Talk War

Talk

This is Talk’s dedicated war and global security channel, covering conflicts from around the world.

From Ukraine and Russia to Israel and Hamas, and the latest conflict with Iran, Talk War brings together the sharpest conversations from across the network in one place.

Julia Hartley-Brewer, Jeremy Kyle, Ian Collins and Kevin O’Sullivan each bring their own approach — whether that’s on-the-ground reporting, geopolitical analysis or robust debate. You’ll hear from military voices, former intelligence figures, political heavyweights and people directly affected as events unfold.

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

Subscribe Listen in podnod RSS feed Show website

81 episodes
Updated July 1

Episodes81

Newest first

April 14 · 21 min
Has Treasury 'Vandalism' Put the UK's Defence Spending 'In Peril'?
Former NATO secretary general and former Labour defence secretary Lord Robertson has delivered a speech, criticising 'vandals' at the Treasury for not investing properly in defence spending, and putting the UK's national security 'in peril'. As Keir Starmer faces pressure to invest more in defence, particularly after the Iran War and HMS Dragon exposed the UK's weaknesses, how serious do we need to get? Today on Talk War, Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by Retired British Army colonel Tim Collins OBE to discuss Lord Robertson's comments. He argues that the Government have little understanding of defence and its role in the global order, and that is shown by the Strait of Hormuz blockade and their lack of understanding on why things have gone wrong. And Julia is also joined by David Patrikarakos. special correspondent at the Daily Mail, who argues that the UK is behind the curve on funding, and they are still stuck in the paradigm of thinking that war looks like it did in WW2. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 13 · 37 min
Trump’s Hormuz Blockade Sparks Fears Of Global Economic Shock
Talk War zeroes in on the escalating Strait of Hormuz crisis, as Julia Hartley-Brewer leads a hard-hitting discussion on Donald Trump’s move to blockade Iranian oil exports, the failure of ceasefire talks, and the growing threat to global energy, food and supply chains. With contributions from Lord Robertson, Andrew Fox, Liam Halligan and Rear Admiral Chris Parry, the episode examines how the Iran blockade could send oil, gas, fertiliser and fuel prices soaring, leave Europe facing jet fuel shortages, deepen the cost of living crisis and expose Britain’s military and political weakness, with Keir Starmer accused of looking absent, ineffective and unprepared as the US takes the lead in the Middle East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 9 · 30 min
'HUMILIATED': Can the UK Recover From Iran War Embarrassment?
Sir Keir Starmer is currently visiting the Middle East to talk with Gulf leaders about the ceasefire deal and ongoing peace in the Middle East. But given the UK's dismal response to the conflict, what does he hope to achieve? On this episode of Talk War, Jeremy Kyle is joined by Mail on Sunday columnist Dan Hodges to discuss the "humiliation" of the British Royal Navy during this conflict, the chronic underinvestment in British defence, and what Starmer hopes to achieve on his visit. And Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by retired Lieutenant General Ben Hodges, Former Commander US Army Europe, to discuss the ceasefire deal, the ongoing disagreement between the U.S. and Iran about what the deal says, and what will actually happen with the Strait of Hormuz. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 9 · 41 min
Is the Ceasefire Deal Already Over? And Why Starmer is a 'Non-Entity'
Barely 24 hours after the ceasefire deal was agreed, it already appears to be on rocky footing, after Iran claimed Israel had breached the deal by striking Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The US and Israel have both rejected the claims, saying that Lebanon was not part of the deal, but the future of the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain. On the latest episode of Talk War, Jeremy Kyle is joined by a range of guests to dig into the latest from the Middle East, the state of the ceasefire, and including Keir Starmer's visit to the region and if it will achieve anything. Featuring: James Price, former Government special adviser Isabel Oakeshott, Talk International Editor Priti Patel, Shadow Foreign Secretary Sir Richard Dalton, Former British Ambassador to the Islamic Republic Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 8 · 19 min
Why is Keir Starmer Only Now Going to the Middle East?
