Raging Moderates: Trump’s Iran War Plan Falls Apart as Allies Walk Away

March 18, 2026

AI Summary

5 min read

Trump's push to involve allies in countering Iran's Strait of Hormuz blockade has faltered, as no NATO or Gulf states commit warships despite his public frustration. Israel struck and killed Iran's Supreme National Security Council head Ali Larajani near Tehran, while U.S. and Israeli forces show operational success by damaging over 30 Iranian minelaying vessels and cutting daily missile launches from hundreds to 10-14. However, the lack of coalition—unlike Bush Sr.'s 35-nation Gulf War force or even Bush Jr.'s symbolic 40—leaves the U.S. isolated, absorbing full costs and retaliatory strikes on Arab bases without prior consultation.

Economic fallout intensifies pressure, with diesel surpassing $5/gallon for the first time since 2022, gas potentially topping $4 soon, and fertilizer prices up 77% (30% of global supply transits Hormuz). Farm bankruptcies rose 46% in 2025 per the American Farm Bureau, tied to labor shortages, diesel hikes, and fertilizer costs; 92% of Americans cite food/consumer price concerns, up 24% since March 2021. Trump officials like Kevin Hassett downplay consumer impacts, prioritizing other goals, echoing past messaging that voters rejected.

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What you'll learn

1 `* (04:54) **Trump's Pressures: Iran Escalation and Immigration Reality Check**`
2 `* (06:07) **Economic Downplaying of Iran Conflict (Hassett Clip)**`
3 `* (08:33) **Affordability Crisis Hits Farmers and Consumers**`
4 `* (11:10) **Strait of Hormuz Standoff: Allies Refuse Commitment**`
5 `* (13:43) **Trump's "Surprise" at Iran Retaliation Debunked**`
6 `* (16:16) **Historical Coalitions vs. Current Isolation**`
7 `* (21:23) **White House Memes and War Insensitivity**`

+ Full timestamped outline available in the app

Show Notes

Trump is facing pressure on all fronts — and the cracks are starting to show. Abroad, tensions with Iran are escalating fast after a reported strike near Tehran killed a top Iranian leader. As the situation spirals, Donald Trump is pushing U.S. allies to help secure the Strait of Hormuz — but so far, key partners are refusing, raising questions about America’s influence and the risk of a wider conflict.

Back home, reality is setting in. After promising mass deportations and a “100 percent American workforce,” the administration is now expanding migrant farmworker visas as labor shortages hit — a stark reversal that exposes the limits of Trump’s immigration agenda.

Meanwhile, Republicans are advancing the SAVE Act, a controversial voting bill critics warn could tilt elections toward the GOP. Scott Galloway and Jessica Tarlov break it all down — from growing global pushback to the economic fallout at home, and whether the administration is losing control of its own agenda.

Plus, Scott recaps his night at the Vanity Fair Oscars party.

Follow Jessica Tarlov, @JessicaTarlov

Follow Prof G, @profgalloway

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