Interviews 02
Interviews 02
June 18, 2026

Larry Johnson: "ENOUGH!" - Vice President JD Vance SLAMS Netanyahu's Government in Heated Rant

YouTube · sEoIzK51T3U

Quick Read

JD Vance delivered a stark warning to Israel's cabinet, emphasizing US indispensable support and the severe economic consequences driving a shift in US policy towards the Middle East, including a new Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran.
JD Vance publicly admonished Israeli cabinet members for criticizing the US President, highlighting US military aid and diplomatic isolation.
The Trump administration's pivot is primarily driven by an impending US oil reserve depletion, forcing a deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz.
This shift is causing a re-evaluation of long-held alliances, with US military assets withdrawing and regional powers like GCC countries exploring closer ties with Iran.

Summary

The podcast dissects the repercussions of a new US-Iran Memorandum of Understanding (MOU), highlighting a significant shift in US foreign policy towards Israel. JD Vance, a prominent figure in the Trump administration, publicly criticized members of Netanyahu's cabinet for attacking the US President, reminding them that the US is Israel's sole powerful ally and provides two-thirds of its defensive weaponry. Larry Johnson, the guest, characterized Israel's behavior as 'entitled spoiled child' and noted a growing US frustration, evidenced by the withdrawal of US air assets from the region. The discussion reveals that Trump's administration is driven by an impending economic crisis due to depleted oil reserves, necessitating the opening of the Strait of Hormuz. This economic imperative overrides traditional pro-Israel political pressures, leading to a bipartisan shift in opinion, even among former staunch Israel supporters like Hillary Clinton. The episode also touches on the practical difficulties of resuming oil flow and the changing regional dynamics, including GCC countries looking to invest in Iran and the effective destruction of US military presence in the Gulf.
This episode reveals a critical inflection point in US foreign policy, where economic necessity is forcing a re-evaluation of long-standing alliances and geopolitical strategies. The public rebuke of Israel by a high-ranking US official, coupled with the withdrawal of military support and a new agreement with Iran, signals a profound shift that could reshape the Middle East's power dynamics. For businesses and policymakers, understanding this pivot is crucial for anticipating future energy market stability, regional conflicts, and the evolving roles of global powers like China and Russia in the Middle East.

Takeaways

  • JD Vance issued a strong public statement criticizing Israeli cabinet members for attacking the US President, emphasizing US military and diplomatic support for Israel.
  • Larry Johnson described Israel's behavior as 'entitled spoiled child' and indicated that the US is withdrawing air combat command assets from the region.
  • The Trump administration's shift is driven by a dire economic forecast, with oil reserves projected to be depleted in four weeks, necessitating the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz.
  • Hillary Clinton, a former staunch supporter of Israel, has also begun criticizing Israel's behavior, acknowledging that the US was 'played' by Netanyahu's government.
  • The MOU with Iran includes lifting sanctions, unfreezing assets, ending the blockade, acknowledging Iranian authority over the Strait of Hormuz, and ending fighting in Lebanon.
  • Despite the MOU, resuming oil flow from the Persian Gulf faces significant logistical challenges, including mine clearance (potentially 6 months) and damaged infrastructure.
  • US military presence in the Gulf is severely diminished, with the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain reportedly destroyed, forcing a re-evaluation of regional security architecture.
  • GCC countries, particularly Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are reportedly looking to invest heavily in Iran, seeking to de-escalate regional tensions and protect their economic interests.
  • China and Pakistan have reportedly warned Israel against assassinating Iranian diplomats, indicating broader international involvement in regional stability.

Insights

1JD Vance's Public Rebuke of Israel

JD Vance, a key figure in the Trump administration, publicly criticized members of Netanyahu's cabinet for attacking the US President. He reminded them that Donald Trump is the only sympathetic head of state to Israel globally and that two-thirds of Israel's defensive weapons are American-made and funded by US taxpayers. Vance implied that Israel risks losing its most powerful ally by alienating the US.

JD Vance stated, 'Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time. And he happens to be the head of state of the world's superpower. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world.' He added, '2/3 of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars.'

2US Policy Shift Driven by Economic Crisis

The Trump administration's decision to pursue a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with Iran and distance itself from Israel is primarily driven by an impending economic crisis in the US. The President reportedly received a briefing indicating that US oil reserves would be depleted in four weeks, necessitating the immediate reopening of the Strait of Hormuz to ensure oil flow.

Larry Johnson stated, 'it appears that the info the briefing he got over the weekend about the severe crisis that's going to unfold if they don't get the straight open and get oil flowing that it's going to be a real problem.' The host also mentioned, 'Donald Trump that we are four we are four weeks away from, you know, the oil reserves four weeks away to be totally depleted.'

3Israel's 'Spoiled Child' Behavior and US Withdrawal of Support

Larry Johnson characterized Israel as acting like an 'entitled spoiled child' that believes it can criticize and act against the US without repercussions. In response to this and the broader policy shift, the US is actively withdrawing military assets, including Air Combat Command aircraft, from bases in Jordan, Israel, and the Gulf, signaling a reduction in direct US military backing.

