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The Strait of Hormuz is now the main stage of the Iran war and the stakes could not be higher. In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, Ryan and Glenn break down President Trump's launch of "Project Freedom," the U.S. effort to guide stranded commercial ships out of the world's most important energy chokepoint. Is this a humanitarian coordination move or the beginning of a high-risk maritime showdown with Iran?

We walk through Iran's immediate response, including direct warnings from senior Iranian military commanders that U.S. forces entering the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted. We unpack the missile strike claims near Jask, the U.S. denial, and why oil prices spiked above one hundred dollars per barrel almost instantly. If you care about global energy markets, inflation, or what happens next in the Middle East, this is the episode for you.

We also dive into Iran's 14-point peace proposal delivered through Pakistan. What does Tehran actually want? Why is the nuclear file being pushed to a second phase? And what are the real sticking points between Washington and Tehran right now? Ryan and Glenn explain the sequencing battle over sanctions relief, uranium enrichment, and control of Gulf shipping in clear terms without the diplomatic fluff.

Beyond Hormuz, we zoom out to Lebanon, where Israel is expanding its buffer zone and Hezbollah is ramping up drone and rocket activity. We discuss how Israeli operations in southern Lebanon are being compared to Gaza tactics and what that means for regional escalation. In the West Bank, settler violence is intensifying amid global distraction, raising questions about internal Israeli stability and long-term political consequences.

On the economic front, we examine Iran's mounting financial pressure. Inflation, currency depreciation, job losses, and sanctions evasion through cryptocurrency networks tied to figures like Babak Zanjani are all in play. This is not just a battlefield conflict. It is an economic and technological chess match unfolding in real time.

We also cover OPEC dynamics after the UAE's surprise exit and what Abu Dhabi's fifty five billion dollar domestic energy push signals about the future of Gulf energy politics. Supply chains, oil flows, maritime security, and great power competition are all converging in one narrow stretch of water.

If you want sharp geopolitical analysis on Iran, the Middle East, U.S. military posture, energy security, sanctions enforcement, and regional power politics, this episode delivers. No cable news noise. No performative outrage. Just focused, strategic insight designed for listeners who care about how global security actually works.

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China is playing three-dimensional chess right now and the board stretches from Africa to the Strait of Hormuz to the Panama Canal. In this episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we break down how Beijing is maneuvering across multiple theaters at once while the United States and its allies scramble to keep up.

We start with Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te pulling off a surprise arrival in Eswatini after several countries revoked overflight permissions. Taipei says China leaned on Seychelles, Mauritius, and Madagascar to block his route. Beijing fired back with public insults. Washington called the visit routine. What looks like diplomatic theater is actually a test of how far China can extend its economic and political pressure beyond Asia. If Beijing can influence African airspace decisions, that tells you something about global leverage.

From there we shift to the Iran war and China's careful hedging. Beijing is publicly calling for de-escalation while quietly protecting its energy interests and maintaining relationships across the board. With oil markets shaken and the Strait of Hormuz disrupted, China's vulnerability as a major energy importer is front and center. At the same time, Chinese firms remain deeply embedded in global supply chains that touch everything from dual-use materials to drone components. This episode unpacks how China balances diplomacy, economic survival, and long-term strategic positioning.

We also examine China's use of economic coercion in Latin America. After Panama's Supreme Court moved against Hong Kong-linked port concessions, Chinese authorities sharply increased inspections of Panama-flagged vessels. That is not just trade friction. It is a signal. Smaller states are watching closely to see what happens when you cross Beijing's commercial interests.

In the Indo-Pacific, US allies are not standing still. The massive Balikatan exercise in the Philippines brought together forces from seven nations, including Japan's first ground troop deployment there since World War II. We walk through why that matters for Taiwan contingencies and South China Sea flashpoints. We also look at Taiwan's evolving military readiness posture and its push to counter Chinese gray zone tactics and information warfare.

Finally, we dig into China's long-term preparation for great power competition. Strategic stockpiling, energy security planning, anti-corruption crackdowns, and deeper Belt and Road partnerships all point to a leadership that believes turbulence is not temporary. It is structural.

