Iran: The Latest

As Chinese leader Xi Jinping concludes his three-day state visit to Washington, Beijing’s incremental support of Tehran threatens to undermine Donald Trump’s pressure campaign.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, host Sophia Yan speaks with China military expert Meia Nouwens to break down Beijing’s strategic calculus in the Middle East, how China benefits from the US getting bogged down in a regional war, and preparations for potential future wartime chokepoints in the Strait of Malacca.

Plus, Iran-backed Houthi strikes hit Saudi Arabia’s state-owned Aramco facilities, driving up crude oil prices and prompting an emergency meeting amongst Saudi, Turkish, and Pakistani military chiefs. Meanwhile, Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi proposes a seven-day truce to Washington, demanding a halt to all hostilities, $12 billion in frozen assets to be released and an end to the US naval blockade – pre-conditions to reopen Hormuz.

Highlights
China expands its military to gain advantage over information and data warfare
How war in the Middle East might expose new chokepoints in the Malacca Strait
CONTRIBUTORS:
Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan
Meia Nouwens, senior fellow and China military expert, International Institute for Strategic Studies, @MeiaNouwens

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk
CONTENT REFERENCED:
Miliband warns Iran: Britain will not tolerate intimidation https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/25/ed-miliband-iran-foreign-minister-abbas-araghchi/
Iran’s supreme leader is alive, president insists https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/25/iran-supreme-leader-alive-mojtaba-khamenei-pezeshkian/

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

Audio Producer: Max Bower
Video Producer: Peter Shevlin
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/
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Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian took to the UN stage in mourning attire to deliver a defiant message to Washington: Tehran will “never bow or bend the knee” to US bullying.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant speaks to US Correspondent Iona Cleave, who is based in New York, reporting on the ongoing UN General Assembly. Iona shares her insight into what the atmosphere is like in the UN headquarters. They unpack Pezeshkian’s high-stakes address, the escalating diplomatic rhetoric, and why hardline factions in Tehran are already moving to impeach Iran's foreign minister, Abbas Araghchi, for holding talks with the US.

Meanwhile, an advisor to Mojtaba Khamenei threatens to expand the conflict into the Indian Ocean as new US secondary sanctions force regional airlines in Georgia, Azerbaijan, and Oman to halt flights into Iran.

Plus, as Xi Jinping arrives in Washington for a high-stakes summit with Donald Trump, secret customs data reveals China is fuelling Tehran's missile program with illicit dual-use component shipments.

Highlights
Analysis of Pezeshkian’s speech at the UN General Assembly
China’s dual-use military shipments to Iran exposed

CONTRIBUTORS:
Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant
Iona Cleave, US correspondent @cleaveiona

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk
CONTENT REFERENCED:
Americans walk out of Iranian president’s UN speech https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/23/americans-storm-out-iranian-president-un-speech-gaza-israel/?recomm_id=106ef4bb-f257-4fa3-89da-68cbbdb00767
Zelensky lashes out at EU https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/23/kremlin-accuses-burnham-of-stoking-anti-russian-sentiment/?recomm_id=106ef4bb-f257-4fa3-89da-68cbbdb00767
Trump rolls out the red carpet for Xi https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/09/23/trump-rolls-out-red-carpet-for-xi-jinping-in-washinghton-dc/?recomm_id=fd4833ca-a0e2-4b41-b42a-fe28efe2b5cc

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

Audio Producer: Peter Shevlin
Video Producer: 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 has told reporters at the UN General Assembly he faces a critical decision: strike a deal with Tehran or "annihilate the Islamic Republic," while Masoud Pezeshkian insists Iran’s nuclear program will proceed.

On today’s episode of Iran: The Latest Sophia Yan and Roland Oliphant examine the escalating military picture across the Red Sea and the high-stakes diplomacy in New York. As Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian takes the UN stage, Iranian forces warn they are prepared to deliver "crushing blows" against US threats. Meanwhile, AP reports reveal Iranian Revolutionary Guard advisers are directly guiding Houthi forces on the ground in Yemen.

