Battle Lines: Israel-Gaza

What's it like to be taken hostage by the Iranian regime and imprisoned for months on end in Evin, Tehran's most notorious prison, amid an unprecedented war with the US and Israel?On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant speaks to Joe Bennett, son of Lindsay Foreman, who has been detained since January 2025 with her husband Craig Foreman while on a round-the-world motorcycle tour. The British couple were this year sentenced to 10 years in prison over charges of espionage, which they deny and the British government has called “appalling” and “unjustifiable”.Bennett discusses the harrowing conditions faced by his mum and their gruelling hunger strike protest. He shares the “chilling” moment he was on the phone with Lindsay while Israel conducted air strikes on Evin prison, saying he had “never heard screams like it”. He also blames the UK for not doing more to support his mother and other British hostages before her such as Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe and Anoosheh Ashoori. Plus: Iran has launched a further wave of strikes on US bases in Kuwait and the UAE, and Donald Trump has suggested the Strait of Hormuz should be renamed the 'Trump Strait'.Highlights'My mum was in Evin prison when Israel bombed it'Joe Bennett on his mother Lindsay Foreman's experience being held hostage by IranCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantJoe Bennett, son of Iran detainee Lindsay Foreman WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Joe Bennett: Starmer is allowing my mother to languish in Iranian jailhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/01/02/starmer-allowing-my-mother-to-languish-in-iranian-jail/In Iran's most notorious prison, I survived the very worst of human naturehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/08/mahvash-sabet-open-wide-the-doors/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Peter Shevlin Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has ordered the deadliest attacks against Iranian targets since July, striking IRGC air defense systems, radars, telecommunications - and reportedly a wedding party. On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant look at the fresh round of deadly escalating violence, including Iran's retaliatory missile and drone barrage targeting US positions in Jordan, Iraq and the UAE, as well as killing sailors in the Strait of Hormuz. Plus, SOAS's China Institute director Steve Tsang breaks down Beijing's calculated gamble on the Iran war, how China is building a new world order around itself, and why Xi Jinping is kicking himself that the PLA isn't ready to invade Taiwan at this opportune moment. HighlightsUS strikes hit IRGC bases & Iran-Russia supersonic missile deal exposedWhy Xi Jinping is kicking himself that the PLA isn't ready to invade TaiwanCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyRoland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantSteve Tsang, director SOAS China Institute WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Iran attacks US bases after claiming American missiles hit wedding partyhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/09/02/us-strikes-iran-airport/Russia secretly helped Iran build missiles to target US warshipshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/02/russia-helps-iran-build-c340l-supersonic-cruise-missiles/Steve Tsang and Olivia Cheung: China's Global Strategy under Xi Jinpinghttps://global.oup.com/academic/product/chinas-global-strategy-under-xi-jinping-9780197828816Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh and Lucy HadlowStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

For the first time in over a month, fighting has erupted in the Strait of Hormuz after US forces struck Iranian sea mine-equipped rocket launchers on Larak Island. Iran retaliated by targeting US bases in Jordan, prompting Donald Trump to vow to hit Iran “hard”. On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant unpack the details of the violence and why Trump has posted an AI video of an attack on Kharg Island. They also discuss why President Masoud Pezeshkian is calling for a return to the Memorandum of Understanding peace deal amid growing pressure on Iran's economy from the US blockade. Plus, a leaked report shows top military commanders have warned Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth that the war is unsustainable, as US Army Secretary Dan Driscoll abruptly resigns amid growing chaos in the Pentagon. Picture credit: Trump / Truth Social - note, this image was AI generatedHighlightsTrump threatens Iran oil hub after US Jordan base attackedUS military warns war unsustainable amid growing Pentagon chaosCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyRoland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:US strikes Iran for first time in a monthhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/30/pete-hegseth-told-not-to-extend-iran-war/Trump posts AI video of Kharg Island being ‘blown to smithereens'https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/31/donald-trump-ai-video-kharg-island-iran-middle-east/Washington Post: Military leaders warn Hegseth against extending Iran war operationshttps://www.washingtonpost.com/national-security/2026/08/30/military-leaders-warn-hegseth-against-extending-iran-war-operations/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

"Israel is in a situation of kind of spectacular military virtuosity, but also strategic impoverishment. You cannot kill everybody." On today's bank holiday bonus episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to historian Simon Sebag-Montefiore to get a historian's view of the US-Israel-Iran war. Simon argues that Donald Trump's biggest mistake was not stopping after 2025's Operation Midnight Hammer, and that Benjamin Netanyahu is leading his country into a potential intra-Jewish civil war. Plus, why the Iranian regime is a Mahdist-praetorian oligarchy, how the geopolitical concept of "the Middle East" became obsolete, and which dictators from the region's modern history haunt him. Simon Sebag Montefiore's new book, The Cauldron: The Making of the Modern Middle East, is out now.HighlightsTrump's mistakes, Israel's overreach and the end of the ‘Middle East'Historian and author Simon Sebag-Montefiore on the Iran warCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineySimon Sebag-Montefiore, historian and author @simonmontefioreWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Simon Sebag Montefiore: Appeasing radical activists will make the West ungovernablehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/books/authors/simon-sebag-montefiore-the-cauldron-interview/Simon Sebag Montefiore: Starmer's foreign policy risks rewarding aggressive extremistshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2024/09/07/montefiore-starmers-foreign-policy-rewards-extremists/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Joleen GoffinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Six months into the Iran conflict, the war has devolved into an economic ‘quagmire' as the US shifts strategy from kinetic strikes to prolonged blockade tactics under "Operation Economic Outcast". On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Henry Bodkin speaks with Chief Washington Correspondent Connor Stringer to discuss why Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth could be in the firing line for a post-midterm cabinet purge as Trump desperately seeks a scapegoat for his low approval ratings and Iran war stalemate. They analyse how outgoing Mossad chief Dedi Barnea is pushing for total regime collapse in Tehran, and why Benjamin Netanyahu is openly defying Trump on Gaza peace terms.Plus, they dissect CIA Director John Ratcliffe's flight to Moscow, Mark Carney's trade counter-attacks and the growing friction over prospective British sanctions in the West Bank.HighlightsSix Months of War: The Iran Quagmire & Operation Economic OutcastTrump Isolated? Netanyahu Defiance, Carney Tariffs, and UK West Bank SanctionsCONTRIBUTORS:Henry Bodkin, Jerusalem correspondent @HenryBodkinConnor Stringer, chief Washington correspondent @connorstringerWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: David Dargahi Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Sophia Yan is joined by Middle East scholar Vali Nasr to assess the state of the conflict as it hits the six-month mark. They discuss why Washington's security umbrella in the Gulf is collapsing, how US naval exhaustion is forcing warships to retreat to Asia, and why China stands to emerge as the ultimate winner of the war.Plus, why Israel and Turkey could be heading toward a new frontline in Syria, and what will come of the diplomatic flurry occurring between Gulf countries, as the Qatari Prime Minister makes his way to Tehran for further talks? HighlightsDiplomatic Flurry: What will come of recent Iran, Oman, and Qatar