FAR-RIGHT GAINS IN EAST GERMAN ELECTIONS. JUDY DEMPSEY. Dempsey analyzes the AfD’s momentum in East Germany, where pacifist sentiment and economic resentment drive support. The far-right party now contests Chancellor Mertz’s coalition in upcoming regional state elections. (4)

1606 PERSIAN EMPIRE

3. EUROPE’S ENERGY CRISIS AND THE TRANSATLANTIC RIFT. JUDY DEMPSEY. Judy Dempsey reports on soaring German and French energy costs necessitating diesel subsidies. She highlights European distrust of the American administration and the fraying of traditional multilateral institutions. (3)

1603 OTTOMANS

2. REPUBLICAN MIDTERM STRATEGY AND THE ECONOMY.ELIZABETH PEEK. Voter focus has shifted from the border to cost-of-living issues that skyrocketed under current leadership. Peek notes Republicans struggle with messaging despite initiatives to lower healthcare costs and prescription drug prices. (2)

1585 OTTOMAN EMPIRE

1. FEDERAL RESERVE’S LIMITED ROLE IN INFLATION. ELIZABETH PEEK. Elizabeth Peek explains that the Fed cannot control supply-shock inflation caused by the Strait of Hormuz closure. She warns that upcoming reports will reflect soaring diesel prices currently affecting Europe. (1)

303-1453 ACHAEMENID EMPIRE

PREVIEW FOR LATER (1)
HEADLINE: The Five Men Ruling the Iranian State (2)
GUEST: Jonathan Schanzer (3)
SUMMARY: Jonathan Schanzeridentifies five key figures ruling Iranwhile the Ayatollah is reportedly incapacitated. These leaders, including Mohammad Baqer Qalibaf and Ahmad Vahidi, manage various military, intelligence, and repressive operations against protestors and foreign targets. (4)

1917 SOUTH PERSIA RIFLES, BRITISH EMPIRE

STREAMING THE MAKING OF THE JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW, MONDAY 4-6-2026,
1911 GRAIN MARKET PERSIA

The provided transcript features a conversation between John Batchelor, Bill Roggio, and Husain Haqqani regarding the escalating geopolitical conflict involving Iran and the United States. The speakers analyze the "fog of war" surrounding a downed airman's rescue and the subsequent disinformation pervasive in modern media cycles. They express significant concern over the Trump administration's inconsistent strategy, specifically noting the lack of clear military objectives and the failure to address the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. The dialogue highlights how Iran’s control over global oil routes serves as a strategic countermeasure against American threats, which the participants view as increasingly ineffective and undiplomatic. Furthermore, they examine the internal stability of the Iranian regime, questioning whether domestic resistance or military defections are sufficient to trigger regime change without a massive external intervention. Ultimately, the source illustrates a tense military standoff where both sides are navigating economic pressures, shifting alliances, and the high human cost of a prolonged war. (1)

JOHN BATCHELOR SHOW SCHEDULE, MONDAY 4-6-2026.
1918 PARADE  OF THE SOUTH PERSIAN RIFLES.

1. U.S. Conflict with Iran and Shifting War Aims Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: Experts analyze rising oil prices and the IRGC's determination to hold power despite U.S. strikes. They critique the President’s undiplomatic threats and question if the American people are truly prepared for a long, expensive war.,, (1)

2. The High Cost of Ground Troops in Iran Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: The discussion focuses on the dangers of deploying "boots on the ground" in Iran. Bill Roggio warns of significant equipment losses and the lack of visible popular support from Iranian citizens for a U.S. operation.,, (2)

3. Israel’s Military Objectives in Southern Lebanon Guest: David Daoud and Bill Roggio Summary: David Daoud explains the IDF’s realistic military goals in Lebanon, focusing on a manageable activity zone to disarm Hezbollah. They discuss risks of overextension and the necessity of disproving Hezbollah’s narrative of successful resistance.,, (3)

4. Divergent U.S. and Israeli Strategies in the Middle East Guest: David Daoud and Bill Roggio Summary: Guests contrast U.S.-led war aims in Iran with Israel’s independent operations in Lebanon. They explore if Israel’s strikes on petrochemical facilities are coordinated with Washington or represent a tactical good cop/bad cop diplomatic strategy.,, (4)

5. Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Against Russian Energy Infrastructure Guest: John Hardie and Bill Roggio Summary: Ukraine is utilizing innovative long-range drones and AI targeting to strike Russian oil terminals and refineries. This campaign aims to cripple Moscow’s revenue windfall resulting from inflated global energy prices during the Middle East crisis.,, (5)

