Episode Details

Bestselling military thriller author J. Len Sciuto returned to The Neil Haley Show for another intense geopolitical discussion, focusing on the growing alliance between Iran and China, the Strait of Hormuz crisis, and the long-term economic battle shaping global power.Sciuto, author of Hades Crypt, Tango Down China Sea, and The Devil’s Delegation, blended military expertise, historical context, and strategic analysis into a conversation that explored how modern conflicts are increasingly fought through economics, technology, and energy control rather than traditional warfare alone.27 Weeks on the Bestseller ListBefore diving into world affairs, Len reflected on the continued success of Hades Crypt, which has remained on the bestseller list for 27 consecutive weeks.He thanked readers for supporting his work and reminded listeners that two-thirds of his book royalties go to support junior enlisted military personnel (E-1 through E-4).Len also shared updates on his upcoming thriller, Desperate Countermeasures, which centers on a terrorist organization targeting the authors of a national nuclear contingency plan in an effort to neutralize America’s emergency response systems.Iran, China, and the Oil ConnectionA major focus of the interview centered on China’s dependence on Iranian oil and why the Strait of Hormuz remains one of the most strategically important waterways in the world.According to Len:

• China imports approximately 1.4 million barrels of Iranian crude oil per day
• Iran supplies over 80–90% of its oil exports to China
• Kharg Island handles roughly 90% of Iran’s crude exports
• Any disruption to those exports threatens China’s energy security

Len explained that China has attempted to avoid direct involvement in the conflict while still maintaining strong economic ties with Iran. However, recent incidents — including an attack on a Chinese-linked tanker — have increased tensions dramatically.“China’s Goal Is Economic Dominance”One of the most striking moments of the interview came when Len explained that China may not need a traditional military invasion to challenge the United States.“They don’t need a war with us. Their philosophy is economic takeover.”Sciuto pointed to:

• China’s manufacturing dominance
• Global infrastructure investments
• Technology leadership
• Expansion through trade relationships
• Growing naval strength

He also referenced China’s Belt and Road Initiative, a massive global infrastructure strategy connecting Asia, Africa, Europe, and South America through ports, railways, energy projects, and transportation systems.According to Len, China is steadily expanding its influence worldwide while reducing dependence on Western-controlled economic systems.The “Axis of Evasion”Len described what he calls the “Axis of Evasion,” a growing alliance between:

• China
• Russia
• Iran
• North Korea

He explained that these nations increasingly cooperate through:

• Alternative trade systems
• Shared supply chains
• Military technology exchanges
• Economic sanction workarounds
• Intelligence and cyber capabilities

Len warned that this alliance represents a modern form of Cold War competition — what he referred to as a “stealth war.”The Strait of Hormuz Remains a Critical FlashpointSciuto also broke down why the Strait of Hormuz remains such a dangerous geopolitical pressure point.The strait:

• Is only about 21–22 miles wide
• Handles nearly 20% of the world’s oil shipments
• Contains narrow shipping channels vulnerable to attack
• Has seen rising tensions involving drones, mines, missiles, and naval confrontations

Len explained how thousands of ships remain delayed or trapped due to the ongoing instability and how disruptions there could dramatically impact global oil prices and economic stability.Concerns About I