If you care about China, Taiwan, Iran, the South China Sea, economic coercion, energy security, and the shape of US allied strategy in the Indo-Pacific, this episode connects the dots in a way that is direct, clear, and built for serious listeners.

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Ukraine just struck deep into Russia's energy and naval backbone, and this episode breaks down why it matters far beyond a few drone hits.

In RH 5.4.26, Ryan and Glenn walk through Ukraine's long-range strike on the Baltic oil port of Primorsk, the reported hit on a Kalibr-capable Karakurt-class corvette, and attacks on shadow fleet tankers used to dodge Western sanctions. This is not just battlefield action. This is economic warfare aimed directly at Russia's oil revenues.

We explain how Ukrainian drone operations are targeting ports like Primorsk, Novorossiysk, and Tuapse, and how those strikes intersect with rising global oil prices driven by the Iran war and Strait of Hormuz disruptions. Russia's oil revenues surged in March. Ukraine is trying to cut into that momentum. The result is a strategic contest over barrels, budgets, and battlefield sustainability.

We also dig into Europe's response. The European Union finalized a ninety billion euro loan package for Ukraine after Hungary's leadership change removed the blockade. Now the UK is opening talks to join the scheme. That move has implications for defense integration, sanctions enforcement, and the broader post-Brexit UK–EU reset. This is not symbolic. It is money, contracts, weapons, and leverage.

From there, we zoom out to Armenia. The EU is deploying a mission to counter Russian cyber and political interference ahead of June elections. Moscow still maintains a military base in Armenia and significant economic influence. But the geopolitical drift is real. The Caucasus is no longer a quiet Russian backyard.

Inside Russia, things look tense. European intelligence reporting suggests Vladimir Putin has tightened security amid fears of assassination attempts and elite instability. The Federal Protective Service reportedly expanded protection for senior generals. Internet shutdowns are planned in Moscow ahead of Victory Day. This year's May 9 parade will not feature heavy military equipment. That is not a detail. That is a signal.

We also cover Ukrainian drone strikes reaching a high-rise near central Moscow, Russia's modification of Geran drones to carry air-to-air missiles, and the recruitment of African nationals into Russian military service. This war is stretching across continents, supply chains, and political systems.

If you want a clear, fast, serious breakdown of what is happening in Russia, Ukraine, Europe, and beyond, this episode delivers.

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Retired CIA Chief of Station and Senior Case Officer Glenn Corn argues the crises in Ukraine, Iran, Cuba, and the Strait of Hormuz are connected fronts in one larger fight.

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Ryan Fugit and Glenn Corn are back for a no-guest episode covering Ukraine, Russia, Iran, espionage, drones, Cuba, China, and the geopolitical pressure points that are moving fast right now.

Glenn opens with his recent trip to Ukraine, where he escorted an American business delegation and spoke at the Kiev Security Forum alongside senior intelligence and national security figures. From there, Ryan and Glenn dig into how Moscow negotiates, why Putin's ceasefire offer around May 9 should be treated skeptically, and why Glenn believes the United States and Europe still have more leverage over Russia than many people think.

In this episode, we cover:

• Glenn's latest trip to Ukraine with American investors and business leaders • Why Glenn sees Russia and Iran as linked strategic threats • How Russian negotiators use maximalist demands, theater, and psychological pressure • Julie Davis, US diplomatic coverage in Ukraine, and why Kyiv needs a full-time ambassador • Putin's May 9 Victory Day messaging and the history Russia leaves out • Russian and Iranian low-level espionage in Europe • The UAE, OPEC, and the Strait of Hormuz crisis • Why Glenn argues for an international naval force to reopen the straits • Iran's nuclear negotiations, political pressure, and the lessons of Ukrainian counter-drone warfare • Cuba sanctions, Venezuela, Nicaragua, China, and authoritarian pressure in the Western Hemisphere • China's drone swarm threat and America's procurement problem

This episode matters because Glenn frames these crises as part of a broader strategic contest, not isolated news cycles. Russia, Iran, China, North Korea, Cuba, and Venezuela are applying pressure across multiple fronts, and the United States and its allies are still deciding how hard, how fast, and how coherently they are willing to respond.

