Iran: The Latest

A brutal wave of Houthi missiles have struck Saudi Arabia’s main Riyadh airport, killing at least 14 in the deadliest attack on a Gulf nation since the US-Iran war began.

On today’s episode of Iran: The Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by Riyadh-based Saudi analyst Salman Al-Ansari to examine the catastrophic attacks on King Khalid International Airport and why Iran’s Houthis are able to cause so much damage.

They also discuss what might happen next: will Donald Trump launch US strikes in Yemen? Will a new Arab-led coalition emerge? And why does Saudi Arabia think it has a better chance of defeating the Iranian proxy group now than before?

Plus, as Iranian officials threaten to destroy US data centres and other infrastructure in the Gulf if the conflict restarts, Aramco’s CEO warns of severe global crude oil shortages while the Strait of Hormuz remains under attack.

Highlights
Trump weighs US strikes after Houthi missiles shut Riyadh airport
Saudi Arabia vows ‘serious response’

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Salman al-Ansari, Saudi analyst @alansari

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:
The Houthi missiles that will make Trump think twice
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/12/houthi-missiles-trump-think-twice/
The UAE-backed ‘Giants Brigade’ changing the Saudi-Houthi war
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/09/giants-brigade-militia-changing-saudi-houthi-war/
Trump may join Saudi war after Houthi strike on airport kills 12
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/10/saudi-yemen-king-khalid-iran-gulf-war/

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
Nominated Podcast of the Year - London Press Club 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

► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor
► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk
► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

US military veterans are turning on Donald Trump and the Republican party as the Iran war drives fuel prices past $6 a gallon ahead of the 2026 US midterm elections.

In today’s bonus episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by US reporters Poppy Wood and Ben Smith, who have been speaking to ex-military voters and candidates at the Naval Air Station Oceana in Virginia and key midterm races.

They examine why Republican ex-servicemen are increasingly choosing to sit out the vote and how an ex-Green Berets independent candidate is part of a broader veteran movement to challenge both mainstream parties.

Plus, leaked audio shows Ken Paxton, a close Trump ally running for a Republican Senate seat in Texas, criticising the war’s economic fallout for Americans, and the latest predictions for who will win what in Congress.

Highlights
US veterans revolt against Trump and Republicans ahead of midterms
Iran war causes $6 diesel spike for Americans

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Poppy Wood, US correspondent @poppyeh
Benedict Smith, Washington correspondent @bsmithjourno

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:
Veterans turn on Trump over Iran war
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/28/veterans-trump-iran-war-midterms-dispatch/
Green Beret leads ‘double haters’ in mission to blow up midterms
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/politics/2026/10/05/rhodes-scholar-green-beret-end-two-party-politics-montana/
The Left-wing streamer becoming a toxic liability for Democrats
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/09/25/hasan-piker-controversy-abdul-ed-sayed-us-midterms/

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
Nominated Podcast of the Year - London Press Club 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

► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor
► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk
► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Houthi ballistic missiles have struck Riyadh international airport for the third time in a week, killing three Saudis including a pilot, destroying a plane and prompting major carriers to cancel flights.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Africa correspondent Ben Farmer to discuss why Saudi airports are particularly “painful” targets for the Iran-backed Houthis to be hitting even as they face growing military pressure from government forces within Yemen.

Fresh from Djibouti’s Red Sea coastline, Ben shares testimonies from Yemeni refugees about what the war looks like on the ground, Houthi forced recruitment, and why many are more scared of Saudi planes than the militants.

Plus, Donald Trump insists no strikes on Iran will take place prior to the US midterms, even as reports reveal the Pentagon has drawn up plans for a three-day campaign targeting the regime’s missile arsenal and command centers. What would a resumption of the war mean for Africa?