6. Iranian Threats to Gulf State Infrastructure Guest: Akmed Scharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Iran is threatening "crushing" attacks on Gulf desalination plants and oil fields. Experts analyze the vulnerability of regional air defenses and Iran’s strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure to pressure the United States and its allies.,, (6)

7. Presidential Elections and Political Shifting in Peru Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Keiko Fujimori leads Peru’s presidential polls amidst a crowded field of thirty candidates. The discussion highlights a regional shift toward right-wing leadership and the ongoing challenge of Chinese and Cuban influence in South American politics.,, (7)

8. The Collapse of Cuban Influence in South America Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Experts analyze the fragility of the Cuban regime and its diminishing impact on Venezuela and Brazil. They note improvements in Venezuela's economy as leadership distances itself from Havana’s influence and follows cues from Washington instead.,, (8)

9. Life in Tehran and the Hope for Regime Collapse Guest: Jonathan Sayeh and Bill Roggio Summary: Jonathan Sayeh reports on the declining legitimacy of the Iranian regime among the population. While desertions are increasing, the IRGC remains resilient, and many Iranians fear the regime surviving despite the destruction of national infrastructure.,, (9)

10. The Kidnapping of Shelley Kittleson in Baghdad Guest: Bridget Tumi and Bill Roggio Summary: Kata'ib Hezbollah has abducted an American journalist in Baghdad to use as leverage for prisoner exchanges. Guests discuss the militia's deep integration into the Iraqi government and the risk of hostages being moved to Iran.,, (10)

11. The Tuesday Deadline and the Survival of the Islamic Republic Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: President Trump has set a final Tuesday deadline for an Iranian ceasefire, which the IRGC is likely to ignore. Experts argue the regime views concessions as defeat, choosing to outlast U.S. patience and military efforts.,, (11)

12. Shifting War Aims and the Strategic Importance of Hormuz Guest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: U.S. war aims have expanded to include reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion highlights how Iranian aggression has united Gulf allies, Ukraine, and international partners against a new, Russo-Chinese backed "axis of disruption.",, (12)

13. Chinese and Russian Involvement in Downing U.S. Aircraft Guest: General Blaine Holt and Gordon Chang Summary: Following the downing of an F-15E, experts suspect China or Russia supplied Iran with passive infrared detection systems. This signals a major shift in Beijing’s involvement, necessitating new U.S. electronic warfare countermeasures and tactical adjustments.,, (13)

14. North Korea’s Role as the Arsenal of Tyranny Guest: Greg Scarlatoiu and Gordon Chang Summary: Kim Jong-un is expanding his nuclear and conventional arsenal to ensure regime survival. North Korea has become a key proliferator, supplying weapons to Russia and Iranian proxies while enjoying increased diplomatic status among anti-Western allies.,, (14)

15. The Legal Crisis of Aboriginal Title in British Columbia Guest: Mary Anastasia O’Grady Summary: A landmark court ruling in British Columbia has granted Aboriginal title priority over private property rights. This creates economic uncertainty and raises questions about whether land acknowledgments will lead to the forced transfer of property.,, (15)

16. Political Reconciliation and Legal Disorder in Canada Guest: Conrad Black Summary: Conrad Black critiques the recommendations of Justin Trudeau’s reconciliation policies. He warns that prioritizing original land titles over established property rights creates a state of legal disorder that threatens the legitimacy of Canadian national institutions.,, (16)

16. Political Reconciliation and Legal Disorder in Canada Guest: Conrad Black Summary: Conrad Black critiques the recommendations of Justin Trudeau’s reconciliation policies. He warns that prioritizing original land titles over established property rights creates a state of legal disorder that threatens the legitimacy of Canadian national institutions.,, (16)

1910 RUSSIAN  MILITARY IN PERSIA

15. The Legal Crisis of Aboriginal Title in British Columbia Guest: Mary Anastasia O’Grady Summary: A landmark court ruling in BritishColumbia has granted Aboriginal title priority over private property rights. This creates economic uncertainty and raises questions about whether land acknowledgments will lead to the forced transfer of property.,, (15)

1910 DERVISHES, MULLAHS

14. North Korea’s Role as the Arsenal of Tyranny Guest: Greg Scarlatoiu and Gordon Chang Summary: Kim Jong-un is expanding his nuclear and conventional arsenal to ensure regime survival. North Korea has become a key proliferator, supplying weapons to Russia and Iranian proxies while enjoying increased diplomatic statusamong anti-Western allies.,, (14)

