Donald Trump has declared the war with Iran “effectively over,” claiming Middle East allies are protected and the Strait of Hormuz is effectively open. Tehran says talk of a deal is all “fake news”.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant is joined by former Royal Navy commander Tom Sharpe to analyse the gulf between White House claims and the reality on the water. Tom unpacks why the arrival of a third aircraft carrier could signal a wave of post-midterm "victory strikes," and explains how dangerous tanker shuttle runs and autonomous escorts are really keeping oil flowing through the Strait of Hormuz. It comes as Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth vows he would do the Iran war all over again if he had to despite facing impeachment.

Plus, the US military scrambles aircraft away from another UK base - RAF Mildenhall - amid Iranian threats, the Houthis step up their offensive to capture the Yemeni city of Taiz, and France blames Iran’s elite cyber unit for hacking supermarket fridges.

Highlights

• Trump says Iran war is over as US prises open Strait of Hormuz
• Why American ‘victory strikes’ may still be on the cards

CONTRIBUTORS:

Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant

Tom Sharpe, former Royal Navy commander @TomSharpe134

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

US pulls aircraft from British base ‘after Iran threat’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/11/10/us-evacuated-aircraft-uk-raf-mildenhall-iran-threat/

Iran’s elite hacking cell that left France hungry

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/11/10/elite-iranian-hacking-cell-that-left-france-hungry/

‘I’d do it all again tomorrow’: Defiant Hegseth to fight impeachment

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/11/10/pete-hegseth-to-fight-congress-impeachment/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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 has bombed Qeshm Island again and launched Operation Iron Gate - an ambitious land blockade designed to sever Iran’s resupply corridors with Russia and China.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by Jonathan Hackett, retired US Marine Corps counterintelligence agent and author of 'Iran’s Shadow Weapons', to analyse whether Centcom’s latest moves are enough to isolate the IRGC. They delve into how exactly Beijing and Moscow are propping up Tehran, from targeting assistance to potential S-400 air defence batteries to missiles parts for the Houthis in Yemen.

Donald Trump insists renewed strikes are "highly unlikely" but has assembled three aircraft carriers in the Middle East. Jonathan outlines three things to watch in the coming weeks to assess whether strikes are about to restart.

Plus, will Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu lash out as he faces the prospect of losing power to rival Gadi Eisenkot? Jonathan explains why despite being cornered, Bibi cannot go it alone due to a lack of air defences.

Highlights

• US blockades Iran’s borders as China and Russia rearm Tehran
• Trump bombs Qeshm island in the Strait of Hormuz

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Jonathan Hackett, ex-US Marine Corps counterintelligence agent @jonathanhackett

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Russia in talks to supply advanced missiles to Iran

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/11/06/russia-in-talks-to-supply-advanced-missiles-to-iran/

Houthi missile debris smashes into Saudi skyscraper

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/11/08/houthi-missile-smashes-saudi-skyscraper/

‘We’re not done with Iran’, warns Israel

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/11/08/nuclear-pickaxe-mountain-qatar-netanyahu-facilities/

Four reasons why ousting Netanyahu could get ugly

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/11/08/four-reasons-why-ousting-netanyahu-could-get-ugly/

China is helping the Houthis in order to spite the US

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/17/china-helping-houthis-in-order-to-spite-the-us/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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 is rebuilding its bombed-out missile sites at the same time as dangling a nuclear offer in front of Donald Trump, as the US president weighs whether to restart strikes alongside Israel.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Iranian-American analyst Holly Dagres from the Washington Institute about the moods in Washington and Tehran in the wake of the Republican’s crushing midterms defeat and how it could lead to miscalculation on both sides.

The IRGC vows it will target Europe if the war restarts - but Holly argues that Tehran’s maximalist peace demands and Trump’s lack of patience means the war is likely to restart.

Plus, talk of Pete Hegseth or Marco Rubio being sacked over the war’s failures, documents reveal Russia agreed to give Tehran 90 advanced guided missile launchers, and why anti-regime protests in Iran remain unlikely despite historic hyperinflation and mass executions.