Plus, as Chinese leader Xi Jinping is set to arrive in Washington today for a high-profile state visit, geospatial intelligence analyst Renny Babiarz breaks down a Telegraph investigation into Xi’s secret expansion of seven nuclear weapons sites across China and what Beijing's ‘breathtaking’ nuclear breakout means for global security.

Highlights
Pezeshkian demands ‘no limitations’ to the expansion of Iran’s nuclear capabilities
Expert on geospatial intelligence warns of the ‘breathtaking scale’ of China’s secret nuclear expansion

CONTRIBUTORS:
Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant
Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan
Renny Babiarz, geospatial intelligence analyst and vice president at AllSourceAnalysis @RennyBabiarz
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:
Revealed: Xi's nuclear weapons expansion at seven secret sites https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/china-secret-nuclear-weapon-sites-xi/
Trump is making a fool of himself over Iran https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/22/trump-making-fool-of-himself-over-iran/

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

Audio Producer: Peter Shevlin
Video Producer: 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 told the UN General Assembly that he is deciding between a fresh agreement with Iran and driving the regime “into hell”, after Tehran reportedly offered a seven-day deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the US lifts its blockade.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey looks at apparent growing momentum towards a deal as world leaders from across the Middle East gather in New York. After Trump vowed once again to stop Iran from getting nuclear weapons, former nuclear weapons inspector David Albright breaks down how Tehran is using the lull in fighting to rebuild and fortify key capabilities at Parchin and Pickaxe Mountain.

Plus, Britain is sending a single RAF Voyager refuelling aircraft to assist Saudi Arabia in its fight against the Houthis after Trump reportedly cancelled planned air strikes on Yemen’s Iran-backed militants at the last minute.

Highlights
Trump deciding between Iran deal or driving regime ‘into hell’
A nuclear weapons inspector on how Iran is rebuilding its capabilities

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
David Albright, president Institute for Science and International Security @DAVIDHALBRIGHT1

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

CONTENT REFERENCED:
Burnham sends RAF to help defend Saudi Arabia
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/09/21/trump-to-challenge-burnham-uk-defence-spending/
David Blair: Burnham is walking into the lion’s den with nothing to offer Trump
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/21/burnham-nothing-to-offer-trump-special-relationship/
Saudi Arabia turns to UK for help as Houthi offensive threatens Suez Canal
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/15/saudi-arabia-turns-uk-help-houthi-offensive-suez-canal/

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

Audio Producer: Max Bower
Video Producer: Peter Shevlin
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.

A Houthi ballistic missile struck an Aramco jet-fuel depot near Riyadh’s international airport, a major escalation in the war between Yemen’s Iran-backed militants and Saudi Arabia.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Bahraini analyst Ahmed Khuzaie about Turkey and Pakistan’s vows of military support for Saudi Arabia under the Mecca Defence Pact after Donald Trump refused to provide US assistance. They also discuss the dilemma for Egypt as the rise of Iranian-backed Islamist factions in Sudan’s civil war threatens to pile additional pressure on the Red Sea and the Bab al-Mandeb Strait.

Plus, what Gulf leaders at the UN General Assembly want from Trump as he weighs whether to restart the war, and new satellite images show Iran rapidly rebuilding and fortifying a nuclear-linked facility at Parchin.

Highlights
Houthis strike Riyadh jet-fuel depot as Turkey, Pakistan vow Saudi Arabia support
IRGC fortifies and rebuilds key nuclear-linked site

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Ahmed Khuzaie, Bahraini analyst @AhmedAlkhuzaie

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

CONTENT REFERENCED:
Saudi Arabia confirms Houthi missile attack on capital
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/19/riyadh-sounds-first-air-raid-alerts-since-houthi-escalation/

Pakistan hints at joining war on Houthis
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/18/iran-saudi-arabia-mecca-joint-defence-gulf/

Trump considering ‘blowing up entire nation’ of Iran
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/20/trump-considering-blowing-up-iran/

Satellite images show Iran rapidly rebuilding nuclear facility
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/18/satellite-images-iran-rapidly-rebuilding-nuclear-facility/

ISIS: Iran is Rapidly Reconstructing Taleghan 2
https://isis-online.org/isis-reports/iran-is-rapidly-reconstructing-taleghan-2

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

Audio Producer: Max Bower
Video Producer: Peter Shevlin
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.