Can Trump convince Republicans he’s won the war on Iran?

Can Trump convince Republicans he’s won the war on Iran?

Author: BBC News June 24, 2026 Duration: 32:25

The US is lifting its decades-long sanctions on Iran, without guarantees against its nuclear programme. We hear from Republican senators usually loyal to Donald Trump who are critical of Trump’s claims that America has won the war, and that Iran is “on the ropes”. In this episode, Sarah and Anthony look at how the US president is trying to convince Republicans and US voters, that it’s the right decision to allow Iran to make billions of dollars from selling oil, and that the regime won’t use it on their military or nuclear programme. Will this work on senate Republicans, where a measure has just been passed to limit Trump’s ability to restart his war on Iran? Also, as Trump blames continued high gas prices on the oil companies, will he convince voters their economic troubles are not his fault?

Plus, is New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani starting a new socialist democrat movement across the city? A slate of socialist-leaning Democratic candidates he endorsed have achieved sweeping victories in the primaries. These include candidates who want to defund the police and are critical of the mainstream Democratic establishment. Is this a model the rest of the party might follow elsewhere in the United States?

HOSTS: • Sarah Smith, North America Editor • Anthony Zurcher, North America Correspondent

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This episode was made by Purvee Pattni, Alix Pickles, Bethan Ashmead and Tom Gillett. The technical producer was Jonny Hall. 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: 50

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