Timeline / chapters

• 00:00 Ryan opens the episode with Glenn back stateside • 01:01 Glenn's Ukraine trip with an American business delegation • 03:27 Kiev Security Forum and the Russia-Iran connection • 08:24 How Russian negotiators use maximalist demands • 12:15 Sanctions, Kirill Dmitriev, and pressure on Putin • 16:06 Julie Davis and why Ukraine needs a full-time US ambassador • 19:42 Territorial concessions and why Glenn says Russia is not holding the cards • 22:23 Victory Day, Soviet history, and Operation Snow • 26:59 Why Putin's May 9 ceasefire offer benefits Moscow • 28:30 Russian and Iranian espionage cases in Europe • 33:37 UAE, OPEC, and the Strait of Hormuz shock • 36:06 The case for an international naval force • 39:21 Iran's nuclear bluff and missed drone lessons • 43:03 Cuba sanctions and pressure in the Western Hemisphere • 45:50 China, AI, drone swarms, and US procurement gaps • 49:23 Upcoming guests and how to reach Glenn • 51:21 Wrap

How to find Glenn Corn

Glenn Corn is a former CIA Senior Intelligence Service officer and multi-time Chief of Station in some of the world's most difficult posts. You can find him at the Institute of World Politics (https://www.iwp.edu/faculty/glenn-corn/) or his consultancy at Great South Bay Consulting (https://greatsouthbayinc.com/).

Restricted Handling: https://www.restrictedhandling.com/

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Step beyond the headlines and official spin to uncover the deeper realities inside Russia and China's economies. We take a close look at how Moscow and Beijing project power abroad while grappling with fragile foundations at home, from Russia's unsustainable wartime spending to China's faltering growth and anxious workforce. We cut through state narratives to reveal the costs of these economies, costs borne not by leaders, but by ordinary citizens facing higher prices and shrinking opportunities. With insights from data, policy shifts, and on-the-ground reports, we trace how these two authoritarian powers strain to maintain control, and how their choices reverberate across global markets, diplomacy, and the lives of millions. 👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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In today's episode, we're diving deep into the latest updates on Iran and the Middle East. The geopolitical game is shifting, and we're breaking down the crucial developments you need to know.

The U.S.-Iran standoff continues, and Iran's latest proposal is nothing short of bold. Tehran wants the U.S. to lift the blockade on its ports, but here's the kicker: nuclear talks won't happen until after the conflict is officially ended. It's a tense back-and-forth, with the U.S. refusing to bend on its demand to address Iran's nuclear ambitions upfront. But Iran's economy is on the brink, and the pressure to negotiate is only mounting. We discuss how the U.S. blockade is hitting Iran's oil exports hard and what this means for the future of the conflict.

Meanwhile, in southern Lebanon, Hezbollah is upping its game with its advanced drone strikes. These aren't your run-of-the-mill UAVs – we're talking FPV drones that are taking out Israeli soldiers and causing real concern for the IDF. Israel is responding with airstrikes, and evacuations are underway in southern Lebanon. This is a critical moment in Hezbollah's asymmetric warfare against Israel, and the stakes are higher than ever.

But it's not just the battlefield that's changing – the political landscape is shaking up as well. In Israel, former PMs Naftali Bennett and Yair Lapid have joined forces to form a new political bloc, Yachad. This could be a game-changer for Israel's internal politics, especially with Netanyahu still embroiled in a corruption trial. With political tensions rising, we're looking at a dynamic shift that could impact Israel's approach to the ongoing conflict.

Across the Middle East, the UAE has made a bold move: it's exiting OPEC. This is a big deal – not just for the UAE but for the entire oil market. By leaving the cartel, the UAE gains the freedom to boost its oil production without being held back by OPEC's production quotas. This decision also signals a shift in the region's power dynamics, particularly as the UAE increasingly aligns with U.S. interests and distances itself from Saudi Arabia.