Larry Johnson stated, 'Israel is acting like a, you know, an entitled spoiled child. And that they can say anything they want, do anything they want uh to Donald Trump with no repercussions.' He also noted, 'Air Combat Command for uh, Central Command is working frantically right now to start bringing all of the US aircraft that deployed to Jordan and to Israel... they're pulling them all back.'

4Hillary Clinton's Shift in Stance on Israel

Even traditionally strong pro-Israel figures like Hillary Clinton have begun to criticize Israel's actions. Clinton admitted that during her tenure as Secretary of State, Netanyahu's government 'played' the US by constantly pushing for an attack on Iran, even threatening to launch their own planes.

Hillary Clinton stated, 'He would basically say, um, we need we need to, uh, you need to support us in attacking Iran.' She added, 'I was on the phone for hours with Ehud, with Bibi, with others, you know. And they would say things like, you know, our planes are on the tarmac.' When asked if she was being played, she responded, 'All the time. All the time.'

Bottom Line

The US is being 'shut out of the Gulf' militarily, with the Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain reportedly destroyed and no viable alternative bases, forcing a complete re-evaluation of its regional military posture.

So What?

This signifies a dramatic reduction in US power projection and influence in the Persian Gulf, creating a power vacuum that regional actors and other global powers (China, Russia) are likely to fill, fundamentally altering the security architecture of the Middle East.

Impact

This creates opportunities for regional powers to forge new security alliances and economic partnerships, potentially leading to a more multipolar and self-reliant Middle East security framework, less dependent on external powers.

GCC countries, notably Saudi Arabia and Qatar, are actively pursuing significant investments in Iran, with JD Vance mentioning a potential $300 billion investment.

So What?

This indicates a strategic pivot by Gulf states to de-escalate tensions and integrate economically with Iran, aiming to safeguard their own interests and diminish the risk of regional conflict, especially given Israel's unpredictable behavior and the US's shifting allegiances.

Impact

This could foster greater regional economic integration and stability, creating new trade routes and investment opportunities within the Middle East, potentially reducing the likelihood of proxy wars and fostering a more cooperative regional environment.

Lessons

  • Monitor US energy policy and global oil markets closely, as the US's reliance on stable oil flow from the Persian Gulf is now a primary driver of its foreign policy decisions.
  • Analyze the evolving geopolitical landscape in the Middle East, recognizing the diminished US military presence and the increasing autonomy and cooperation among regional powers, including Iran and GCC states.
  • Evaluate the long-term implications of a US foreign policy shift away from unconditional support for Israel, considering how this might impact regional stability, defense industries, and diplomatic efforts.
  • Pay attention to the internal political dynamics within the US, as the economic imperative to secure oil flow is clashing with traditional pro-Israel lobbying, indicating a potential realignment of political influence.
  • Consider the logistical challenges of resuming global oil supply, such as mine clearance and infrastructure repair in the Persian Gulf, which could delay market stabilization for several months despite diplomatic agreements.

Notable Moments

JD Vance's direct and forceful public criticism of Israeli cabinet members for attacking the US President, reminding them of US support and Israel's diplomatic isolation.

This marks a rare and significant public rebuke from a high-ranking US official, signaling a clear shift in the US-Israel relationship and a willingness to challenge Israel's actions openly.

Hillary Clinton's admission that Netanyahu's government 'played' the US during her time as Secretary of State by constantly pushing for an attack on Iran.

This reveals a bipartisan disillusionment with Israel's past diplomatic tactics and validates the perception of US officials feeling manipulated, further contributing to the current policy shift.

The revelation that the US Fifth Fleet headquarters in Bahrain was 'totally destroyed' and US military assets are being pulled out of the Gulf region.

This is a concrete demonstration of the US's diminished military footprint and vulnerability in the region, directly impacting its ability to project power and influence, and forcing a re-evaluation of regional security.

Quotes

"

"Donald J. Trump is the only head of state in the entire world who is sympathetic to the nation of Israel at this moment in time. And he happens to be the head of state of the world's superpower. If I was in the cabinet of the Israeli government, I might not be attacking the only powerful ally that I have anywhere left in the entire world."

J.D. Vance
"

"2/3 of the defensive weapons that have protected your homeland have been built by American hands and paid for by American tax dollars. The problem for Israel is not Donald J. Trump."

J.D. Vance
"

"Israel is acting like a, you know, an entitled spoiled child. And that they can say anything they want, do anything they want uh to Donald Trump with no repercussions."

Larry Johnson
"

"We are four weeks away from, you know, the oil reserves four weeks away to be totally depleted."

Host (quoting Donald Trump)
"

"His balls are in a vice. And it does And Israel doesn't have have leverage the the fear of the economic collapse of this economy."

Larry Johnson
"

"The United States is getting shut out of the Gulf. It is, you know, the talk like what of Iran's demands is that the which US withdraw troops from around from around it. Well, they've already done that actually in part not because they were reacting to that agreement, but because their base got destroyed. They hadn't have any place to left to stay."

Larry Johnson

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