Trump targets Iran’s borders as China and Russia rearm Tehran and Houthis | Iran: the Latest

Описание: The US military has bombed Qeshm Island again and launched Operation Iron Gate - an ambitious land blockade designed to sever Iran’s resupply corridors with Russia and China.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by Jonathan Hackett, retired US Marine Corps counterintelligence agent and author of 'Iran’s Shadow Weapons', to analyse whether Centcom’s latest moves are enough to isolate the IRGC. They delve into how exactly Beijing and Moscow are propping up Tehran, from targeting assistance to potential S-400 air defence batteries to missiles parts for the Houthis in Yemen.

Donald Trump insists renewed strikes are "highly unlikely" but has assembled three aircraft carriers in the Middle East. Jonathan outlines three things to watch in the coming weeks to assess whether strikes are about to restart.

Plus, will Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu lash out as he faces the prospect of losing power to rival Gadi Eisenkot? Jonathan explains why despite being cornered, Bibi cannot go it alone due to a lack of air defences.

#IranWar #USMilitary #MiddleEastNews #Geopolitics #StraitOfHormuz #DonaldTrump #DefenseAnalysis #irandeal

CHAPTERS
00:00 - Introduction & Episode Overview
00:34 - Guest Introduction: Jonathan Hackett
00:55 - US Strikes on Qeshm Island & Trump's Reaction
02:02 - Strategic Value of Qeshm Island & Air Defenses
03:01 - Trump’s CNN Comments & Potential US-Iran Compromises
07:16 - Dividing the Strait of Hormuz: US & Gulf Dynamics
10:24 - US $20 Million Reward for Iran Nuclear Info
13:00 - Operation Iron Gate: US Land Blockade on Iran
17:47 - Moscow Links: Iran Pushes for Russian S-400 Delivery
20:50 - Assessing Iran’s Missile and Drone Capabilities
22:53 - Israel's Internal Politics & the Risk of Unilateral Action
27:30 - Houthi Strikes on Riyadh & Direct Chinese Backing
31:40 - Indicators of War Escalation: Congress, Carriers & Doha
35:05 - Trump's Legacy & Historical Verdict on the Iran War
37:24 - Podcast Series Finale Announcement & Wrap-Up

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Jonathan Hackett, ex-US Marine Corps counterintelligence agent @jonathanhackett

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE:    • Iran: The Latest |  Podcast | The Telegraph  

CONTENT REFERENCED:
Russia in talks to supply advanced missiles to Iran
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-new...

Houthi missile debris smashes into Saudi skyscraper
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-new...

‘We’re not done with Iran’, warns Israel
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026...

Four reasons why ousting Netanyahu could get ugly
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-new...

China is helping the Houthis in order to spite the US
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-new...

Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026
Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026
Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026
The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower
Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh
Studio Operator: Andy Watson
Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey

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