The conflict's impact is being felt globally, and not just in oil prices. Humanitarian groups are calling for a humanitarian corridor through the Strait of Hormuz, as the blockade continues to prevent vital supplies from reaching those in desperate need. Rising oil prices are pushing up the cost of food, medicine, and fuel, affecting millions in developing nations.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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In today's episode of The Restricted Handling Podcast, we're diving into the latest updates on China's evolving strategy and its impact on global geopolitics. First, Taiwan's President Lai Ching-te was hit with another setback as China continues its campaign of diplomatic isolation. China's recent move to block Lai's international travel and disrupt his trip to Eswatini marks a new chapter in Beijing's relentless pressure to cut Taiwan off from the global stage. This diplomatic maneuver is just one piece of a larger puzzle that's becoming harder to ignore.

Meanwhile, China isn't just playing the diplomatic game—it's also tightening its grip on its tech and resource sectors. We've got a major update on Meta's controversial acquisition of the AI startup Manus. After an initial green light from Beijing, China has pulled the rug out from under the deal, citing national security concerns. This action underscores China's determination to keep critical technologies like AI in its hands and keep foreign players at bay. Meta now faces a logistical nightmare in unwinding the deal, further proving just how challenging it can be for companies to navigate China's tightening regulatory environment. It's a stark reminder that China is serious about maintaining control over its domestic innovation ecosystem.

And if you thought that was all, think again. We've also got an important update on China's rare-earth production. Beijing has announced tighter regulations, slapping fines on companies that violate production quotas. Why does this matter? Well, rare-earth elements are essential for everything from electronics to defense equipment, and China controls a huge chunk of the global supply. These moves are just the latest in China's strategic efforts to lock down its dominance over these critical minerals. As the US and China continue their high-stakes tech rivalry, China's control over rare-earths only adds another layer of complexity to the situation.

All of this is happening as China flexes its military muscle across the Indo-Pacific. From persistent gray-zone tactics to expanding its footprint beyond the First Island Chain, China is shaping the region's security dynamics. Expect this trend to continue as Beijing strategically positions itself for the long haul.

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Welcome to The Restricted Handling Podcast, your one-stop shop for everything you need to know about the world of geopolitics, military operations, and intelligence insights. In today's episode, we cover some seriously hot topics, including the latest escalation in Ukraine's deep strikes inside Russia, the continued pressure on Russia's oil infrastructure, and the growing geopolitical shift in Central Asia.

Ukraine's drone strikes are still making waves, with the Tuapse oil refinery in southern Russia being hit again. The refinery has been repeatedly targeted, causing massive fires and evacuations—this is the third strike in under two weeks. With Ukraine's reach growing, it's clear that Russian oil infrastructure is becoming a primary target in the war. And Ukraine isn't stopping anytime soon; these strikes are part of a wider strategy to drain Russia's financial resources and destabilize its military capabilities.

Meanwhile, tensions are also rising in the diplomatic arena. Ukraine has called out Israel for receiving grain that was allegedly stolen by Russia from its occupied territories. This has led to some seriously awkward moments between the two countries, with Ukraine warning that these actions undermine the trust in their relationship. It's a complex issue that goes far beyond grain exports—it's about the shifting balance of global alliances and Ukraine's struggle to keep Russia isolated on the world stage.

But the economic situation back in Russia is no better. The country's coal industry is in freefall, with exports expected to drop by up to 8% this year. Despite the global energy crisis, Russia isn't benefiting much from higher oil prices, and its coal sector is underperforming. Meanwhile, the regional budget deficit is soaring, and more and more Russians are feeling the strain. Putin's popularity is taking a hit as frustrations grow over rising taxes, internet shutdowns, and general economic hardship.

We're also talking about the growing Pan-Turkism in Central Asia, which is a massive headache for Russia. Countries in the region are aligning more with Azerbaijan and Türkiye, slowly drifting away from Moscow's influence. This shift represents a significant challenge for Russia, which has traditionally relied on its dominance over Central Asia for strategic and economic control. With the rise of Pan-Turkism, Russia may find itself in a position where it's no longer the dominant power in this region.

So, if you want the full scoop on Ukraine's drone warfare, Russia's economic struggles, and the growing geopolitical shifts in Central Asia, this is the episode you can't miss.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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In today's episode, we're diving deep into the ongoing crisis in Iran and the Middle East, where tensions are far from cooling off. With the situation evolving rapidly, Iran has presented a new proposal to end the conflict, offering to open the critical Strait of Hormuz in exchange for the lifting of the US blockade. But there's a catch—nuclear talks are pushed to the back burner. What does this mean for the future of the war and global energy markets? We break it all down.

