# The Escalation Trap: Why the Iran Conflict Could Get Much Worse

Page: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-smerconish-podcast-4474155/the-escalation-trap-why-the-iran-conflict-could-get-much-worse
Text version: https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-smerconish-podcast-4474155/the-escalation-trap-why-the-iran-conflict-could-get-much-worse.md
Podcast: [The Smerconish Podcast](https://stenobird.com/podcast/the-smerconish-podcast-4474155)
Published: 2026-05-27T20:23:07+00:00
Episode link: https://www.siriusxm.com
Audio file: https://dts.podtrac.com/redirect.mp3/sxm.simplecastaudio.com/d49edecb-af71-4e40-b63b-f7bdc3faae1b/episodes/fddd93cf-e473-431b-be60-89e5b571d2aa/audio/128/default.mp3?aid=rss_feed&awCollectionId=d49edecb-af71-4e40-b63b-f7bdc3faae1b&awEpisodeId=fddd93cf-e473-431b-be60-89e5b571d2aa&feed=Dv1m2CJC
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Duration seconds: 1172

## Resource

Michael speaks with University of Chicago political scientist Dr. Robert Pape about the growing conflict with Iran, rising oil prices, and the strategic dangers of what Pape calls the “Escalation Trap.” From the Strait of Hormuz to the risks of ground operations and global economic fallout, Pape argues the U.S. may have underestimated both Iran’s capabilities and the long-term consequences of military escalation. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

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## Transcript

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