The Rest Is Politics: US

Trump talks peace while moving troops, raising fears of a wider clash with Iran. The conversation zeroes in on why Tehran may see simple survival as victory and why a sweeping 15 point plan looks doomed. It also digs into suspicious pre announcement trades, insider tip off questions, and the political damage piling up at home.

Trump’s claimed Iran talks come under fire as the conversation turns to bluff, deadlines, and a shrinking path out of conflict. There’s also a look at why intelligence may have misread Tehran, how markets are betting on a face-saving climbdown, whether Israel could escalate further, and why Diego Garcia has exposed Europe’s missile vulnerability.

Did Trump really not know about Israel's strike on Iran's gas fields? Will the Save America Act pull up the ladder on his own coalition? How long before the economic pain turns Trump's base against the war? Join Katty Kay and Anthony Scaramucci as they answer all these questions and more. Listen to “Becoming Trump”.  Unpack how Donald Trump was made: hidden family history, New York legal battles, ruthless mentors, reality-TV reinvention, and his path to the White House. Sign up to listen here. Instagram: ⁠⁠@RestPoliticsUS⁠⁠ Twitter: ⁠⁠@RestPoliticsUS⁠⁠ Email: ⁠⁠therestispoliticsus@goalhanger.com⁠⁠ Sign up to our free newsletter here Producer: Fiona Douglas, India Dunkley Video Editor: Kieron Leslie  Social Producer: Charlie Johnson  Senior Producer: Callum Hill Head of Digital: Sam Oakley Exec Producer: Tom Whiter Advertise with us: Partnerships@goalhanger.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From reality TV fame to birtherism, this dives into how Donald Trump turned spectacle into political momentum. It explores racial conspiracy politics, the fallout from Obama’s birth certificate release, and the sting of public humiliation at the Correspondents’ Dinner. It also tracks why 2012 was too early, and how populist anger was already reshaping Republican voters.

Richard Haass, veteran US diplomat and foreign policy expert, joins for a sharp look at Trump’s Iran dilemma. They dig into why the White House seems unprepared for a long conflict, the split between hawks and restrainers, why allies are reluctant to help, the danger around the Strait of Hormuz, and how China and Russia could benefit from the chaos.

A brisk unpacking of Trump's handling of the Iran strikes and rising US military doubts. They probe whether MAGA loyalty is eroding amid media criticism and high-profile dissent. Conversation touches on regional fallout, economic pain for Gulf allies, and political consequences for midterms and Latino voters. Tension around messaging, military readiness, and who truly defines MAGA keeps resurfacing.

Dominic Sandbrook, historian, author, and co-host of The Rest Is History, introduces a new Book Club and explores The Great Gatsby. He discusses the Jazz Age setting, 1920s America, and why the novel still matters. He also traces F. Scott Fitzgerald’s life, inspirations, and the Long Island world that shaped the book.

They probe Trump's aims in the strikes on Iran and whether theatrical tactics are driving strategy. Military, political and economic angles are weighed, including oil-market shocks and global fallout. The conversation examines regional winners, planning failures, civilian casualties, and how rising costs might force a US retreat.

They unpack recent strikes on Iran and the chances of US boots on the ground. They debate chaotic public messaging versus military results and how that shapes support. Discussion covers who might lead Iran next and internal factional responses. They also explore political fallout for figures like J.D. Vance and the economic hit from higher gas prices and slower growth.

They examine a possible Trump strategy of removing Iranian leaders without invading and whether that can reshape Tehran. They discuss Mossad’s role and why Iran’s top figures were targeted. They weigh risks of regional escalation and civilian harm. They also unpack a high-stakes Texas Senate primary and what its outcome could mean for national politics.