negotiations? Great-Power Shift: How China wins from US exhaustionCONTRIBUTORS:Sophia Yan, senior foreign correspondent, @sophia_yanVali Nasr, scholar in Middle Eastern studies, Professor at Johns Hopkins-SAIS @vali_nasrWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: David Dargahi Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the US-Iran war approaches the six-month mark, CIA Director John Ratcliffe makes a secret eight-hour flight to Moscow to meet with Russian officials. On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant and senior foreign correspondent Adrian Blomfield analyze whether Donald Trump offering Vladimir Putin a trade-off on Ukraine to sever Moscow's backing of Tehran, or issuing a direct intelligence warning against Russian regional escalation. Meanwhile, China has hit back against Scott Bessent's ‘Operation Economic Outcast' sanctions, calling them “illegal” and pledging to protect commerce. Plus, Tehran has issued a $10M assassination bounty targeting Donald Trump's son Barron, while questions mount over whether Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei is dead or incapacitated while the regime rules via a "phantom" leadership. Highlights6 months of war: Has Trump settled into a long-game strategy?Phantom Leader: Is Mojtaba Khamenei Dead or Incapacitated?CONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantAdrian Blomfield, senior foreign correspondent @adrianblomfield WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: David Dargahi Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran shut down a British power plant for four days in an unprecedented cyber attack, in what can be described as the most serious incident of its kind. On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant is joined in the studio by Telegraph National Security Editor Rozina Sabur to unpack her major exclusive on the Iranian cyber attack that disabled a British power plant. They discuss why the government tried to keep the breach quiet, how Iranian proxies are targeting Western infrastructure, and parliament's preparation to warn the public to prepare for future nationwide blackout scenarios.Plus, Washington has launched "Operation Economic Outcast," a sweeping financial blockade aiming to choke off Iran's remaining oil trade and throttle its regime. US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the key measures of the campaign, including secondary sanctions against buyers of Iranian crude.HighlightsTelegraph Exclusive: Iranian hackers disable UK power station for four days"Make sure you have candles": The UK must prepare for infrastructure blackoutsCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantRozina Sabur, national security editor @rozinasaburWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/22/iranian-hackers-shut-down-uk-power-plant/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/24/us-endgame-iran-trump-scott-bessent-treasury-middle-east/ Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: David Dargahi Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent set to announce the ‘greatest financial offensive ever' against Iran, Roland sits down with the Telegraph's chief foreign affairs commentator David Blair to discuss where the Iranian regime goes next and who might blink first.Meanwhile the Trump administration's blockade of Iranian ports has seen oil exports dwindle to near zero, with David adding that it may only be a matter of time before the regime goes bankrupt.The pair also discuss the Iranian cyber attack that shut down a UK power plant for several days and the scheduled meeting between Israel and Syria following a strike on a Syrian airbase last week.CONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantDavid Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator @davidblairdtWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Iranian hackers shut down UK power plantWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: David Dargahi Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the Strait of Hormuz closure pushes US petrol prices past $4 a gallon and Donald Trump's approval ratings hit rock bottom, the Republicans are increasingly worried the Iran war could create a “bloodbath” in the midterms. In this bonus episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by chief Washington correspondent Connor Stringer to look at five ways the Middle East conflict is actively reshaping domestic US politics, from the economy to splits in the Democrats and Republicans to record spending pro-Israel lobby group AIPAC. Could Trump lose the House of Representatives because of the war?Plus, how the November US midterm elections work, what's a Super PAC, and the key primary races you need to know about. HighlightsWhy Trump could lose the House over the Iran war‘It could be a bloodbath for the Republicans'CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyConnor Stringer, chief Washington correspondent @connorstringerWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Joleen Goffin and David DargahiVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

‘If there were a university delivering degrees in strategic malpractice, Donald Trump would without a doubt graduate summa cum laude.'On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant gets a damning assessment of the US-Iran war from one of America's most seasoned Middle East diplomats, Aaron David Miller. A former State Department analyst and negotiator across six Republican and Democratic administrations and now a senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace, Miller delivers a blunt verdict on Washington's strategic failures. As the Middle East conflict hits the six-month mark and the Strait of Hormuz remains officially closed, he explains why he can see no clear exit options for Trump. Despite Washington unleashing an "economic D-Day" and the "toughest sanctions in history," Tehran shows no sign of backing down. Plus, why Secretary of State Marco Rubio is MIA and how a “serious retrenchment” of US forces in the Gulf is likely, amid news that some bases may not be fully rebuilt after the war. Highlights‘Trump would graduate summa cum laude in strategic malpractice'Veteran US diplomat Aaron David Miller on the US-Iran war CONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantAaron David Miller, senior fellow at the Carnegie Endowment for International Peace @aarondmiller2WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: David Dargahi Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has vowed an ‘economic D-Day' to crush Iran, amid news that the US military is stealthily getting oil out of the Strait of Hormuz despite Tehran's attacks. Will US jets escorting tankers stop oil prices from rising further?In today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant talks to Matthew Savill, director of Military Sciences at the UK's Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), to dissect the reality of Iran's diminishing maritime leverage in the war, and how effective economic pressure will be on the Iranian regime. Plus, Britain's diminishing minehunting capabilities in the Middle East, why Iran views the UK as the ‘Little Satan', and what it's like to be attacked by Iranian-backed militias in Iraq. HighlightsDonald Trump vows ‘economic D-Day' to crush IranUS military stealthily getting oil out of the Strait of HormuzCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantMatthew Savill, RUSI director of Military Sciences, @MTSavillWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump declares ‘economic D-Day' against Iranhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/08/20/trump-declares-economic-d-day-iran-sanctions/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: David Dargahi Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UAE has dealt Iran a major blow by cutting off trade ties after accusing Tehran of firing two ballistic missiles towards the Gulf state. The missiles eventually landed outside territorial waters, but Abu Dhabi's swift response could close down Iran's key economic escape route.On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Sophia Yan unpacks the latest news from the Middle East war with Mahsa Alimardani, associate director of Technology Threats & Opportunities program at digital human rights group WITNESS. They discuss Iran's state-backed cyber attacks against the West, how the Internet blackout has affected Iran's economy and the unsophisticated AI around Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei.Plus, a new Iranian draft law that would criminalise speaking to foreign media, and news reports that Iran is assessing potential strikes against US military assets in Europe.HighlightsUAE cuts Iran's economic lifeline after ‘ballistic missile strikes'How the Internet blackout has affected Iran's economyCHAPTERS00:00:00 - UAE Imposes Trade Embargo Following Iranian Missile Attack00:01:11 - Trump Denies Iran Talks as Hormuz Blockade Escalates00:03:06 - Ground Reality: 90 Million Iranians Face Internal Warfare00:06:04 - Khamenei Disappears: AI Deepfakes Fuel Regime Crisis00:08:58 - US-Israel-Iran Conflict Drives Unprecedented AI Information War00:11:50 - Regime Weapons-Grade Propaganda Targets US Political Divide00:14:15 - White SIM Cards: How Elite Insiders Profit Off Internet Blackouts00:22:27 - US DOJ Charges 17 Iranian Hackers Over Mass Cyber Theft00:24:57 - Tehran Criminalizes Media Contact Under Zionist Law00:33:50 - Regime Insider Warning: Iran Prepares Strikes on US Bases in EuropeCONTRIBUTORS:Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yanMahsa Alimardani, associate director of Technology Threats & Opportunities program at WITNESS @mahsaalimardaniWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:US-Iran talks have stopped, says Trumphttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/08/18/us-iran-talks-have-stopped-says-trump/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: David DargahiVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran has attacked another vessel in the Strait of Hormuz, just a day after Donald Trump threatened to bomb US ally Oman if it “gets in the way” of comatose US negotiations with Tehran.On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by chief Washington correspondent Connor Stringer to discuss Trump's escalating frustration over the lack of a Strait of Hormuz deal and why he is hoping Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent might have a solution to the war as oil prices start to rise again. Plus, a secret backchannel between Washington and the IRGC via Iraqi Kurdistan, why Trump hasn't endorsed Netanyahu ahead of the Israeli election, and Yemen's government fights back against Iranian proxy group the Houthis. HighlightsOne casualty after Iran strikes ship in Strait of HormuzTrump threatens to bomb Oman for ‘misbehaving'CHAPTERS00:00 - Iran strikes ship in Strait of Hormuz01:58 - Trump threatens to bomb US ally Oman04:35 - Oil spikes to $90 as US treasury yield surges06:05 - Secret US backchannel to IRGC exposed09:55 - US launches economic siege as Iran strategy shifts11:50 - Iran vows Strait of Hormuz stays blocked15:15 - Yemen army launches 130+ strikes on Houthis16:45 - Trump sends Kushner and Blair to disarm Hamas23:20 - UN Security Council declared "not fit for purpose"25:20 - Trump's bid to replace UN chief with FIFA bossCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyConnor Stringer, chief Washington correspondent @connorstringerWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump threatens to bomb Oman over Iran dealhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/17/trump-threatens-to-bomb-oman-over-iran-deal/ Trump orders Bessent to cripple Iran's economyhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/08/12/trump-scott-bessent-end-iran-war/Ukraine: the Latest: https://linktr.ee/UkraineTheLatestAxios: Inside Trump's secret backchannel to Iran's Revolutionary Guardhttps://www.axios.com/2026/08/16/iran-backchannel-trump-gabbard-barzani-warWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Joleen Goffin Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-us-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the US-Iran ceasefire officially expires and the Strait of Hormuz remains closed, is Donald Trump considering using nuclear weapons to break the war stalemate? On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant discuss why US politician Marjorie Taylor Greene's bizarre nuclear claim may be less crazy than it first appears and how an underground nuclear facility at Pickaxe Mountain could be the potential target. They also look at the state of the war 60 days on from the ill-fated Memorandum of Understanding peace deal and why Iran is more bullish than ever. Meanwhile, US envoy Jared Kushner is in Israel to talk to Benjamin Netanyahu about Trump's Gaza peace deal after meeting with Hamas' leader in Egypt. Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin in the West Bank explains why and discusses his dispatch from the West Bank amid a rise in military operations and settler “terrorism”. Plus, Iran's missing pilots, the Houthis strike again in the Red Sea and why the Iran war has prompted Trump to scale back key US-South Korea military drills.HighlightsUS ‘weighing nuclear attack on Iran', claims Marjorie Taylor Greene Why Trump has scaled back key US-South Korea military drillsCHAPTERS:00:00:04 - Iran War 60-Day Peace Deal Deadline Expires 00:01:19 - Strait of Hormuz Transit Collapses Amid MoU Failure 00:05:42 - White House Contemplates Nuclear Options for Deep Iranian Bunkers 00:10:05 - Special Forces Operation Options Considered for Enriched Uranium 00:13:40 - US Pentagon Shifts Toward Tactical Nuclear Weapons Strategy 00:15:38 - Trump Reduces Freedom Shield Joint Military Drills with South Korea 00:19:22 - Iran Mystery Sukhoi Su-24 Air Strike on US Base in Qatar 00:20:47 - Middle East Escalation: Kurdistan Drone Strikes & Red Sea Attacks 00:24:47 - Jared Kushner & Tony Blair Lead Gaza Decommissioning Peace Talks 00:30:45 - West Bank Dispatch: Settler Siege and IDF Refugee Camp RaidsCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyRoland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantHenry Bodkin, Jerusalem correspondent @HenryBodkinWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:The beaten and bruised ‘political pawns' caught up in Israel's electionhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/17/beaten-and-bruised-political-pawns-israeli-election/Israeli settlers in West Bank siege are terrorists, US sayshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/14/us-denounces-israeli-settlers-as-terrorists-west-bank-siege/Israeli army surrounds last Christian town in West Bankhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/12/israeli-army-surrounds-last-christian-town-in-west-bank/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Audio Producer: Joleen GoffinVideo Producer: Max Bower and Elliott Daly Researcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US-Israel-Iran war has led to black rain and oil spills in the Strait of Hormuz - is the country facing an environmental crisis because of Donald Trump?In this weekend bonus edition of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant speaks with Kaveh Madani, the award-winning director of the UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health and also an exiled Iranian politician. They examine the live impact on the ground of the conflict, from power outages to water shortages. Plus, Tehran was on the brink of being evacuated due to a major drought last year, so what happened? Kaveh explains how Iran narrowly escaped a major catastrophe and the wild war-related conspiracy theories going around to explain it. HighlightsIran faces Strait of Hormuz oil spills, power outages and black rainThe escalating war damage to the Iranian environmentCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantKaveh Madani, director of the UN University Institute for Water, Environment and Health @KavehMadaniWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Listen to the previous interview with Kaveh Madani: ‘Worse than war with Israel': Why Iran's regime is on edgehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/11/10/worse-than-war-with-israel-why-irans-regime-is-on-edge/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy Watson and Chris JanuaryExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US has deployed a fresh aircraft carrier to the Middle East, vowing an "indefinite" naval blockade of Iran until the Strait of Hormuz is reopened - but China has other ideas. On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Sophia Yan speaks with Alicia Kearns MP, shadow minister for national security and former chair of the Foreign Affairs Select Committee. Fresh from a trip into the heart of the Pentagon, she explains how Iran's regime is withstanding the pressure of the war thanks to financial and technological assistance from Beijing. Plus, the “active and pernicious” Iranian intelligence service you've never heard of, why Donald Trump is guilty of historical revisionism when it comes to Nato, and whether the US is ready for the growing risk of a three-theatre conflict involving China and Taiwan.HIGHLIGHTSUS deploys fresh warship and vows indefinite Iran blockade How China is helping Iran win the war against the USCHAPTERS00:00 US vows indefinite blockade in Strait of Hormuz01:55 GOP disquiet inside Pentagon over Trump's Iran strategy03:00 Confronting the Pentagon on Trump's NATO revisionism05:32 The Three-Theater War: Russia, Strait of Hormuz, and Taiwan08:36 China becomes Iran's 'ventilator' against US sanctions11:00 Xi Jinping's naval show of force in Taiwan Strait17:50 MOIS: The lethal Iranian intel agency operating in the UK21:17 How Britain must dismantle Iranian hitmen & propaganda29:40 Iranian assassination threats against Trump37:38 Russian shadow fleet tanker explosion off OmanCONTRIBUTORS:Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yanAlicia Kearns, MP and shadow minister for national security @aliciakearnsWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Alicia Kearns: Labour must shut down Iranian assets operating in Britainhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/01/labour-must-shut-down-iranian-assets-operating-in-britain/US navy sailor jumps overboard after 250 days at seahttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/13/us-navy-sailors-jump-overboard-after-nine-months-at-sea/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As Donald Trump's Iran war drags on and hostilities continue in the Strait of Hormuz and Red Sea, global energy markets are being reshaped - not by OPEC or the US, but by China. On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey talks to world economy editor Ambrose Evans-Pritchard about how Beijing has weaponised its internal oil demand to keep oil prices stable and bypass Saudi Arabia, even as US Strategic Petroleum Reserves have plunged to their lowest level since 1983. Why have oil prices remained largely stable and are those figures masking underlying economic turmoil?Plus: how the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz is pushing Iraq to the brink of total economic collapse and the worrying news of a recent Pew Survey measuring attitudes towards the US vs China. HighlightsIran war drains US strategic petroleum reserves to 40-year lowHow Beijing has kept oil prices stable and bypassed Saudi ArabiaCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyAmbrose Evans-Pritchard, world economy editor WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Ambrose Evans-Pritchard: Trump's eternal March of Folly on Iranhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/07/31/trumps-eternal-march-of-folly-on-iran/Trump targets Iran's economy as military campaign faltershttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/08/12/trump-scott-bessent-end-iran-war/Iran war threatens to cripple growth, Treasury warns Burnhamhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/08/12/iran-war-threatens-to-cripple-growth-treasury-warns-burnham/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The Iran-backed Houthis have carried out their first deadly strikes of the war, killing six mariners in a double-tap ballistic missile attack on a cargo vessel in the Red Sea. Meanwhile, near the Strait of Hormuz, US Navy helicopters have fired Hellfire missiles to disable a ship breaking Donald Trump's blockade.On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by veteran British Army officer Tim Collins, famous for his ‘tread lightly' speech prior to leading British troops into Iraq in 2003 (and dramatised by Kenneth Branagh in the 2008 BBC series 10 Days to War). Just back from a trip to Bahrain, Tim unpacks the difficult position the Gulf is now in and the parallels between the Iraq and Iran regimes. Plus, is this America's Suez Crisis? Tim argues that US dominance is declining as a result of the fast-escalating conflict and offers a piece of advice to Trump for how to end the war.CREDIT: BBC HighlightsUS Navy fires Hellfires as Houthi Red Sea strikes kill first marinersIs the Iran war America's Suez Crisis moment?CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyTim Collins, former British Army officer @tim_324WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Tim Collins: Britain's old friend and ally in the Gulf would welcome us backhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/10/britains-old-friend-and-ally-in-the-gulf-would-welcome-us/Britain opens first naval overseas base in 50 years in sign of ‘global reach' ​​https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2018/04/05/britain-opens-first-naval-overseas-base-50-years-sign-global/Col. Tim Collins' full speech, Kuwait, 19 March, 2003https://www.dajobe.org/2003/03/collins/BBC: 10 Days to War mini series https://www.bbc.co.uk/programmes/b009rcp0Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran's proxy group the Houthis have launched fresh missile attacks on Yemeni ports in the Red Sea as their conflict with Saudi Arabia heats up. A new war in the Arabian Peninsula is now inevitable, according to former Yemeni diplomat Mahmoud Shehrah.On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant talks to Chatham House's Shehrah to unpack the Houthis' intentions and to what extent they are acting on Tehran's orders. Could they close the Bab al-Mendab strait and what can the West do about it?Plus, news of an Iranian assassination plot against Donald Trump that forced him to hide in an airplane catering trolley, and why the US president is now demanding war reparations from Iran to resolve their dispute over the Strait of Hormuz. HighlightsIran's proxy group the Houthis restarting the Yemen warIran's Trump assassination plot exposedCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantMahmoud Shehrah, former Yemeni diplomat and associate fellow Chatham House @shehrah_mahmoud WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump demands ‘reparations' from Iranhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/08/10/trump-demands-reparations-iran/Trump sneaked out of Turkey in catering cart over Iranian plot fearshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/08/11/trump-secret-flight-turkey-iran-plot-air-force-one/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran has issued a series of demands to the US in return for reopening the Strait of Hormuz - everything from war reparations to withdrawing regional military assets. Many of them echo the previous peace deal, so will Donald Trump accept?On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey and Sophia Yan look at who is in a stronger position. Trump's naval blockade has forced Tehran's primary oil terminal on Kharg Island to grind to a halt and is pushing food inflation above 200 per cent in some cases. But Iran has just appointed a hardline new security council leader who has vowed to retain full control of Hormuz. Plus, why Tehran has released an old video of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, Houthi attacks on a Saudi oil refinery puts the new Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan Mecca defence pact to an early test, and Israel's Benjamin Netanyahu explicitly rejects Donald Trump's 15-point Gaza peace deal.HighlightsUS blockade squeezes Iran as main oil terminal goes darkTehran names price to reopen the Strait of HormuzCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineySophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yanWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Iran names price to reopen Strait of Hormuzhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/09/iran-names-price-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz/ As one oil chokepoint calms, Houthis threaten anotherhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/08/war-yemen-threatens-drag-middle-east-deeper-crisis/Israel rejects Trump's Gaza planhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/09/benjamin-netanyahu-israel-donald-trump-gaza-plan-hamas/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump is holding off on any further military action against Iran in the hope of striking a diplomatic breakthrough to end the war - but is he wasting his time?For this bonus episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Iranian-American entrepreneur and former refugee Payam Zamani. He argues that the Iranian regime cannot be trusted and that the West repeatedly misunderstands the Islamic Republic, which is built on martyrdom, brutality and religious fanaticism. Payam knows this from experience. Born into a Baha'i family in 1970s Tehran, he was repeatedly persecuted and eventually fled Iran on foot after being chased out of school by a violent mob. He offers a rare insider look at how the Islamic Republic operates by looking at how it crushes minorities and any dissent. HighlightsWhy Trump can't trust Iran: the fatal flaw in any peace dealIRGC brutality, being a Baha'i and escaping Iran with Payam Zamani CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyPayam Zamani, CEO/founder One Planet Group @PayamZamaniWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan have signed a historic trilateral defence agreement containing a Nato-style mutual assistance clause. As the Iranian threat - including from its proxies in Yemen and Iraq - grows, is this the future of security in the Middle East?On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Sophia Yan is joined by Miad Maleki, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and former Pentagon lead sanctions architect. They discuss how much control Tehran still has over its proxies, growing internal dissent in Iran over the Strait of Hormuz