Sir Keir Starmer jetted out of the UK today for the Middle East, hours after a ceasefire deal was reached between the USA and Iran, in order to meet with different leaders in the region to discuss peace. But is him showing up after a deal has been reached a little like Commodus turning up after missing the war in "Gladiator"? That's what Col. James Sunderland, former MP and military expert, thinks about the PM's latest overseas visit, as he joined Kevin O'Sullivan to dissect the visit. And Iranian activist Laila Jazayeri joined Kevin to discuss ongoing support from some in the UK for the existing Iranian regime, and what is needed to secure real regime change in the country. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 8 · 15 min
How Long Will Peace Hold in Iran After Trump Ceasefire Deal?
The two-week ceasefire deal between America and Iran is less than a day old, and questions remain around what exactly peace will look like, if the Strait of Hormuz will reopen fully, and Ian Collins is joined from Dubai from Isabel Oakeshott, who discusses Keir Starmer's visit to the region and if he will contribute anything to the ceasefire discourse. He is also joined by journalist and broadcaster, Peter Oborne, and former Chief of Staff for Joe Biden, Susan Platt, to discuss why Trump wanted this ceasefire and the lasting consequences of the war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 8 · 44 min
Trump and Iran Agree Two Week Ceasefire - Will It Last?
At the eleventh hour last night, the U.S. and Iran reached a deal for a two week ceasefire while the two countries negotiate on a longer-term end to the conflict that has dominated global headlines for over a month. With the war now on pause, what does it mean for oil prices as the Strait of Hormuz reopens, and what will both sides get out of the deal? And now Prime Minister Keir Starmer has headed to the Middle East for talks with allies - but what does he hope to achieve? Live from Dubai, Isabel Oakeshott joins Jeremy Kyle to discuss the local reaction to the end of the war and what the region hopes to get from it. And Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by author Jake Wallis Simons for a discussion about how America may have won tactically, but Iran hopes the trump card when it comes to the Strait of Hormuz - and Lord Dannatt, former head of the British Army, joins to explain the the thin line between winning and losing in conflicts like this, and the importance of Pakistan in securing this deal. And Former Ukrainian Government Adviser Cormac Smith joins Julia to discuss how the US is getting involved in Hungary's upcoming election and what that means for Ukraine. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 8 · 40 min
Trump Iran Ceasefire, Starmer and the Strait Of Hormuz
Jeremy Kyle leads a high-stakes Talk War discussion on Donald Trump’s Iran ceasefire, Keir Starmer’s handling of the crisis and Britain’s role in the Middle East, joined by former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove, Professor Gwythian Prins, Reform UK MP Sarah Pochin and former Deputy Speaker Nigel Evans. This episode targets the biggest search terms in the story: Iran ceasefire, Trump, Starmer, Strait of Hormuz, RAF operations and IRGC. The panel asks whether Trump’s threats forced Iran to back down, whether the ceasefire will actually hold and what the reopening of the Strait of Hormuz means for oil prices, global markets and Western security. Jeremy’s guests also clash over claims that UK personnel intercepted more than 110 drone attacks, the RAF flew 1,600 hours of defensive operations and Britain is more deeply involved in the conflict than ministers admit. Listeners will also hear fierce criticism of Keir Starmer’s Gulf trip, warnings about Britain’s weakened military capability, fresh calls to ban the IRGC and a blunt debate over whether Iran now poses a greater terrorist threat to the UK. For anyone searching for analysis on Trump and Iran, Starmer’s Middle East response, UK defence policy and the latest Strait of Hormuz fallout, this is a hard-hitting episode. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 7 · 14 min
'A Whole Civilisation Will Die Tonight' - Trump's Latest Iran Threat
With under twelve hours to go before Donald Trump's deadline for Iran to reach a ceasefire deal ends, the U.S. President took to Truth Social to issue his biggest threat yet. He wrote: "A whole civilization will die tonight, never to be brought back again. I don’t want that to happen, but it probably will" -- while noting that Iran's regime can still prevent it from happening. Are these latest threats enough to secure a deal, or do they show that Trump has lost the plot? To discuss, Ian Collins was joined by author and former US Navy intelligence officer, Malcolm Nance, and Chairman of Republicans Overseas UK, Greg Swenson. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 7 · 38 min