Highlights

• Trump threatens to destroy Iran as IRGC rebuilds missile sites
• US war cabinet crumbles as Hegseth fights for his job

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Holly Dagres, senior fellow Washington Institute @hdagres

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Defiant Hegseth vows to finish Iran war

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/11/06/pete-hegseth-vows-finish-iran-war-defence-secretary-trump/

Charting how Iran drove Trump and Vance apart

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/11/06/charting-trump-vance-iran/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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.

‘This is where the US-Israel-Iran war really began’

On today’s episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to veteran Middle East journalist Kim Ghattas about Donald Trump’s stunning US midterm election losses, JD Vance demanding an end to the Iran war, and what it all means for the likelihood of American and Israeli strikes in the coming weeks.

Kim talks about how her new book, The Best Kind of American, looks at the origins of the US-Israel-Iran relationship, born in the crucible of 1980s war-torn Beirut. She explains why even as the IRGC openly celebrates the Republicans losing the Senate and House of Representatives, Iran’s economy remains weak and the regime does not want to return to all-out war.

Plus, why Israel’s future relationship with the US is more secure than it seems, how Iran uses the Houthis to target Saudi Arabia, and why hostage taking and kidnapping could soon be on the rise.

Highlights

• Vance revolts over US-Iran war after midterms defeat. Will Israel go it alone?
• Journalist Kim Ghattas on the real origins of the war

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Kim Ghattas, journalist and author The Best Kind of American @KimGhattas

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Vance ready to take Trump’s crown after midterms humbling

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/11/05/vance-ready-to-take-trumps-crown-after-midterms-humbling/

Vance breaks ranks with Trump over election catastrophe

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/11/04/vance-clashes-trump-midterms-election-catastrophe-iran-war/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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 2026 US midterms results are in: Donald Trump’s Republican Party has suffered a devastating defeat, losing both the House and the Senate amid voter fury over high fuel prices caused by the Iran war.

In today’s episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey and Sophia Yan break down how the elections have changed the Congress map, from Texas’s flip to Abdul el-Sayed’s Michigan win. Along with guest Leo Shane, Politico’s defence correspondent, they ask what the midterm results mean for Trump and his foreign policy. The president has insisted future attacks against Iran remain on the table if they don’t strike a nuclear deal, but Tehran has warned that a return to full combat operations will be met with a “Nightmare” - will he be chastened or unleashed? And what does it mean for other countries in Trump’s sights such as Ukraine, Venezuela and Cuba?

Plus, the looming battle over the Pentagon’s budget, will Defence Secretary Pete Hegseth face impeachment and Trump's shock announcement to halt military aid to Israel.

Highlights

• Trump’s Republicans suffer midterms bloodbath over Iran war
• Tehran threatens ‘nightmare’ if Trump restarts strikes

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan

Leo Shane III, Politico defence reporter @LeoShane

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Mapped: US midterms results in full

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/0/us-midterms-2026-results-for-senate-and-house-timings-democrat/

Trump crushed in midterms

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/11/04/james-talarico-texas-senate-ken-paxton-midterms/

John Bolton: The Democrats will now take revenge on Trump and his ilk

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/11/04/democrats-will-now-take-revenge-on-trump-and-his-ilk/

Trump’s election day gamble over Israel backs Vance into a corner

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/11/03/trump-election-day-gamble-israel-backs-vance-into-corner/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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 launched secretive strikes on Iran’s Qeshm Island, as Tehran threatens to tear up its nuclear weapons ban and Gulf allies brace for renewed war.

In today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant looks at reports of five explosions in Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz, home to an underground Iranian missile site, even as Trump insists the US has already "won" the conflict. Meanwhile, Tehran warns it is ready for battle and may formally abandon its ban on nuclear weapons after the assassination of Ali Khamenei at the beginning of the war.

Plus, National Security Editor Rozina Sabur reports from the “gloomy” Manama Dialogue in Bahrain, where Gulf states admit their collective security has collapsed in the face of Iranian threats. As Americans head to the polls for today’s midterm elections, Rozina - formerly Washington editor - breaks down what the vote means for Trump’s war effort and whether the US could see a rerun of the January 6 Capitol unrest.

