The Ukraine Pivot Is Real—And It’s All About Iran

<p>Sponsor Info:</p><p>1. Head to https://policygenius.com/LOCKDOWN to compare life insurance quotes from top companies and see how much you could save.</p><p>2. See if a gold IRA is the right move for you - go to Http://LockdownGold.com or text “Liberty&quot; to 35052 to get your free guide from Augusta Precious Metals.</p><p><br></p><p>Clint Russell argues that Trump is preparing an October surprise by quietly de-escalating (or abandoning) the Ukraine conflict—through pressure on Zelensky, reduced Starlink/Starshield support, and a possible understanding with Putin—so he can escalate hard against Iran, potentially targeting Kharg Island and Iranian oil infrastructure or potentially a MOAB. He ties this to Trump’s midterm panic, oil-price fallout from the Strait of Hormuz and refinery strikes, NATO signaling a softer line on Russia, and what he sees as Israel-first hawks (including Shapiro) pushing a high-risk gambit that could trigger broader Gulf retaliation. The episode also covers Trump-admin corruption claims, the death-penalty debate in light of Charlie Kirk’s old comments, and a local candidate’s unhinged rant. Russell views the Ukraine pivot as welcome if real, but the Iran escalation as a dangerous, ego- and donor-driven trap.</p><p><br></p><p>Chapters</p><p>00:00 Intro &amp; midterms lost</p><p>01:20 Trump on Iran leadership &amp; “we went too far”</p><p>02:40 Ukraine vs. Iran: oil, refineries &amp; diesel</p><p>05:10 Zelensky blames Iran war for oil spike; Trump claims ceasefire</p><p>07:00 Trump calls for new Ukrainian leader</p><p>09:40 Zelensky on Fox &amp; elections</p><p>11:30 Starlink/Starshield slowdown &amp; Elon’s response</p><p>14:10 US nerfs Ukraine support to show who’s boss</p><p>15:50 NATO (Rutte) softens on Russia threat</p><p>16:40 Kellogg backs Ukraine refinery strikes</p><p>17:50 Reading the tea leaves: Putin deal for Iran focus</p><p>19:30 Shapiro on bombing Kharg Island</p><p>21:10 October surprise: limited Kharg/Iran escalation</p><p>23:20 Midterm timing &amp; “shock and awe” gamble</p><p>26:00 Fuentes on Trump-admin corruption &amp; impeachment risk</p><p>29:00 Houthis hit Saudi; petrodollar &amp; Israel treaty talk</p><p>32:40 Charlie Kirk/Knowles on death penalty &amp; state power</p><p>37:20 Local Democrat candidate’s rant</p><p>40:10 Shapiro on “Jewish” identity &amp; Israel</p><p>41:50 Outro</p><p><br></p><p>New Clip Channel, please subscribe! It&#39;s great: https://www.youtube.com/@UC_1E2DuUw3MJI-OiDVBNQjA </p><p><b