The John Batchelor Show

Bill Gertz and Gordon Chang — Rose Gottemoeller suggests Vladimir Putin nearly used tactical nuclear weapons in 2022 to stop a military rout, allegedly dissuaded by private pressure from the U.S., China, and India; reports indicate China is now providing covert military training to Russian forces. (3)
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Samuel Ben-Ur — The Board of Peace remains underfunded, with only $23 million confirmed of the $17 billion pledged; Hamas rejected an eight-month disarmament plan, its leadership has largely relocated from Qatar to Turkey, and Netanyahu's political standing depends on his hardline refusal to cede Gaza territory. (2)
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Samuel Ben-Ur — Israel controls 70% of Gaza, creating a buffer zone while Hamas remains on the coast; 98% of the population resides on the Hamas-controlled side, where the group exploits humanitarian aid for revenue, and the Board of Peace proposes a "pilot zone" in Tel Sultan for non-Hamas civilians. (1)
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STREAMING MAKING OF THE JBS, FEATURING SAMUEL BEN-UR, 7-13-261900 BRUSSELSThe provided text features a broadcast transcript detailing heightened military tensions across the Middle East and Ukraine, specifically focusing on the risk of nuclear escalation. Host John Batchelor discusses reports that Vladimir Putin considered using tactical nuclear weapons during the Ukraine conflict, questioning why global leaders withheld this information from the public. The dialogue transitions to the ongoing war in Gaza, where Samuel Ben-Ur explains that Hamas maintains control over the population by dominating food and aid distribution. While the Board of Peace has proposed creating Hamas-free pilot zones for civilians, such plans remain stalled due to a lack of funding and the group's refusal to disarm. Ultimately, the sources highlight a dangerous global landscape defined by illegal maritime closures in the Strait of Hormuz and the collapse of traditional diplomatic safeguards. (1)Corrections: John Bachelor → John Batchelor; Samuel Benner → Samuel Ben-Ur.

Preview for Later Today: Edmund Fitton-Brown. Strategic Control of the Strait of Hormuz. Edmund Fitton-Brownproposes making the Strait of Hormuz the centerpiece of U.S. strategy to weaken the Iranian regime. He believes imposing international will over this waterway provides a viable way out of regional aggression.
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Preview for Later Today: Janatan Sayeh. Internal Unrest and Protests in Tehran. Janatan Sayeh details active street protests in Tehran following renewed military tensions between the U.S. and Iran. He explains that even restricted internet access allows citizens to organize and challenge the regime's control.
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Preview for Later Today: Samuel Ben-Ur analyzes the precarious status of Gaza, noting that disarmament of Hamas is the prerequisite for rebuilding. He highlights that nearly the entire population remains under Hamas control, stalling any peace conversion efforts.
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Preview for Later Today: Bill Gertz evaluates the potential for Vladimir Putin to deploy tactical nuclear weapons. He cites escalating Ukrainian drone strikes on Russian infrastructure and the dire military situations that might trigger such a catastrophic decision.
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Preview for Later Today: Mark Simon discusses the ongoing imprisonment of six Apple Daily editors in Hong Kong. He details the irregular legal proceedings and the harsh ten-year sentences imposed on those deemed a threat to the state.

Preview for Later Today: Bob Zimmerman updates the status of the SaxaVord Spaceport launch window for the German rocket RFA One. Despite the announcement, he questions if the UK's permanent civil service will actually permit this sovereign orbital attempt.