Trump Says US is Reinstating Blockade Against Iran | Balance of Power 07/13/2026

Summary

This episode of 'Balance of Power' covers the escalation of the US-Iran conflict, with President Trump reinstating a blockade and launching new strikes, causing oil prices to spike above $83/barrel. Kevin Book argues oil prices are headed higher due to Strait of Hormuz risks, while Senator Alan Armstrong discusses US energy resilience and the potential for Middle East pipeline bypasses. The sudden death of Senator Lindsey Graham and its impact on Russia sanctions legislation and Senate budget reconciliation are examined. Additional segments cover US efforts to stop China from reverse-engineering American AI models and Heather Conley's warning about strained US munitions stockpiles.

• US reinstates blockade on Iran and launches third night of strikes; oil surges with Brent above $83.
• Kevin Book says oil prices are headed higher as Strait of Hormuz flow risks rise.
• Senator Armstrong notes US natural gas abundance has kept domestic prices low and sees rapid Middle East pipeline buildout.
• Death of Senator Lindsey Graham leaves a leadership vacuum in the Senate and may affect Russia sanctions and budget reconciliation.
• AI labs accuse Chinese firms like Alibaba of adversarial distillation to copy US models.
• Heather Conley warns US munitions stockpiles are critically low, potentially boosting future defense procurement.