Trump Threatens to Destroy Iran in One Night - Will He Follow Through?
Donald Trump's latest deadline for Iran to make peace expires overnight - and the President has threatened to destroy the country if they don't. Iran yesterday rejected a ceasefire proposal - so is there any chance of peace actually coming to the Middle East? To discuss, Jeremy Kyle is joined by former fighter pilot and military analyst Sean Bell, where they also discuss Trump's press conference where he detailed the mission to rescue several downed airmen. Speaking from Dubai, Jeremy is also joined by Isabel Oakeshott to discuss the reception to Trump's threats, his latest criticism of Keir Starmer, and news that the new Ayatollah in Iran is unconscious after being injured in a strike. And Julia Hartley-Brewer is joined by former Defence & Foreign Minister Tobias Ellwood, who discusses how Trump has boxed himself in with his threats, the flaws in his mission to strike Iran in the first place, and if the President is still committed to his mission. She is also joined by former Head of MI6, Sir Richard Dearlove, to discuss Iran's history of destructive policies, and the potential for Iran to strike London. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 6 · 13 min
Trump's Expletive-Laden Threat to Iran; U.S. Forces Rescue Downed Airman
Over the weekend, Donald Trump took to Truth Social with an expletive-laden post about the conflict in Iran, threatening to strike the country's bridge and energy infrastructure if a deal wasn't reached soon. Iran dismissed the latest threat as "helpless, nervous and stupid". So is he taking the right approach to trying to end the conflict? Rick Gates - former deputy campaign manager for Donald Trump - joins Alex Phillips to discuss the post and why the US President still has his support over the conflict and what Trump has got right with his strategy. And over the weekend, US forces rescued an airman who went missing after his jet was shot down over Iran. Defence analyst Simon Diggins speaks with Mark Dolan to discuss the significance of this rescue mission and how it will help with US morale. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 2 · 21 min
Trump Iran War Strategy: Hormuz Crisis, NATO Row, US Backlash
Talk War brings together Republican strategist Amy Tarkanian, Democrat adviser Michael Yaki, and former British Army chief Richard Dannatt to dissect Donald Trump’s latest Iran war address — as he claims victory is near while ramping up military threats. With the Strait of Hormuz crisis driving global oil fears and UK fuel prices under pressure, this episode asks: is Trump ending the war, or losing control of it? The panel clashes over Trump’s shifting messaging, from promises of withdrawal to warnings of escalation, exposing deep divisions inside US politics. Tarkanian defends the need for strong leadership but admits the lack of a clear exit strategy, while Yaki argues Trump has ignored decades of war-gaming around the Strait of Hormuz — the key global oil choke point now impacting economies worldwide. The debate also explores whether Iran has outmanoeuvred the US, using النفط leverage to hold global markets hostage. Lord Dannatt delivers a hard-headed military assessment, warning that NATO was sidelined from the start and cannot be treated as an offensive tool at America’s command. He lays bare the uncomfortable truth about UK defence capability, the reliance on US military power, and the growing pressure on European nations to increase spending. From Trump’s foreign policy gamble to NATO tensions, oil price shocks and the risk of a wider Middle East war, this is a high-stakes, no-holds-barred analysis of the Iran conflict and what Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 2 · 12 min
Iran War Escalation: Strait of Hormuz Crisis, Trump Strategy, Regime Change Fears
Julia Hartley-Brewer speaks to Iranian political strategist Marty Youssefiani as the Iran war intensifies, with global markets on edge over the Strait of Hormuz crisis and the threat of fuel shortages hitting the UK. With Donald Trump sending conflicting signals on US strategy, NATO involvement and whether the war is ending or escalating, this episode tackles the biggest question right now: where is the Iran conflict heading next? They break down the competing war aims driving the crisis — from US concerns over Iran’s nuclear threat, to Israel’s fight against Iranian-backed groups like Hamas, Hezbollah and the Houthis, and the growing pressure from inside Iran for regime change. Youssefiani warns that military action alone will not topple the Iranian regime, highlighting the lack of a clear political alternative, the role of the IRGC, and why protests have failed to reach a tipping point despite widespread anger and thousands killed. Drawing on his experience advising Reza Pahlavi, Youssefiani explains why Iran is fundamentally different to Iraq and Afghanistan — pointing to a highly educated, digitally connected population that could shape a post-regime future if properly supported. From the risk of a rushed US exit to the long-term challenge of nation-building, this is a must-listen deep dive into the Iran war, Strait of Hormuz disruption, Trump’s foreign policy, and the fight for Iran’s future. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
April 2 · 18 min
Trump NATO Threats And Iran War Strategy Explained
Donald Trump’s latest address to the American people raises more questions than answers, with confusion over NATO, Iran and the future of global security dominating this explosive episode of Talk War. Donald Trump looms large as both allies and enemies struggle to interpret what he didn’t say as much as what he did. Special Correspondent David Patrikarakos warns Trump’s on-off threats to pull out of NATO are a deliberate pressure tactic designed to force Europe to “step up”, while exposing major weaknesses in Britain’s defence capability. The discussion drills into the reality of the Iran conflict, including the risks around the Strait of Hormuz, whether Western powers could realistically secure it, and why the true success of the war will only be clear once the fighting stops. Republican strategist Matt Terrill, former adviser to Marco Rubio, insists the US is winning and argues Trump’s rhetoric is about strength, not recklessness. He reveals why Washington expects NATO allies to do more, how the Iran war could reshape global alliances, and why decisions made in the coming weeks could redefine America’s role on the world stage. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 30 · 44 min
Iran War, London Protest And Britain’s Security Crisis
Talk War tackles the deepening Iran conflict, the anti-Semitism row surrounding a major London march and the wider threat to Britain’s security. Fleur Hassan-Nahum argues Israel is making progress against Iran’s military infrastructure and says the regime remains a global danger, while Tobias Ellwood warns the war still lacks a clear endgame despite the damage already inflicted on Tehran. The episode also hears from Talk reporter Samara Gill after she went inside a huge central London protest that she says exposed open hostility to Israel and a refusal among many attendees to condemn Hamas. The discussion ranges from Donald Trump’s handling of the Iran war and whether regime change is realistic, to Britain’s response to Iranian terror threats and the risk of further escalation across the Middle East. Fleur Hassan-Nahum says the Iranian regime is a civilisational threat and insists there is a plan for what comes after the fighting, while Tobias Ellwood questions the absence of a coherent Western strategy and warns of economic fallout hitting the UK through fuel disruption. Samara Gill then details what she witnessed at the London march, including pro-Ayatollah imagery, confusion over Hamas, claims of anti-Semitism and an atmosphere she describes as threatening and deeply divisive. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 27 · 31 min
Sir Richard Dearlove on Iran, Trump, NATO and Why Britain Is Not War-Ready | Talk War with Philip Ingram
Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove joins Philip Ingram on Talk War for a hard-hitting conversation on the global security crises reshaping the world. From the escalating confrontation with Iran and Donald Trump’s response, to growing pressure on NATO, the threat from Russia and China, and serious questions over whether Britain is prepared for modern conflict, this episode tackles the biggest defence and intelligence issues facing the UK and the West. Philip Ingram, former senior British military intelligence officer, and Sir Richard Dearlove dig into: the latest tensions involving Iran, the US and the Strait of Hormuz whether further American military action is likely the reality of the UK’s military readiness defence spending, missile defence and Britain’s vulnerabilities the intelligence relationship between the UK and the US the threat posed by the IRGC political leadership, national resilience and the future of British security If you want sharp analysis on war, geopolitics, intelligence, defence policy and national security, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now to Talk War with Philip