Americanswers… on 5 Live! Are Trump’s Iran strikes breaking the law?

Americanswers… on 5 Live! Are Trump’s Iran strikes breaking the law?

Author: BBC News March 2, 2026 Duration: 34:43

Pete Hegseth, Trump’s Defence Secretary has defended the US/Israeli war with Iran, refuting concerns from the “fake news” media that the conflict would lead to an “endless war” and making clear there would be “no stupid rules of engagement” or “politically-correct wars”. Meanwhile, Donald Trump, making his first public comments from the White House, told his audience the US has the “capability to go far longer”, whilst also projecting a four-five week mission.

In this episode, Justin and Anthony join Matt Chorley on 5 Live to answer your many questions about the war - including is there a legal basis for its military action? Is the United States breaking the law? How many US military casualties can Trump’s MAGA base tolerate? And how will the war affect midterm elections in November, where Republicans could lose control of the House and Senate?

HOSTS: • Justin Webb, Radio 4 presenter • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent • Matt Chorley, 5 Live presenter

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This episode was made by Rufus Gray, Alix Pickles and Grace Reeve. The technical producer was Frank McWeeny. The series producer is Purvee Pattni. The senior news editor is Sam Bonham.

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Trying to make sense of American politics can feel like navigating a maze. Americast, from BBC News, cuts through the noise with a perspective that’s both grounded and far-reaching. You’ll hear from seasoned correspondents like the BBC’s North America editor, Sarah Smith, and presenter Justin Webb, who bring decades of experience to the conversation. This isn’t just a recap of headlines; it’s about understanding the forces shaping the United States, from the granular details observed on the ground to the wider historical and social currents at play. The team delves into everything from election campaigns and policy debates to the complex role of disinformation and social media, offering clarity on the stories that define the nation week to week. Relying on the BBC’s global network of journalists, this podcast provides analysis that connects local events to their international significance. For anyone looking to move beyond the soundbites and gain a more nuanced view of American government and society, tuning into this weekly discussion offers a valuable and authoritative resource.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

Americast
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