Iran strikes Kuwait airport after US bombs Qeshm Island & why the World Cup’s timing matters for the war

Iran strikes Kuwait airport after US bombs Qeshm Island & why the World Cup’s timing matters for the war

Author: The Telegraph June 3, 2026 Duration: 42:47

Is Donald Trump waiting until after the World Cup to restart the war with Iran despite the largest attack on the Gulf since the ceasefire began?


Violence erupted overnight in the Middle East after the US attacked a ship heading to Iran and Tehran fired missiles and drones at Kuwait and Bahrain. Roland Oliphant looks at the latest news of clashes in the Persian Gulf and speaks to Maziar Bahari, founder of Iran Wire, about why the war is unlikely to erupt until after the World Cup.  


One of Iran’s most experienced journalists until he was forced into exile, Bahari’s English and Persian website has become an invaluable source of reliable information for anyone interested following the war. He explains why the Iranian regime is weaker than most think and shares his experiences of being interrogated by IRGC officials who rely on pornography to understand the Western world.  


Plus, global health security editor Paul Nuki explains why Israelis can’t ignore Donald Trump’s explosive reported warning to leader Benjamin Netanyahu that the world is starting to hate his country due its military activity.


Highlights

  • Iran strikes Kuwait airport after US bombs Qeshm Island
  • Why IRGC officers believe the West is just like in porn films


CONTRIBUTORS:


Roland Oliphant, chief foreign analyst, @rolandoliphant

Maziar Bahari, founder of Iran Wire, @maziarbahari 

Paul Nuki, global health security editor, @PaulNuki


CONTENT REFERENCED:


Paul Nuki: Trump outburst reflects Israel’s sinking popularity in American eyes

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/06/02/trump-netanyahu-outburst-reflects-israel-unpopularity/


Producer: Peter Shevlin

Executive Producers: Venetia Rainey & Louisa Wells


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For those trying to understand the complex and rapidly shifting landscape of the Middle East, Iran: The Latest offers essential context. This Telegraph podcast moves beyond the headlines to examine the military, diplomatic, and strategic forces shaping the ongoing tensions between Iran, the United States, and Israel. Hosted by veteran foreign correspondents Roland Oliphant and Venetia Rainey, each episode synthesizes frontline reporting from the paper's award-winning journalists with insightful conversations. You'll hear from specialists in areas like regional security architecture, covert operations, and geopolitical theory, providing a clearer picture of the stakes involved. The analysis considers historical grievances, economic pressures, and potential flashpoints, from proxy conflicts to direct confrontations. It’s a resource for anyone who wants to grasp not just what is happening, but why it matters and what might come next. By drawing on deep sourcing and expert commentary, this podcast delivers a nuanced perspective that is both timely and thoroughly researched, making sense of a critical and often misunderstood arena of global affairs.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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