deal, and whether Tehran is stringing out the war to avoid further protests. Plus, how China enables Iran to bypass Western sanctions. HighlightsSaudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan sign Nato-style pact against IranHow China enables Iran to bypass Western sanctionsCONTRIBUTORS:Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yanMiad Maleki, senior fellow at the Foundation for Defence of Democracies @miadmalekiWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Iran considers banning US and Israeli ships from Strait of Hormuzhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/07/iran-considers-banning-us-israeli-ships-strait-of-hormuz/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter Shevlin Researcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Iran and Oman are reported to be on the verge of signing a historic deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz that would put Tehran in control of all inbound traffic. Will Donald Trump approve the deal - and with the US apparently cut out of negotiations, does he have any choice?On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to chief Washington correspondent Connor Stringer about how the deal would work, the tolls - or fees - it could involve for transiting ships, and why no deal can permanently solve the waterway's instability in the long-run. Plus, fresh violence in Lebanon between Israel and Hezbollah, an “argument” between Trump and Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth over missile stockpiles, and why Tucker Carlson is heading up a splinter MAGA group that is furious about the US-Iran war. Could Tucker run for president in 2028?HighlightsIran-Oman Strait of Hormuz deal cuts out Trump Plus: could Tucker Carlson run for president in 2028 off the back of Iran war anger?CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyConnor Stringer, chief Washington correspondent @connorstringerWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Roland Oliphant: This is proof Iran won the warhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/08/06/this-is-proof-iran-won-the-war/Iran says it has agreed Strait of Hormuz shipping route with Omanhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/06/iran-threatens-attack-gulf-energy-facilities-new-us-strikes/Trump ‘clashes with Hegseth' over missile shortageshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/06/trump-clashes-hegseth-missile-shortages/Europe to foot bill under new proposal to reopen Hormuzhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/08/04/europe-could-foot-bill-in-new-plan-to-reopen-hormuz/Iran's plot to split Jordan from the Westhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/06/irans-plot-to-split-jordan-from-the-west/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US military have ‘burnt through' their critical missile interceptors since the start of the Iran war. Senior commanders warn that stockpiles for THAAD and Patriot systems are "dangerously low." Elsewhere, the conflict in the Red Sea has escalated as Iranian-backed Houthi rebels have escalated their maritime blockade, striking a Saudi oil tanker in the northern Red Sea with ballistic missiles. On today's episode Roland Oliphant speaks to Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin about the geopolitical implications of depleted US missile inventories, the crumbling reality behind the Gaza decommissioning deal, and growing political rifts inside Israel over war aims.Plus, Roland and Henry analyse the Israeli perspective to the news cycle, differing cultures of leaking information between the US and Israel, and alarming UN reports detailing a surge in state executions across Iran.HighlightsUS Thaad and Patriot missile stockpiles burn dry as Iran conflict escalatesIranian-backed Houthi rebels hit a Saudi oil tanker with ballistic missilesCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantHenry Bodkin, Jerusalem correspondent, @HenryBodkin WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkWinner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has threatened a "decapitation" strike to restart the war if negotiations with Iran fail. Iran denies talks are underway, but Tehran is certainly talking with one country: Oman. It is closing in on a Strait of Hormuz deal that would grant Iranian control over inbound shipping, potentially allowing it to charge fees on everything from oil to fertiliser. Amid fresh missile strikes on commercial vessels near Oman, how will the US respond?On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant speaks with Danny Citrinowicz, Senior Fellow at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies (INSS), about whether Iran is strategically dragging out the conflict. They analyse how the Iran and Russia-Ukraine wars are “very close” to merging into a single global front, why US military posture is buckling in the Gulf, and how collapsing ceasefire deals in Lebanon and Gaza expose the limits of Trump's Middle East strategy. HighlightsTrump threatens ‘decapitation' strike if Iran negotiations failWhy the Iran and Ukraine wars are ‘very close' to merging CONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantDanny Citrinowicz, senior fellow at Institute for National Security Studies @citrinowicz WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump cut out of new deal to reopen Strait of Hormuzhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/04/iran-and-oman-near-deal-to-reopen-strait-of-hormuz/Trump's Hamas disarmament plan unravelshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/03/donald-trump-hamas-disarmament-deal-unravelling/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has U-turned on a 14-day campaign of military strikes on Iran, which he claimed would have been the biggest attack since World War II in favor of restarting peace talks. Tehran insists no negotiations with the US are taking place.Meanwhile, an intelligence breach reveals Centcom is actively seeking "unconventional" ways to pressure Iran, while fresh missile attacks and radio threats near Oman continue to disrupt critical shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.On today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant discuss the news, the rinse-and-repeat cyclical nature of the war and why Saudi Arabia is becoming increasingly vocal and involved. Plus, new polling showing American public support for the war dropping to record lows, the Shia festival of Arbaeen in Iraq and how climate change is affecting the region.HighlightsTrump cancels ‘biggest strike since WW2' on Iran, but Tehran denies peace talks Leaked Centcom emails expose US military running out of ways to punish TehranCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyRoland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Pentagon asks soldiers for ‘creative' ideas to punish Iranhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/03/pentagon-asks-soldiers-for-creative-ideas-to-punish-iran/Oil plummets as Trump calls off Iran strikeshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/08/03/oil-plummets-as-trump-calls-off-iran-strikes/Tiny militias threaten to draw Middle East into forever warhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/03/iraqi-militias-threaten-draw-middle-east-into-forever-war/New Hormuz plan leaves Iran in controlhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/01/israel-poised-return-iran-war-heaviest-us-strikes/US lacks weapons to defend Israel against Iran, leaked memo warnshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/08/02/us-lacks-weapons-to-defend-israel-leaked-memo-warns/Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Nominated Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Israel and the US consider are considering land blockade on Iran, as President Trump and Benjamin Netanyahu look to tighten the economic squeeze on Tehran. Elsewhere, the security landscape has been rocked by the news that a British national has been arrested on charges of spying on a UK military base in Cyprus, casting fresh concerns over the regional expansion of this conflict.On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Henry Bodkin, Jerusalum Correspondent speaks to Lottie Tiplady-Bishop, acting US news editor, about the geopolitical implications of this proposed land blockade, the fragile reality behind Trump's Gaza disarmament deal, and attitudes inside the US. Plus, Henry and Lottie discuss the latest retaliatory strikes on US assets in Kuwait, the ongoing naval tension in the Strait of Hormuz, and how Saudi Arabia is scrambling to organize a new maritime alliance to secure the Bab el-Mandeb.HighlightsHamas agrees to disarm: Is this the first step to peace or a trap in Gaza?Iran land blockade: Could a US-Israel alliance tighten the economic vice on Tehran?UK spy arrest: British national detained for allegedly surveilling RAF AkrotiriCONTRIBUTORS:Henry Bodkin, Jerusalem Correspondent @HenryBodkinLottie Tiplady-Bishop, acting US news editor @lottietipbishopWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/31/israel-us-iran-blockade-economy-trump-netanyahu-middle-east/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/30/hamas-agree-to-disarm-gaza-strip/ ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The conflict between Iran and the US has intensified sharply as President Trump delivers on his promise to strike “very hard,” launching a massive wave of attacks against IRGC command centres and drone facilities. Further afield, a drone strike on a US-owned gas tanker in Egypt's Mediterranean port of Damietta has now dragged the conflict into a new, volatile theatre, raising urgent questions about the reach of Iran's drone warfare.On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Sophie O'Sullivan speaks to David Blair, The Telegraph's Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, about the reality of the US military's 14-day strike plan, the tactical risks of widening the war to the Mediterranean, and why Saudi Arabia is now pushing for urgent de-escalation.Plus, Sophie and David discuss the Iraqi government's furious response to the strikes, examine why US troops in the Middle East may soon be forced to surrender their mobile phones to maintain operational security, and analyse the latest developments in the blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.Highlights Trump prepares 14-day strike plan: Will this blitz effectively dismantle Iran's capabilities?US tanker struck in Egypt: Is the conflict spreading to the Mediterranean?Security risk: US troops in the Middle East may be forced to surrender phones for security.CONTRIBUTORS:Sophie O'Sullivan, journalist and Ukraine: the Latest producer David Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator @davidblairdtWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/30/trumps-general-draws-up-plans-for-14-days-of-iran-strikes/?recomm_id=1b169994-a91c-4c17-aad7-04111941eb17 https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/29/iran-us-war-latest-israel-trump-strikes-strait-of-hormuz/ https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/20/us-prepares-all-out-war-iran-sending-more-jets-middle-east/ ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The conflict between Iran and the US has entered a volatile new phase as Saudi Arabia joins American forces in striking Tehran's proxies across Iraq. The move comes after drone attacks on Saudi oil facilities alongside Tehran's surprise missile barrage against US positions in Jordan, the first unprovoked attack by Iran since the war began. Is Riyadh's public military intervention a decisive check on Iranian expansionism, or has the regional firestorm spiralled beyond diplomatic control?On Wednesday's episode of Iran: the Latest, Sophie O'Sullivan speaks to David Blair, The Telegraph's Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, about the strategic implications of Saudi Arabia's involvement and what the 3.8 per cent spike in global oil prices signals for the international market.Plus, Arthur Scott-Geddes and Sophie discuss the deepening military collaboration between Tehran and Beijing, examine the fallout from the high-stakes Trump-Netanyahu meeting in Washington and ask why Iran has definitively rejected Oman's latest proposal to stabilise shipping routes in the Strait of Hormuz.HighlightsSaudi Arabia joins US strikes: A strategic shift or a dangerous gamble?Tehran's unprovoked missile barrage hits US bases in JordanChina arms Iran: The deal that could change the war's trajectoryCONTRIBUTORS:Sophie O'Sullivan, journalist and Ukraine: the Latest producer Arthur Scott-Geddes, deputy editor Global Health Security @ascottgeddesDavid Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator @davidblairdtWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/27/trump-us-more-weapons/ ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seventeen days into the conflict between the US and Iran, the frontline is expanding as drone attacks continue to test the ceasefire and new flashpoints emerge in the Red Sea. Is the Houthi blockade of critical shipping lanes a calculated attempt to mirror Iran's strategy in the Strait of Hormuz, or a desperate move to force concessions from Saudi Arabia?On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Arthur Scott-Geddes speaks to Memphis Barker, The Telegraph's Senior Foreign Correspondent, about the reality of these escalating tactics and what they mean for the global oil market. They discuss the significance of Donald Trump's high-stakes meeting with Benjamin Netanyahu today, and how the conflict is forcing nations as distant as Australia to fundamentally rethink their national energy security. Plus, Ben Farmer, our Africa Correspondent, joins the conversation to explain the unexpected and worrying resurgence of piracy off the coast of Somalia as a direct side effect of the war.HighlightsTactical diplomacy or a critical missile shortage?What the Israeli Prime Minister is demanding from WashingtonWhy the markets are reacting to the halt in hostilitiesCONTRIBUTORS:Arthur Scott-Geddes, deputy editor Global Health Security @ascottgeddesMemphis Barker, Senior Foreign Correspondent @memphisbarkerBen Farmer, Africa Correspondent @benfarmerDTWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Somali pirates are back, fuelled by Iran war. By Mohamed Gabobe andBen Farmer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/gift/d08ca6627b5840c0 Iran's deadliest kamikaze drone yet sends a message to Trump. By Akhtar Makoii: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/28/iran-new-kamikaze-drone-stealthier-faster-deadlier/ Trump caught between Zelensky's wish for peace and Netanyahu's thirst for war. By Joe Barnes and Connor Stringer: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/27/trump-caught-between-zelenskys-wish-for-peace-and-netanyahu/ Video Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US has halted its air strikes on Iran, creating a sudden pause in a conflict that has raged for nearly two weeks. Is this a strategic move to allow for diplomacy, or has the American military been forced to back down by a critical shortage of Patriot interceptor missiles? On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Arthur Scott-Geddes speaks to David Blair, The Telegraph's Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, about the reality of the situation in Washington and the potential fallout across the region. They discuss the growing concerns over dwindling US munition stocks, the impact of the pause on global oil prices, and what Benjamin Netanyahu is hoping to secure in his upcoming meeting with President Donald Trump. Plus, the team analyses a surprising new front in the war: Ukraine's brazen strike on an Iranian ship in the Caspian Sea, and what message Kyiv is trying to send to the White House.HighlightsTactical diplomacy or a critical missile shortage?What the Israeli Prime Minister is demanding from WashingtonWhy the markets are reacting to the halt in hostilitiesCONTRIBUTORS:Arthur Scott-Geddes, deputy editor Global Health Security @ascottgeddesDavid Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator @davidblairdtWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkTL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: James EnglandExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lebanese President Joseph Aoun met US President Donald Trump in Washington this week with a historic proposal: end the war between Lebanon and Israel, force an Israeli withdrawal from the south, and disarm Iran's proxy group Hezbollah. Could it work? On today's bonus episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Lama Amine, arts director at local charity Seenaryo, about the reality for civilians caught up in the conflict in Lebanon, how people are worried the latest escalation in Iran will spillover, and why Hezbollah would just be replaced by a similar group if it was disarmed. Plus, first-person accounts of what it's like to live under the shadow of war. Excerpts from pieces written for Seenaryo by Syrian refugee Eman Fisal Almodhi, read by Irish actor Jessie Buckley, and a WhatsApp conversation between Lebanese women displaced in south Lebanon, read by British-Lebanese-Palestinian actor Sirine Saba. HighlightsTrump's Lebanon dilemma: Why Israel can't win this warVoices from Lebanon on life under the shadow of warCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyLama Amine, director of arts at SeenaryoWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Lebanon's leader seeks Trump's help to end occupation and insurrectionhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/21/lebanons-leader-seeks-trumps-help-end-occupation/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As this new round of war enters its 13th day, US President Donald Trump has signalled he is close to deciding