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A rapid-response to US strikes on Iran and what Australian involvement might mean. A tense discussion of motives, strategic aims and historic lessons from past wars. Political fallout at home: leaked Coalition reviews, polling swings and trust breakdowns. The rise of One Nation, shifting preference flows and risks for teal seats are also explored.

Gabrielle Jackson, deputy editor at The Guardian Australia, offers sharp political analysis. Bonnie Malkin, international editor, reports on global conflicts. They discuss rapid escalation after strikes on Iran. They explore Iran’s strategic aims and regional fallout. They examine Australia’s quick support, allied reluctance, and the 'bomb first' approach. They also cover verifying battlefield evidence and domestic political risks.

Jonathan Freedland, Guardian columnist and Politics Weekly America host, guides the conversation. He explores what might push Donald Trump to end a widening US–Israel conflict. He examines the power of market shocks and TV images, contrasts this crisis with the Iraq lead-up, and considers impacts on global order and regional allies.

Krishani Dhanji, political reporter and live blogger for Guardian Australia, breaks down a leaked post-2025 election review. She describes why party officials tried to hide it. She outlines leaks, critiques of Peter Dutton’s leadership, policy missteps like the nuclear pitch, and how polling and misreading voters led to alienating women and multicultural communities.

Ben Saul, professor of international law and UN Special Rapporteur on counterterrorism and human rights, discusses the legality of recent US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He explores why the attacks may amount to the crime of aggression. He examines Australia’s response, limits of self‑defence, Iran’s legal options, risks to the global rule of law, and potential paths for accountability and diplomatic pressure.

David Smith, Washington bureau chief for The Guardian, offers concise political reporting and analysis. He breaks down Trump's public rationale for strikes, his norm‑breaking decision making, the skipped consultative processes, the uncertain timeline of 'four weeks' versus a longer campaign, and the domestic political and international influences shaping the conflict.

Tom McIlroy, political editor at The Guardian, gives a sharp take on Australia’s rapid backing of US and Israeli strikes on Iran. He unpacks parliamentary fallout, legal concerns raised by experts, and debates over diplomacy versus military action. He also explores Pine Gap’s secrecy and the likelihood of Australian combat involvement.

Julian Borger, senior international correspondent specializing in global security and geopolitics, provides sharp analysis. He explains why the strikes happened now. He explores who is shaping US and regional decisions. He assesses Iran's resilience after Khamenei's death and possible trajectories. He outlines regional fallout, risks to global shipping and trade, and the legal questions around the attacks.

Tory Shepherd, senior reporter at Guardian Australia known for policy and investigations, walks through the long history of high-speed rail in Australia. She outlines the new Sydney–Newcastle proposal, the $230 million planning push and why detailed design work makes this attempt feel different. Political motives, cost risks and feasibility factors are discussed in short, sharp exchanges.

Caitlin Cassidy, an education reporter who chased the viral Punch the monkey story, narrates her rush to buy IKEA’s Djungelskog orangutan plush. She describes viral footage, resale frenzy and her emotional reaction when handed the toy. She reflects on colleagues’ responses, the sadness beneath the cute clips and questions about zoo care and anthropomorphism.