I'm Jonathan Sacerdoti

Is the world about to tip over? What Trump may do next – Col Richard Kemp

Jan 30, 2026
Col Richard Kemp, former British Army colonel and commander in Afghanistan, shares strategic clarity on Iran and the wider Middle East. He discusses prospects of US strikes, possible targets and risks of regime collapse. Conversation covers how Hezbollah, Hamas and the Houthis shape escalation, Israel’s likely role, and Britain’s shrinking defence posture and strategic consequences.
Ask episode
AI Snips
Chapters
Transcript
Episode notes
INSIGHT

US Buildup Intends To Shape Iran's Choices

  • President Trump has built up a large US force in the Middle East likely to focus Iranian minds and buy time for targeting and diplomacy.
  • Colonel Richard Kemp believes the buildup signals a real chance of strikes rather than an empty threat.
INSIGHT

Top-Target Strikes Risk Regime Collapse

  • A decapitation strike on Iran's leadership could cause regime collapse but outcome is uncertain and risky.
  • Kemp stresses Tehran values survival above all, so intense pressure may force unpredictable reactions including regional lash-outs.
INSIGHT

Israel's Role Likely Intelligence-Led Not Frontline

  • Israel likely shares deep intelligence and planning with US CENTCOM and may help queue targets.
  • Kemp believes Israel will probably avoid active airstrikes so Iran sees the action as principally American.
Get the Snipd Podcast app to discover more snips from this episode
Get the app