whether to launch a "massive attack" on Iran. The IRGC has declared that UK bases including RAF Fairford are legitimate targets, accusing new Prime Minister Andy Burnham of aiding US heavy B-1 bomber strikes.On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by chief Washington correspondent Connor Stringer and acting US news editor Lottie Tiplady-Bishop to break down the White House's military strategy, the political rift tearing through the Republican's MAGA base, and how the war has led to dwindling missile stockpiles, war cash, and strategic oil reserves. Plus, Trump linking Israeli normalisation to the US-Saudi nuclear deal, why new British foreign secretary Ed Miliband is not popular in the White House, and the news of fresh US tariffs on the UK, Europe and other countries. HighlightsTrump weighs 'bigger than ever, massive attack' against Iran IRGC calls UK bases including RAF Fairford ‘legitimate targets'CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyConnor Stringer, chief Washington correspondent @connorstringerLottie Tiplady-Bishop, acting US news editor @lottietipbishopWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Short of missiles and cash for war, now Trump is running out of oilhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/23/short-of-missiles-cash-for-war-now-trump-running-out-oil/UK ‘ready to defend itself' after Iran threatens to strike RAF basehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/23/iran-threatens-to-attack-raf-fairford/White House concerned over Miliband as Foreign Secretaryhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/21/white-house-deeply-concerned-miliband-foreign-secretary/Trump punishes Britain for China ties with 10pc tariffhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/23/trump-punishes-britain-for-china-ties-with-10pc-tariff/Trump tells Saudi: No nuclear deal unless you recognise Israelhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/23/trump-tells-saudi-no-nuclear-deal-unless-recognise-israel/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Chris JanuaryExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has escalated the US's war against Iran, deploying a heavy B-1 long-range bomber directly from RAF Fairford to strike IRGC targets. Meanwhile, Yemen's Iranian proxy group the Houthis have launched missile attacks against Saudi oil tankers in the Red Sea as part of their blockade.In today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey and Jerusalem Correspondent Henry Bodkin discuss how the Bab al-Mandeb waterway could become the next Strait of Hormuz, how Iranian missiles are becoming deadlier, and why Israel is furious about a new US-Saudi civil nuclear agreement. Plus, former US Assistant Secretary of State in the Middle East David Schenker on why a maritime blockade is the most effective tool Trump has against Iran, and his one piece of advice to the president as the conflict threatens to spiral out of control. HighlightsUS deploys heavy B-1 Bomber to Iran as strikes escalateHouthis attack Saudi oil tankers in Red Sea as part of blockadeCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyHenry Bodkin, Jerusalem Correspondent @HenryBodkinDavid Schenker, The Washington Institute and former US Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs @davidschenker1WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:US bombs Iran from UK air base for first time under Burnhamhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/23/us-bombs-iran-from-uk-air-base-for-first-time-under-burnham/Trump: For every ship Iran attacks we will blow up a power planthttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/22/donald-trump-iran-ships-power-plant-strait-hormuz/How Iran's missiles became more lethalhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/23/how-irans-missiles-became-more-lethalAmbrose Evans-Pritchard: Beware the rising energy dangers of Trump's Gulf warhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/07/22/beware-the-rising-energy-dangers-of-trumps-gulf-war/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Chris JanuaryExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the latest round of the war enters its 11th day, US President Donald Trump has signalled the US could strike Iran's hardened Pickaxe Mountain underground nuclear facility where Israel claims centrifuges are being hidden. On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey and Telegraph journalist Sophie O'Sullivan look at the news that Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth has admitted US war costs have reached $37bn, a landmark US nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia, and the Houthis' blockade on Saudi Arabia claiming its first victims. Is this the new Strait of Hormuz?Plus, Iranian journalist Tara Kangarlou on an explosive interview by Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi that revealed critical internal security breaches and deep US and Israeli intelligence infiltration inside the regime. They discuss how Trump's strikes are smashing critical civilian infrastructure, why a brutal wave of political executions could accelerate, and how the economy is in meltdown. HighlightsTrump vows to target Pickaxe Mountain nuclear underground fortInside Iran: regime infiltration, executions and fearCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineySophie O'Sullivan, journalist and Ukraine: the Latest producer Tara Kangarlou, journalist and author @tarakangarlouWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump's nuclear deal with Saudi Arabia will only embolden Iranhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/22/trump-saudi-arabia-nuclear-deal-will-only-embolden-iran/Pentagon is running out of money in Iran war, Hegseth admitshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/22/pentagon-running-out-of-money-iran-war-hegseth-admits/Iran: the Latest's episode on the Minab school attackhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/03/18/iran-the-latest-trump-biggest-mistake-iran-war-so-far/Sky News documentary on the Minab school attackhttps://www.youtube.com/watch?v=siRuobaj7IEFor more on Ukraine news, listen to/watch Ukraine: the Latesthttps://linktr.ee/UkraineTheLatestITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Chris JanuaryExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump is weighing up a massive expansion of the war with Iran after Tehran launched fresh strikes against US military sites across the Gulf, including Amazon services in Bahrain and vital power and water infrastructure in Kuwait.Nearly 100 US service members have been injured in recent weeks, according to the Pentagon, as the latest round of fighting enters its tenth day. On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey and Arthur Scott-Geddes look at the news that Pakistan, Qatar and Egypt are trying to broker a mini 10-day ceasefire even as Iran has hit two more tankers in Strait of Hormuz. Will anyone come to the negotiating table?Plus, the Houthis have declared a Red Sea maritime blockade against Saudi Arabia, Iran admits its ailing economy is now the “main battlefield”, and Britain's new Prime Minister Andy Burnham and his Cabinet face an early diplomatic test over the Iran war. HighlightsTrump weighs escalation as Iran injures hundreds of US troopsIran hammers Kuwait's power and water infrastructureCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyArthur Scott-Geddes, deputy editor Global Health Security @ascottgeddesWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump expects Burnham to let US strike Iran from British baseshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/07/21/trump-expects-burnham-to-let-america-use-uk-bases-iran/White House ‘deeply concerned' over Miliband as Foreign Secretaryhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/21/white-house-deeply-concerned-miliband-foreign-secretary/Foreign brief for Miliband risks Trump's wrathhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/20/burnham-risks-trump-wrath-foreign-brief-ed-miliband/Pentagon hiding missile shortage from White House, insiders fearhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/21/pentagon-hiding-missile-shortage-white-house/Lebanon's leader seeks Trump's help to end occupation and insurrectionhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/21/lebanons-leader-seeks-trumps-help-end-occupation/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The war between Donald Trump and Iran has escalated dramatically following the first direct US combat deaths since the start of the war and rare strikes against Saudi Arabia's oil assets. In today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey and chief foreign affairs commentator David Blair unpack the most violent weekend of the conflict since the ceasefire. Following deadly Iranian precision attacks on the Muwaffaq Salti airbase in Jordan - potentially with Chinese help - Trump has ordered