1906 PERSIA

13. Chinese and Russian Involvement in Downing U.S. Aircraft Guest:General Blaine Holt and Gordon ChangSummary: Following the downing of an F-15E, experts suspect China or Russiasupplied Iran with passive infrared detection systems. This signals a major shift in Beijing’s involvement, necessitating new U.S. electronic warfare countermeasures and tactical adjustments.,, (13)

1906 PERSIA

12. Shifting War Aims and the Strategic Importance of HormuzGuest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: U.S. war aims have expanded to include reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The discussion highlights how Iranian aggression has united Gulf allies, Ukraine, and international partners against a new, Russo-Chinese backed "axis of disruption.",, (12)

1896 OMAN

11. The Tuesday Deadline and the Survival of the Islamic RepublicGuest: Edmund Fitton-Brown and Bill Roggio Summary: President Trump has set a final Tuesday deadline for an Iranian ceasefire, which the IRGC is likely to ignore. Experts argue the regime views concessions as defeat, choosing to outlast U.S. patience and military efforts.,, (11)

1891 ACROSS PERSIA

10. The Kidnapping of Shelley Kittleson in Baghdad Guest: Bridget Tumi and Bill Roggio Summary:Kata'ib Hezbollah has abducted an American journalist in Baghdad to use as leverage for prisoner exchanges. Guests discuss the militia's deep integrationinto the Iraqi government and the risk of hostages being moved to Iran.,, (10)

1873 SHAH AND PRINCE OF WALES (LATER KING GEORGE)

9. Life in Tehran and the Hope for Regime Collapse Guest: Jonathan Sayeh and Bill Roggio Summary:Jonathan Sayeh reports on the declining legitimacy of the Iranian regime among the population. While desertions are increasing, the IRGC remains resilient, and many Iranians fear the regime surviving despite the destruction of national infrastructure.,, (9)

1870 PERSIAN DERVISHES

8. The Collapse of Cuban Influence in South America Guest: Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Experts analyze the fragility of the Cuban regime and its diminishing impact on Venezuela and Brazil. They note improvements in Venezuela's economy as leadership distances itself from Havana’s influence and follows cues from Washingtoninstead.,, (8)

1862 URMIA CHRISTIAN SEMINARY FOR WOMEN

7. Presidential Elections and Political Shifting in Peru Guest:Ernesto Araújo and Alejandro Peña Esclusa Summary: Keiko Fujimori leads Peru’s presidential polls amidst a crowded field of thirty candidates. The discussion highlights a regional shift toward right-wing leadership and the ongoing challenge of Chinese and Cuban influence in South Americanpolitics.,, (7)

1817 RUSSIA EMPIRE AND PERSIA

6. Iranian Threats to Gulf State Infrastructure Guest: Akmed Scharawi and Bill Roggio Summary: Iran is threatening "crushing" attacks on Gulf desalination plants and oil fields. Experts analyze the vulnerability of regional air defenses and Iran’s strategy of targeting civilian infrastructure to pressure the United States and its allies.,, (6)

1810 SHAH OF PERSIA

5. Ukraine’s Drone Campaign Against Russian Energy Infrastructure Guest: John Hardieand Bill Roggio Summary: Ukraine is utilizing innovative long-range drones and AI targeting to strike Russian oil terminals and refineries. This campaign aims to cripple Moscow’s revenue windfall resulting from inflated global energy prices during the Middle East crisis.,, (5)

1803 QAJAR 

4. Divergent U.S. and IsraeliStrategies in the Middle East Guest:David Daoud and Bill RoggioSummary: Guests contrast U.S.-led war aims in Iran with Israel’s independent operations in Lebanon. They explore if Israel’s strikes on petrochemical facilities are coordinated with Washington or represent a tactical good cop/bad copdiplomatic strategy.,, (4)

1721 PERSIA

3. Israel’s Military Objectives in Southern Lebanon Guest: David Daoud and Bill Roggio Summary:David Daoud explains the IDF’s realistic military goals in Lebanon, focusing on a manageable activity zone to disarm Hezbollah. They discuss risks of overextension and the necessity of disproving Hezbollah’s narrative of successful resistance.,, (3)

1721 PERSIA

2. The High Cost of Ground Troops in Iran Guest: Bill Roggio and Hussein Haqqani Summary: The discussion focuses on the dangers of deploying "boots on the ground" in Iran. Bill Roggio warns of significant equipment losses and the lack of visible popular support from Iranian citizens for a U.S. operation.,, (2)

1690 PERSIA