Iran: The Latest

From the UK to Israel, the signs of Iran’s malicious influence across the West are growing. Will the attempted hijack of an Israel-bound flight from Dubai be added to that list?

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks with Jerusalem correspondent Henry Bodkin and Israel-based OSINT specialist Tal Hagin about how the flydubai pilot and passengers fought back to prevent a catastrophic attack that could have sparked a fresh war. As Donald Trump calls the alleged attacker a “terrorist or a whackjob”, they discuss three scenarios for who was behind it, debunked conspiracy theories - and the implications for the Middle East.

After OSINT company Golden Owl exposed an Iran-linked influence operation targeting Israeli voters ahead of the election, they break down
Plus,, British Prime Minister Andy Burnham says Tehran was likely behind a plot foiled outside the UK’s RAF Fairford airbase, and the US kicks out Iranian negotiators as peace talks stall.

Highlights
How flydubai’s hero pilot and passengers stopped a war
Iranian covert influence network exposed targeting Israeli election debate

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Henry Bodkin, Jerusalem Correspondent @HenryBodkin
Tal Hagin, OSINT specialist and director of intelligence network Otus @talhagin
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk

CONTENT REFERENCED:
Iranian negotiators kicked out of US by Rubio
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/01/iranian-negotiators-kicked-out-of-america-by-rubio/
Burnham: Iran played part in suspected RAF terror plot
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/30/andy-burnham-iran-played-part-in-suspected-raf-terror-plot/
How the hijacking of a flight to Israel could tear the Gulf apart
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/01/hijack-terror-plot-gulf-israel-tel-aviv-flight-middle-east/
The hero who stopped Israel’s 9/11
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/30/pilot-stabbed-suspected-hijack-israel-bound-plane/
The Other Face of War: Iranian Regime–Linked Manipulation of Israel’s 2026 Election Debate
https://goldenowl.ai/resources/research/Iranian-Regime-Linked-Manipulation-of-Israel-2026-Election-Debate#7-operated-from-iran-the-iran-app-ring

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

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.

A flight to Israel from the UAE has been diverted and made an emergency landing after the pilot was violently attacked in a suspected hijack attempt.
On today’s Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey bring you the latest news from this dramatic story after a suspected knife attack by the co-pilot. They look at why Israeli authorities are treating it as a terror incident, reports that the co-pilot was Omani, and the potential security implications for Israel, Iran, Lebanon and the wider region.

Plus, is the US-Iran war on the brink of fully restarting? Hamidreza Azizi, senior Iran analyst at the International Crisis Group, explains why despite ongoing peace talks, Iran’s regime is betting it can outlast Trump or force the US into a strategic trap ahead of the November midterms.
Hamidreza lays out how the mistrust on the Iranian side is “so deep that it has reached the level of paranoia” and that the current situation means the region may end up in an even bigger war.

Highlights
Israel plane pilot attacked mid-air amid hijack attempt
‘Escalation is inevitable’: Why the US-Iran war is about to restart

CONTRIBUTORS:
Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Hamidreza Azizi, senior Iran analyst International Crisis Group @HamidRezaAz
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk
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

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 digging in on the blockade of Iranian ports, making it clear to negotiators that the US will not budge without major concessions on Iran’s nuclear program.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant speaks to Michael Knights, a military historian and security consultant who has spent time in Yemen and the wider region, about news of talks to end the war and the rationale behind Trump’s stance on the Strait of Hormuz.

They also discuss why the Houthis are winning in Yemen - and how to stop them. Michael explains how a heavily funded, Western-trained Saudi military failed to stop the Iran-backed insurgent force, the importance of the UAE’s absence, and why growing ties between the Houthis and Somalia's Al-Shabaab threaten the Red Sea chokepoint.

Plus, confusion reigns after the US says a “foreign actor” was involved in the incident at UK airbase RAF Fairford and Trump says the suspects shouldn’t have been released on bail.

Highlights
Trump digs in on Iran blockade over Strait of Hormuz
How the Houthis outmaneuvered Saudi Arabia in Yemen

CONTRIBUTORS:
Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant
Michael Knights, military historian and head of research Horizon Engage @Mikeknightsiraq

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

CONTENT REFERENCED:
RAF base terror plot ‘clearly involved’ foreign actor, claims Rubio
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/28/donald-trump-raf-fairford-terror-suspects-bailed-police/
RAF plot ‘may have been a dry run’
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/29/raf-fairford-plot-may-have-been-a-dry-run/
Afrah Abdulaziz Al-Zouba: A new terrorist axis has arisen, covering both sides of the Red Sea
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/29/a-new-terrorist-axis-has-arisen-red-sea/

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

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.

Police in the UK are investigating alleged Iranian links to a suspected bomb plot to attack RAF Fairford, the main base for US bombers during the Iran war. Donald Trump says the suspects intended “big damage”.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey talks to crime correspondent Will Bolton about the latest news of the massive security breach, including how a local farmer foiled the alleged plot last-minute and led to the arrest of five British men, since released on bail.

Plus, Trump rejects Iran’s proposal for a ceasefire, Tehran warns it is ready for a “doomsday war” if bombing resumes after the midterms, eight US Marines are revealed to have been injured by a missile in the Strait of Hormuz, and global diesel supplies dry up.

Highlights
Trump says ‘bomb plot’ suspects planned ‘big damage’ to UK base for Iran bombers
Iran 'ready for doomsday war' after Trump rejects 7-day Strait of Hormuz deal

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant
Will Bolton, crime correspondent @WillBoltons

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

CONTENT REFERENCED:
RAF base terror suspects are British nationals
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/28/raf-terror-suspects-british-nationals/
Iran’s terrifying global campaign of revenge – and how it targets enemies
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/27/irans-terrifying-revenge-countries-that-oppose-it/
Face-to-face with ‘bomb plotters’: Farmer tells of 999 call after stumbling on masked men
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/09/27/villager-999-call-masked-men-raf-fairford-counter-terror/
Why the world is ‘freaking out’ about diesel
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/business/2026/09/21/diesel-crisis-world-racing-towards-a-fuel-cliff-edge/
Lloyd’s List: Iran’s ship attacks show strategy of disruption not discrimination
https://www.lloydslist.com/LL1158552/The-week-in-charts-Irans-ship-attacks-show-strategy-of-disruption-not-discrimination--Abu-Dhabi-emerges-as-container-shippings-Hormuz-shuttle-operator

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

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.

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/
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.