strikes across the country and sought to cut off the crucial port city of Bandar Abbas. Iran has furiously hit back by targeting Saudi Arabia's key Yanbu oil infrastructure, alongside successful strikes on critical water infrastructure in Kuwait. Plus, they discuss reports of dwindling US interceptor missile stockpiles and whether the US is sliding into a forever war.HighlightsTrump hits Iran hard after US troops killed by ‘Chinese-guided' missilesIran targets Saudi Arabia's key Yanbu oil infrastructureCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyDavid Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator @davidblairdtWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump's bridge strikes cut off city that keeps Iran alivehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/18/trump-iran-strikes-bridge-bandar-abbas/‘Controlled detonation' of Iranian drone kills US soldierhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/19/us-punishes-iran-for-soldier-deaths-with-fresh-strikes/US doesn't have enough missiles to return to all-out war with Iranhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/20/us-prepares-all-out-war-iran-sending-more-jets-middle-east/Tom Sharpe: Iranian missiles are defeating US soft-kill defences using Chinese guidancehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/15/iran-hormuz-missile-strikes-us-china-beidou-satnav/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has ordered the heaviest escalation in the US-Iran war so far this week, striking critical Iranian bridges, airports, and infrastructure surrounding the critical Strait of Hormuz chokepoint. Iran has hit back with attacks on the UAE, Qatar and other Gulf states, as well as allegedly targeting US Special Forces outposts in Syria.In today's episode of Iran: The Latest, Sophia Yan and Roland Oliphant break down the overnight news of more kinetic strikes. Plus, Reuters global defence commentator Peter Apps joins the show to analyze how Iranian missiles are leveraging China's encrypted BeiDou-3 satellite system to bypass Western air defenses, why the UAE is secretly bombing Iran, and whether the House of Saud is ready to ditch Washington for Beijing.HighlightsTrump destroys key ports and bridges in sweeping strikesHow China is upgrading Iranian missiles to make them harder to stopCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantSophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yanWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Burnham plans to sanction Israel set to anger White Househttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/politics/2026/07/15/white-house-warns-burnham-do-not-sanction-israel/Alleged spy charged with helping Iran's secret servicehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/07/17/counter-terror-police-charge-spying-iran/Iran's war faces a dangerous new threathttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/15/houthis-plot-to-open-new-front-in-iran-war/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The US has dramatically expanded its strike campaign into northern Iran for the first time in this latest stage of the war, targeting critical ballistic missile and space facilities near Tehran. With Donald Trump warning Tehran that they "better behave," the US Navy has unleashed Hellfire missiles to disable an oil tanker attempting to run the blockade. Iran has responded with drone and missile strikes targeting US bases in Kuwait, Bahrain, and Jordan. On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant break down the overnight strikes, the high-stakes naval blockade in the Strait of Hormuz, and whether the US is preparing for an imminent ground campaign.Plus: is Donald Trump marching into a trap? Leaked reports suggest Washington is again considering an amphibious ground offensive to Iranian coastal territory. Former US Marine Colonel Andy Milburn breaks down why an amphibious landing along the Iranian coastline is a tactical dead-end and how Tehran's decentralized "Mosaic Doctrine" is designed to survive Western airstrikes.HighlightsTrump launches hellfire missiles at tanker as American blockade escalatesUS Marine colonel: A ground war in Iran is a trap with no purposeCONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineyRoland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantAndy Milburn, former US Marine colonel @andymilburn8WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPWATCH PART TWO - ROLAND'S INTERVIEW WITH ANDY MILBURN: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:The hidden messages behind Trump's latest wave of Iran strikeshttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/16/hidden-messages-behind-trumps-new-wave-of-iran-strikes/Andy Milburn: Outgunned, But Not Outplayed: Iran's Theory of Victoryhttps://warontherocks.com/outgunned-but-not-outplayed-irans-theory-of-victory/ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The military stand-off between the US and Iran has escalated again after Donald Trump ordered a seven-hour bombing campaign targeting Iranian missile barracks, coastal radar sites, and naval bases. The inevitable Iranian response targeting its Gulf neighbours was met with rare daytime strikes by American forces. On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant sits down with Tim Mak and Jacqueline Cole from the Iran War Dispatches Substack to discuss the significance of what each side is hitting and how the Pentagon is adapting its tactics against asymmetric Iranian warfare. They also discuss whether Trump's brutal threat to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges will bring Tehran to the negotiating table.Plus, worrying signs that Iran is becoming more militarised and why Jackie and Tim went to Armenia to find out what ordinary Iranians think of the war. HighlightsUS strikes Iran twice in 24 hours after Shahed attacks hit Gulf statesTrump's ultimatum to Iran: ‘Negotiate or we destroy your infrastructure'CONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantTim Mak, founder Iran War Dispatches @timkmakJacqueline Cole, journalist Iran War Dispatches @jacmcoleWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:Trump's three options to solve his Iran problemhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/09/trump-three-options-return-warTrump U-turns on Hormuz toll after one dayhttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/14/trump-hormuz-toll-uturn-one-day/Even Iran's children's authors are losing hopehttps://www.iranwar.news/p/even-irans-childrens-authors-areIran War Dispatches: https://www.iranwar.news/The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Peter ShevlinVideo Producer: Max BowerResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump has reimposed the US's naval blockade on Iran and, for the third night in a row, launched a brutal five-hour blitz hitting Iran's coastal defences. In retaliation, the IRGC has struck back, killing one and injuring several onboard two oil supertankers in the Strait of Hormuz and targeting critical American assets in Bahrain, Jordan and Kuwait.On today's episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant run through the latest updates from the region as the war escalates.Plus, why hasn't Israel rejoined the US war with Iran? Sima Shine, former head of research and evaluation at Mossad and Iran expert at Israel's Institute for National Security Studies, explains why she thinks Donald Trump has put a break on Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu participating in the latest round of fighting. She also discusses the explosive news about Israel's Operation Puss in Boots, a yearslong, multi-pronged effort to overthrow the Iranian regime and install the most unlikely of candidates, arch Israeli enemy former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad. HighlightsTrump's five-hour blitz triggers Iran war escalationEx-Mossad chief on why Israel is out of Iran warCONTRIBUTORS:Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantVenetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiaraineySima Shine, director of the Iran and the Shiite Axis Research Program at INSS @INSSIsraelWATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dkCONTENT REFERENCED:US attacks Iran using kamikaze drone boats for first timehttps://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/07/13/us-attack-iran-kamikaze-drone-boats-hormuz-war/Inside the Mossad Plot to Install Israel's Arch-enemy Ahmadinejad as Iran's Leaderhttps://www.haaretz.com/israel-news/israel-security/2026-07-13/ty-article-magazine/.premium/inside-the-mossad-plot-to-install-ahamadinijad-as-irans-leader/0000019f-5b28-de66-a5bf-5b7b3bbd0000ITL Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026Producer: Max BowerVideo Producer: Peter ShevlinResearcher and Social Producer: Anna HindmarshStudio Operator: Andy WatsonExecutive Producer: Venetia Rainey ► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.