Highlights

• US bombs Iran’s Qeshm Island in the Strait of Hormuz
• Tehran considering ending its own nuclear weapons ban

CONTRIBUTORS:

Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant

Rozina Sabur, national security editor @RozinaSabur

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Iran reconsiders its own ban on nuclear weapons

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/11/02/iran-reconsiders-its-own-ban-on-nuclear-weapons/

Pickaxe Mountain nuclear strike and Trump’s other Iran war options

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/11/03/pickaxe-mountain-nuclear-strike-trumps-iran-war-options/

US strikes Iran on eve of midterm elections

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/11/03/us-strikes-iran-qeshm-island-eve-of-midterm-elections/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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 supreme leader Mojtaba Khamenei has made a rare statement, threatening to wage war with “no geographical restrictions” if the US resumes strikes. Meanwhile, Donald Trump has issued a stark ultimatum: strike a peace deal including nuclear weapons or he will “hammer” sites including Pickaxe Mountain.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey and Roland Oliphant break down the news that suggests a full restart to the war is increasingly imminent, even as peace talks enter a crucial final crunch period ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections on November 3.

Vice President JD Vance has written a letter to the Iranian regime and oil prices are slightly down, but with Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu pushing for bombing to restart this week and Iranian officials vowing to target Europe, is there any chance of peace winning over war?

Highlights

• Trump vows to ‘hammer’ regime and strike Pickaxe Mountain
• Iran threatens US and Europe with ‘no limits’ war

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

From the shadows, Iran’s supreme leader asserts his power

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/31/from-shadows-iran-supreme-leader-asserts-power-khamenei-war/

Nine things that could make or break Trump in the midterms

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/11/02/nine-things-standing-between-trump-and-midterm-victory/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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.

Centcom’s commander Admiral Brad Cooper has briefed Donald Trump on options to resume major combat operations against Iran, as the war collides with next week’s high-stakes US midterm elections.

On today’s episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant is joined by Curt Mills, Executive Director of The American Conservative, to analyse how the Iran war is impacting the polls - and how the election results could affect the conflict in the Middle East. What happens if Trump loses the midterms? With oil prices surging past $115 a barrel, they unpack whether the "America First" movement has lost control of the White House and why Texas has become a political crucible.

Plus, two vessels hit by explosions in the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC claims to have downed two US drones, and Qatari envoys make a desperate return to Tehran to revive a deadlocked peace deal.

Highlights

• Trump briefed on Iran strike options as he faces midterm disaster amid $115 oil
• The IRGC claims to have downed two US drones

CONTRIBUTORS:

Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant

Curt Mills, executive director The American Conservative magazine @CurtMills

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

US midterm elections 2026: How do they work and what could they mean for Trump?

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/26/us-midterm-elections-2026/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Joleen Goffin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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 and Israel are preparing for an imminent post-midterms strike campaign on Iran as new intelligence reveals Tehran has built a secret network of companies to rearm with the help of Russia and China.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by intelligence analyst and former US soldier Ryan McBeth to unpack whether another round of strikes can achieve anything more than "turning big rocks into little rocks". They discuss whether JD Vance’s backchannel letter to Iranian hardliners is a serious off-ramp or just more Trump bluster, why critical US precision munitions inventories like Patriot and Tomahawk face dangerous depletion, and what it will mean for a potential future war with China.

Plus, Akhtar Makoii’s scoop that Iranian intelligence operations are targeting the US midterm vote, the firing of another top Pentagon general by Pete Hegseth.

Highlights

• Trump warns Gulf of imminent Iran blitz
• China and Russia caught smuggling weapons to Iran

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Ryan McBeth, intelligence analyst and former US soldier @RyanMcbeth

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Iran prepares to disrupt US midterms after meddling in Israel election

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/29/election-interference-tehran-cyber-baghaei/

Vance makes last-ditch attempt to stop fresh Iran bombing

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/28/vance-makes-last-ditch-attempt-to-stop-fresh-iran-bombing/

Iran’s Hidden Web of Military Agencies Is Slipping Hardware Past the US Blockade

https://www.reuters.com/world/iran/irans-hidden-web-military-agencies-is-slipping-hardware-past-us-blockade-2026-10-29/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Joleen Goffin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► 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.

