Radio National Breakfast

A senior Trump-appointed intelligence official resigns over the Iran war and sparks a political stir. The conversation covers his military and CIA background and past controversies. Debate centers on claims that Israel pushed the US into conflict and how anti-intervention voices are reshaping Republican divisions.

Paul Bloxham, Chief Economist for Australia at HSBC and former RBA economist, explains the close board split over the recent rate rise. He discusses recession risks from tightening and petrol shocks. He explores how weak productivity caps Australia’s growth and argues productivity is the longer-term solution to lift living standards.

Nathalie Tocci, director of the Istituto Affari Internazionali and former EU adviser, discusses fallout from a US counterterrorism chief's resignation over the Iran war. She examines Trump's pressure on European naval escorts in the Strait of Hormuz. She explores a widening trust gap in transatlantic ties, Europe's need to rearm, and how Russia may benefit from US unpredictability.

Malcolm Turnbull, former Australian Prime Minister and commentator on foreign policy, outlines tensions in Australia–US ties. He discusses Trump's attacks on allies and the risks of naval escorts escalating conflict near the Strait of Hormuz. He critiques AUKUS as making Australia dependent and warns the US shift undermines the rules-based order.

Behnam Ben Taleblu, senior director at the Foundation for Defense of Democracies and Iran security analyst, breaks down Iran’s power structures. He outlines Larijani’s role in nuclear and missile files. He discusses whether Larijani was pragmatic or ideological. He explains Iran’s decentralised, coup-proofed command and how operations persist despite leadership losses.

Sayed Hussain Mousavian, former Iranian ambassador who explains Iranian public sentiment. Katie Gallaher, federal finance minister outlining economic and supply preparations. Ashton Hearn, South Australian opposition leader on election strategy, preferences and local affordability. Arsenio Dominguez, IMO chief on maritime security and disruptions in the Strait of Hormuz. Short takes on geopolitics, trade risks and local politics.

Fiona Flood, Ireland's Ambassador to Australia, promotes Irish cultural, economic and community ties. She discusses why Australians attract Irish migrants. She talks about Irish healthcare workers moving to Australia and returning experience. She highlights rising interest in the Irish language and prospects for an EU–Australia trade deal.

Melissa Reader, CEO of The Violet Initiative and founder of Vera, draws on personal loss to drive better end-of-life planning. She talks about why families avoid conversations and how denial harms decision-making. She shares practical supports like trained Violet Guides, approaches for including children, and why planning should be flexible and values-focused.

Ashton Hurn, leader of the South Australian Liberal Party and member for Schubert, explains his party's preferencing strategy and defends choices around One Nation. He discusses seat-by-seat tactics, regional shifts in voter support, and how state campaigning on affordability, health and crime is being handled amid difficult polling. Short, direct and politically charged conversation.

Arsenio Dominguez, Secretary-General of the International Maritime Organization, leads the UN agency that regulates international shipping. He discusses the scale of disruption to thousands of ships and seafarers. He warns about supply shortages and navigational risks in the Strait. He outlines calls for de-escalation, freedom of navigation and urgent action to protect seafarers and keep trade moving.