
The Prof G Pod with Scott Galloway
Hosted by Scott Galloway
Written by a model from the transcript; not yet reviewed.
This episode of Raging Moderates features Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov discussing the US-Iran war, 11 days in. They examine the Trump administration's shifting messaging—Trump calling the conflict "very complete" while simultaneously ramping up military action—and the narrowing of stated objectives by Secretary Rubio to destroying missiles, launchers, and the navy, with no mention of regime change or the nuclear program. Galloway argues the biggest strategic loss is the erosion of Gulf state goodwill, as the IRGC's projectiles into Gulf nations and the disruption of the Straits of Hormuz are pushing those countries back toward Iran. Tarlov notes that 1,000 to 1,300 Iranians have been killed, 42 major vessels destroyed, and that the new Supreme Leader is the 56-year-old son of the one removed. They also discuss the asymmetric warfare problem (Tomahawks costing millions versus Shahed drones at $20,000), the dismissal of Ukrainian drone-defense technology in August, and polling showing 64% of Americans disapprove of Trump's handling while opposition to boots on the ground is bipartisan.
Trump's Contradictory War Framinginsight
At a press conference, Trump says the war is both "very complete" and "the beginning of building a new country," claiming Iran has no navy, air force, radar, or leadership, while also saying "we're gonna go further."
Rubio Narrows the Stated Goalsinsight
Tarlov points out that Rubio's stated mission—destroying missiles, launchers, factories, and the navy—omits regime change, the nuclear program, and proxy forces, suggesting the original goals were unachievable.
Gulf Alliance as the Real Prizestrategy
Galloway argues the biggest potential win was forming a stronger informal alliance between the US, Israel, and moderate Gulf nations, and that the disruption of the Straits of Hormuz is eroding that goodwill daily.
Oil Prices Signal Market Expectationsdata
Oil dropped from a high of $112 to about $83, down 12% in one day. Galloway says the markets, which are unemotional and absorb millions of data points, seem to be saying the Straits of Hormuz will open sooner rather than later.
Cooperation as Geopolitical Strategystrategy
Galloway argues the most successful geopolitical action is where the whole is greater than the sum of its parts through cooperation, and that the Trump administration's attempt to take on the other two-thirds of world GDP alone is contrary to basic strategy.
Ukraine's Dismissed Drone-Defense Pitchstory
Tarlov recounts how in August, Ukrainians presented a PowerPoint offering battle-proven technology for downing Iranian drones, which the US dismissed. Now the administration has had to call them for help, and there is regret within the administration.
The Asymmetric Cost Problemdata
Galloway and Tarlov highlight that Tomahawk missiles cost millions while Shahed drones cost $20,000, making the economic math of the conflict deeply unfavorable for the US.
As the war in Iran roils on, with devastating effects on the oil markets, what is Trump’s plan to get the U. S. out of another regional quagmire? Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov discuss the latest developments on the war in Iran from the administration — including a befuddling announcement from Trump, startling messaging from Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth, and a foreboding sense from Secretary of State Marco Rubio that Cuba is next. Plus — Scott explains why the markets seem to have rebounded from yesterday’s oil price spike, and Jessica unpacks why Trump’s refusal to provide strong support for Ukraine in its war with Russia may have already hurt the U. S. in Iran. Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov Follow Prof G, @profgalloway Follow Raging Moderates, @RagingModeratesPodSubscribe to our YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@RagingModerates Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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