Hezbollah, meanwhile, is keeping things hot in southern Lebanon with their continued drone attacks on Israeli forces. We're seeing next-level tactics here with fiber-optic FPV drones—perfectly immune to conventional electronic jamming. Hezbollah's got its foot firmly on the accelerator, and Israel is not backing down, leading to growing casualties and more evacuations in Lebanon. How long can this tense standoff last?

And speaking of the Strait of Hormuz, we can't ignore the growing logistical mess of oil exports. Iran is getting desperate as its oil industry nears capacity, using makeshift storage sites and even rail transport to move its crude to China. But with the US blockade firmly in place, Iran's ability to export its oil is crumbling. How much longer can the US hold this line before Iran starts to feel the pinch?

We also take a look at the Gulf Cooperation Council meeting happening in Saudi Arabia today, where leaders are discussing their next steps in response to Iranian missile and drone attacks. It's clear that the GCC is feeling the pressure as tensions with Iran continue to escalate. These discussions are crucial as the Gulf states decide whether to push back against Tehran's aggression or hold their ground diplomatically.

And on the diplomatic front, Iran's growing ties with Russia are also making waves. President Putin is offering his support to Iran as both nations look to further their strategic alliance in the face of US and Israeli pressure. The impact of this partnership could change the dynamics of the conflict and regional power structures in a major way.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.

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In today's episode, we're diving deep into the latest developments coming out of China. There's a lot of big moves happening, and we've got all the key details. From high-stakes legal battles to China tightening its grip on tech, we're breaking it all down.

First up, we've got an update on the lawsuit against Cisco. The U.S. Supreme Court is about to take on a major case involving Cisco's alleged role in helping China's surveillance program target Falun Gong members. The case could set a major precedent for how U.S. companies are held accountable for human rights abuses overseas. Cisco is trying to limit the reach of the Alien Tort Statute, and the Trump administration is backing them up. This is a case to watch for anyone keeping an eye on the intersection of business and human rights.

Next, we're shifting gears to the Philippines. Defense Secretary Gilberto Teodoro is reassuring the world that the U.S. will still maintain its strategic presence in the Indo-Pacific despite the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. He's putting his trust in the U.S.-Philippines Mutual Defense Treaty, and he's not alone. The Philippines is also getting creative, looking to Japan for more defense support, especially now that Japan is lifting its long-standing restrictions on arms exports. This could change the defense landscape in the region, especially with China making increasingly bold moves in the South China Sea and around Taiwan.

Speaking of Taiwan, we're seeing some serious military activity in the Taiwan Strait. Chinese warships were recently spotted near the Penghu Islands, and Taiwan is on high alert. The presence of these ships near Taiwan's military bases is a reminder that tensions in the Strait are still on a razor's edge. Taiwan's military is keeping a close eye on the situation, but China's ongoing presence in the region is part of a broader strategy to apply pressure on Taiwan—incrementally, but relentlessly. We'll dive into what this means for the future of Taiwan's defense strategy.

And we've got more on the AI front. China has officially blocked Meta's acquisition of Manus, an AI startup, on national security grounds. This isn't just a business deal being undone—this is China flexing its tech sovereignty. Beijing is making it clear that they will not let AI talent or technology slip out of the country, even if it's been relocated to Singapore. This could set a precedent for how China handles tech deals with foreign companies moving forward. Meta's now scrambling to unwind the deal, and we'll talk about the potential fallout from this move.

Finally, we've got a cybersecurity update. China's Ministry of State Security is sounding the alarm about GPS location-spoofing apps. These apps could potentially be used by foreign intelligence agencies to gather sensitive data near military facilities. This is just another example of how China's counterintelligence operations are ramping up. The country is clearly not messing around when it comes to protecting its military secrets.

👉 Subscribe to The Restricted Handling Podcast https://www.restrictedhandling.com/ Get the daily intelligence brief Ryan and Glenn read covering Russia, China, Iran, North Korea, the Middle East, geopolitics, sanctions, military and intel operations. Save a few hours of your time getting ahead of the news cycle at restrictedhandling.com.