US President Donald Trump has backed Benjamin Netanyahu after a strong election result for the Israeli leader that is likely to lead to the imminent resumption of war with Iran even as Gulf states push for peace talks.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin and global health security editor Paul Nuki in Tel Aviv about the why Bibi beat back his rival Gadi Eisenkot, how the Arab parties could become kingmakers, and the importance of Trump’s intervention ahead of voting. Amid growing momentum behind a Qatari peace deal with Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, they explain why Israeli military action against remaining IRGC targets is inevitable, whatever Trump does with the war.

Plus, what the election result means for the region as Lebanese proxy Hezbollah rearms with the help of Iranian cash, Yemen’s Houthis attack a major oil refinery in Saudi Arabia, and tensions in the West Bank are on a knife edge.

Highlights

• Trump backs Bibi as Israel readies for new Iran strikes
• Yemen’s Houthis attack a major oil refinery in Saudi Arabia

CONTRIBUTORS:

Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey

Henry Bodkin, Jerusalem correspondent @HenryBodkin

Paul Nuki, global health security editor @PaulNuki

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Netanyahu’s fate now rests in the hands of his enemies

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/28/israel-election-netanyahu-fate-in-the-hands-of-enemies/

Israel’s plan for ‘decisive victory’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/25/israels-plan-for-decisive-victory/

We’re ready to ditch two-state solution, says Arab-Israeli election kingmaker

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/18/were-ready-to-ditch-two-state-solution-says-arab-kingmaker/

The CIA, civil war and the total collapse of Israel

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/23/cia-civil-war-total-collapse-israel-haredi-ultra-orthodox/

Israel closes West Bank after shoot-out days before election

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/23/israel-closes-west-bank-after-shootout-before-election/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Joleen Goffin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive 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 [email protected]

► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/

FOR YT ONLY >>> Keywords: Iran, Iran war, US Iran war, Iran the latest, The Telegraph, Telegraph podcast, Donald Trump, Trump, Netanyahu, Bibi, Israel Iran, Israel strikes Iran, Middle East war, Ras Tanura, Houthis, Saudi Arabia oil, Strait of Hormuz, military analysis, Iran news today

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This Israeli election is the most strategically consequential in the country’s history, with record turnout as Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu warns voters to pick him or die.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant talks to former Israeli defence intelligence analyst and INSS fellow Danny Citrinowicz about why Netanyahu is reported to have pushed Donald Trump to restart the Iran war early so he could delay the election. When the US said no to avoid pushing up oil prices any further, leaks suggest the Israeli leader tried to find another way to provoke Tehran, only to be stopped by the IDF chief of staff.

They discuss the domestic and regional stakes for the country’s first wartime vote since Oct 7, and why the chances of renewed strikes against Iran are highly likely whether Bibi wins or loses.

Plus, two British men are charged over a suspected Iranian intelligence plot targeting RAF Fairford, a vessel catches fire off the coast of Iraq, and Iran warns it will target South Korean shipping in the Strait of Hormuz.

Highlights

• Netanyahu ‘pushed Trump for Iran strikes’ to delay first wartime Israeli election
• ‘Elect me or die’: Netanyahu’s Israel election threat as Iran war looms large

CONTRIBUTORS:

Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant

Danny Citrinowicz, senior fellow at Institute for National Security Studies @citrinowicz

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:

Two men charged over suspected RAF Fairford terror plot

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/27/two-men-charged-over-raf-fairford-terror-plot/

Victory or prison: Bibi’s last stand

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/27/netanyahu-israeli-election-eisenkot-likud-iran/

Netanyahu ‘pushed for strike on Iran before Israeli election’

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/27/netanyahu-pushed-for-iran-strike-before-israel-election/

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026

Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026

The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Joleen Goffin and Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey

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