US strikes Iran twice in 24 hours after Shahed attacks hit Gulf states

US strikes Iran twice in 24 hours after Shahed attacks hit Gulf states

Author: The Telegraph July 15, 2026 Duration: 35:43

The military stand-off between the US and Iran has escalated again after Donald Trump ordered a seven-hour bombing campaign targeting Iranian missile barracks, coastal radar sites, and naval bases. The inevitable Iranian response targeting its Gulf neighbours was met with rare daytime strikes by American forces. 

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Roland Oliphant sits down with Tim Mak and Jacqueline Cole from the Iran War Dispatches Substack to discuss the significance of what each side is hitting and how the Pentagon is adapting its tactics against asymmetric Iranian warfare. They also discuss whether Trump’s brutal threat to destroy Iran's power plants and bridges will bring Tehran to the negotiating table.

Plus, worrying signs that Iran is becoming more militarised and why Jackie and Tim went to Armenia to find out what ordinary Iranians think of the war. 


Highlights


  • US strikes Iran twice in 24 hours after Shahed attacks hit Gulf states
  • Trump’s ultimatum to Iran: ‘Negotiate or we destroy your infrastructure’


CONTRIBUTORS:

Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant

Tim Mak, founder Iran War Dispatches @timkmak

Jacqueline Cole, journalist Iran War Dispatches @jacmcole


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


CONTENT REFERENCED:

Trump’s three options to solve his Iran problem

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/09/trump-three-options-return-war


Trump U-turns on Hormuz toll after one day

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/07/14/trump-hormuz-toll-uturn-one-day/


Even Iran’s children’s authors are losing hope

https://www.iranwar.news/p/even-irans-childrens-authors-are


Iran War Dispatches: https://www.iranwar.news/


The Telegraph Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

ITL Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026


Producer: Peter Shevlin

Video Producer: Max Bower

Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh

Studio Operator: Andy Watson

Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey 


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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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