Iran: The Latest
The Telegraph
Iran: The Latest is The Telegraph’s defence, security and foreign affairs news podcast providing deep-dive analysis on the ongoing conflict between the US, Israel and Iran. Veteran foreign correspondents Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey bring you the latest updates from The Telegraph’s award-winning journalists, plus exclusive interviews with world-class experts in military strategy, international relations, and Middle East policy.From attacks on the Gulf to Hezbollah in Lebanon to the Houthis in Yemen to the threat of nuclear escalation, stay informed with the best of The Telegraph’s Middle East coverage in one place. As the geopolitical landscape shifts, subscribe for essential updates on the security shifts defining our global future.Every Wednesday on Battle Lines: Global Health Security they’re joined by Arthur Scott-Geddes to look at the intersection between health and security, from bioweapons to warzone diseases to frontline medicine. You can watch these episodes here.Battle Lines, a defence podcast with a wider scope and created by David Knowles, previously lived on this feed. Don’t forget to follow and leave a review to stay updated on the latest in global conflict and foreign affairs.Battle Lines: Global Health Security is supported by the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Episodes
Mentioned books
30 snips
Mar 6, 2026 • 45min
Shock and awe but no regime change: one week of Trump’s Iran war
Col. Simon Diggins, a former British Army officer with Middle East operational experience, and Matthew Savill, Director of Military Sciences at RUSI, unpack week one of the US‑Israeli campaign. They discuss progress toward US aims, Iran’s missile and drone posture, naval threats in the Gulf, regional spillover and whether regime change is realistic. Short, sharp analysis of military moves and what to watch next.
12 snips
Mar 5, 2026 • 52min
How the Iran war was years in the planning
Nicholas Hopton, former UK ambassador to Iran, offers concise diplomatic perspective on Tehran and regional politics. Tom Sharpe, ex-Royal Navy commander, brings frontline naval and submarine expertise. They discuss Iran’s post-1980s naval reconfiguration, IRGC fast-attack and mini-sub threats, the tactical nightmare of the Strait of Hormuz, and the hard choices around submarine warfare and Western naval options.
33 snips
Mar 4, 2026 • 53min
Is Europe being dragged into Trump’s Iran war?
Dr Hanan Balkhy, WHO regional director, explains health preparedness and medical logistics. Sophia Yan, senior foreign correspondent, files a dispatch from the Turkish–Iranian border on refugees and regional reactions. Nazenin Ansari, Iranian‑British journalist, gives on‑the‑ground perspective on Iran, opposition movements and succession concerns. They discuss Europe’s growing involvement, refugee flows, medical readiness and regional geopolitical shifts.
31 snips
Mar 3, 2026 • 53min
US obliterates Iranian navy, exclusive Trump chat & voices from inside Tehran
Connor Stringer, The Telegraph’s US correspondent who secured an exclusive call with Donald Trump. Maya Gebeily, Reuters bureau chief covering Lebanon, Jordan and Syria. Akhtar Makoii, The Telegraph foreign reporter filing from Tehran. They discuss US strikes on Iran’s navy and maritime tactics. They cover civilian life under bombardment in Tehran. They examine Hezbollah, Lebanese displacement and regional spillover.
16 snips
Mar 2, 2026 • 48min
Iran bombs entire Middle East after Ayatollah Khamenei assassinated by Israel and US
David Blair, The Telegraph’s chief foreign analyst, explains Khamenei’s role and Iran’s institutional strength. Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence official, breaks down Iran’s strategy and military dynamics. They discuss the widening regional war, UK base access, divergent US-Israeli aims, regime resilience, and why an air campaign may not achieve regime change.
19 snips
Feb 28, 2026 • 46min
Trump attacks Iran with 'major combat operations' to oust regime - what next?
Jonathan Hackett, a former US Marine special-operations intelligence officer and Iran specialist, offers battlefield-tested analysis. He discusses planning behind the strikes, an alleged escape offer for Iran’s leadership, why decapitation alone will not end the regime, risks of fragmentation, and the limits of munitions and post-strike planning.
Feb 27, 2026 • 35min
Cuba 'very close' to regime change: John Bolton on Trump, Venezuela and Iran
John Bolton, former U.S. National Security Advisor and long-time advocate of regime-change policies, discusses Cuba, Venezuela and Iran. He argues Cuba is on the brink amid oil cutoffs and humanitarian collapse. He critiques U.S. decision-making, outlines plans for post-regime governance, weighs military versus economic pressure, and shifts to Iran’s strategic threats and possible responses.
7 snips
Feb 25, 2026 • 38min
Drugs, HIV and gangs: the Pacific island paradise hit by a triple epidemic
Dr Jason Mitchell, head of Fiji’s HIV task force leading the national response. Sarah Newey, Telegraph reporter who investigated Fiji’s meth trade. They discuss how organised crime funnels meth into communities. They describe visible street markets, risky injecting practices driving rapid HIV spread, stigma blocking care, and the urgent harm-reduction steps being planned.
Feb 23, 2026 • 32min
The 'super secret' Chagos island airbase at heart of Trump-Starmer row
David Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator (The Telegraph), and Ben Judah, former Foreign Office special advisor, unpack the Chagos/Diego Garcia controversy. They lay out why Diego Garcia matters for UK-US access. They trace the island’s control history and legal disputes. They explore US diplomatic pressure, partisan politics around the deal, and the displaced Chagossians' dilemmas.
Feb 20, 2026 • 49min
Trump’s Iran plan: 'kick the door in' and hit the regime where it hurts
Maryam Mazrooei, an Iranian journalist and war photographer who fled after detention, gives firsthand testimony about repression inside Iran. Henry Bodkin, Jerusalem correspondent for The Telegraph, reports on military movements and strike capacities in the region. They discuss US carrier deployments, fast-jet and tanker movements, Iran’s defensive measures, and the risks of wider conflict and regime change.