Highlights
Houthi missiles kill three including pilot at Riyadh airport
Pentagon draws up three-day Iran blitz

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Ben Farmer, Africa correspondent @benfarmerDT

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:
‘The dogs were eating their bodies’: Thousands of Yemenis flee war across the sea
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-health/terror-and-security/thousands-flee-across-the-red-sea-to-escape-war-in-yemen/
The UAE-backed ‘Giants Brigade’ changing the Saudi-Houthi war
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/09/giants-brigade-militia-changing-saudi-houthi-war/
Houthis destroy passenger jet at Riyadh airport
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/08/houthis-destroy-passenger-jet-riyadh-airport/

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
Nominated Podcast of the Year - London Press Club 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

► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor
► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk
► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Donald Trump is reportedly readying to restart major combat operations against Iran and alongside former war-partner Israel - before the US midterm elections.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Richard Meade, editor-in-chief of Lloyd’s List, about how such an escalation would impact the dangerous and costly shuttle service that has emerged in the Strait of Hormuz to stabilise oil prices. They discuss how growing Iranian attacks on tankers in the key waterway has led to a “violent equilibrium” that is having a global knock-on impact. Is it sustainable?

Plus, new figures show more US military aircraft have been damaged or destroyed since the conflict began than previously reported, Yemen’s Houthis down a drone from Saudi Arabia, and UK-Israel crisis talks save Britain's diplomatic presence in Jerusalem.

Highlights
Trump readies new Iran strikes as Strait of Hormuz attacks ramp up
How the US’s deadly oil shuttle defies Iranian strikes

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Richard Meade, editor-in-chief Lloyd’s List @Lloydslisted

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk
CONTENT REFERENCED:
Trump ‘preparing for Iran strikes before midterms’
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/07/trump-preparing-for-iran-strikes-before-midterms/
Tom Sharpe: It’s advantage Trump in the Strait of Hormuz
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/06/strait-hormuz-oil-crude-iran-war-strikes-red-sea-trump/
Britain and Israel back down over Jerusalem consulate closure
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/08/israel-british-consulate-jerusalem-miliband-sanctions/
Richard Meade: Markets adapt, but disruption still pays
https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1158639/The-Daily-View-Markets-adapt-but-disruption-still-pays
Ships’ captains paid $100,000 a month to transit Strait of Hormuz
https://www.ft.com/content/0d665e5b-d8c8-4f1e-acf5-bba7193b4e6e
U.S. Aircraft Combat Losses in Operation Epic Fury: Considerations for Congress
https://www.congress.gov/crs-product/IN12692

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
Nominated Podcast of the Year - London Press Club 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
► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor
► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk
► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Three years on from the October 7 attacks by Hamas, how has Israel been changed by the massacre and ensuing wars in Gaza, Lebanon, Iran and beyond?

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Sophia Yan catches up once again with Israeli best friends Adam Ben-Shabbat and Nadim Tali from the Oasis of Peace, a Jewish and Palestinian Israeli village. They discuss the impact of the Iran war, rising racism and anti-Semitism, and the prospects for a two-state solution. Plus, did Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu know October 7 might happen? Venetia Rainey looks at the lack of accountability amid news that the UAE warned Israel, and the growing toll on Palestinians in Gaza.

Meanwhile, the Iran-backed Houthi forces in Yemen have fired ballistic missiles and drones at Saudi capital Riyadh and Aden’s international airport, even as they face growing military pressure around the Red Sea.

Highlights
Houthi strikes shut down Yemen airport and target Riyadh
Two best friends on how Oct 7 and the Iran war has changed Israel

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant
Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:
Iranians ‘used ChatGPT while spying on journalists’
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/06/iranians-used-chatgpt-while-spying-on-journalists/
This is the story of death and survival in Oct 7’s yellow dumpster
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/07/oct7-israel-yellow-dumpster/
Listen to Sophia’s previous conversations with Adam and Nadim >>

October 2025: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2025/10/06/inside-gaza-city-how-hamas-survived-and-what-next/
October 2024: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/10/09/israels-oasis-of-peace-one-year-later/
January 2024: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2024/02/14/battle-lines-israel-oasis-of-peace-palestine/

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Bronze winner, 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: Meghan Searle
Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey

► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor
► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk
► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.