Ingram.Former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove joins Philip Ingram on Talk War for a hard-hitting conversation on the global security crises reshaping the world. From the escalating confrontation with Iran and Donald Trump’s response, to growing pressure on NATO, the threat from Russia and China, and serious questions over whether Britain is prepared for modern conflict, this episode tackles the biggest defence and intelligence issues facing the UK and the West. Philip Ingram, former senior British military intelligence officer, and Sir Richard Dearlove dig into: the latest tensions involving Iran, the US and the Strait of Hormuz whether further American military action is likely the reality of the UK’s military readiness defence spending, missile defence and Britain’s vulnerabilities the intelligence relationship between the UK and the US the threat posed by the IRGC political leadership, national resilience and the future of British security If you want sharp analysis on war, geopolitics, intelligence, defence policy and national security, this is an episode you won’t want to miss. Listen now to Talk War with Philip Ingram. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 25 · 7 min
What negotiations? Iran rejects Trump's 15-point peace plan
Donald Trump issued his 15-point peace plan to Iran in order to end the conflict. Iran promptly said they weren't interested. On this episode, Ian Collins is joined by Hamish De Bretton Gordon OBE, former British Army Colonel, to dig into the latest around the conflict and who is holding all the cards in reaching a conclusion. And Hamish discusses his latest piece for The Telegraph and why he believes the mullahs of Iran have British blood on their hands. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 24 · 25 min
Did Trump blink first - and is he really beating Iran?
On this episode of Talk, Colonel James Sunderland, Greg Swenson, and Matthew Syed joined Kevin O'Sullivan to discuss the latest developments for the UK, U.S. and Iran as the Gulf Crisis continues. Three weeks after the RAF Akrotiri was hit by an Iranian missile, the HMS Dragon finally arrived in Cyprus. Col. James discusses the systemic failures that have contributed to the decline of a naval force, Keir Starmer's wobbly commitment to an increase in defence budget, and his reluctance to comment on the risk of a British strike from Iran. And after Donald Trump threatened Iran with a 48-hour deadline - and then delayed it - it looks increasingly like the U.S. President doesn't have control of the situation. Kevin debates Trump's handling of the crisis with Republicans Overseas UK chair Greg Swenson, and Times columnist Matthew Syed. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 24 · 42 min
Golders Green Firebombing And Iran War Fury
Jeremy Kyle and guests react to the alleged anti-Semitic firebombing of Jewish ambulances in Golders Green and the deepening Iran conflict. The episode centres on anti-Semitism in Britain, Keir Starmer’s response to national security threats, and the growing fear that the war with Iran could spiral into a much wider global crisis. Brendan O’Neill calls the ambulance attack an act of “fascist savagery”, while Zia Yusuf says Britain has become dangerously soft on extremism and failed the Jewish community. Amy Tarkanian gives the US view on Donald Trump, military pressure on Iran and America’s frustration with Starmer’s indecision. Former RAF pilot Sean Bell breaks down the reported missile strike near Diego Garcia, the threat posed by the Strait of Hormuz, and why any military endgame looks far messier than politicians suggest. Yosef Haddad, speaking from the Israeli-Lebanese border, delivers a stark warning about Iran, Hezbollah and the danger posed by the IRGC. This is a hard-hitting Talk War episode on anti-Semitism, Islamist extremism, Iran, Israel and the weakness of Western leadership. From domestic security failures in London to fears of a wider Middle East war, it is a furious, fast-moving listen packed with anger, analysis and major questions about whether Britain is prepared for the threats now in front of it. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 20 · 38 min
UK Defence Crisis Exposed: Iran War Escalates – Oil Prices Soar, NATO at Risk | TALK WAR with Philip Ingram & Andrew Fox
The world is burning – and Britain is not ready. In this explosive episode of Talk War, host Philip Ingram MBE (former senior military intelligence officer) sits down with Andrew Fox, ex-Para major and Henry Jackson Society senior fellow, to dissect the escalating 2026 Iran war. Three weeks in: US-Israel strikes decimate Iranian navy, missiles, and energy sites like South Pars, while Iran retaliates with barrages on Israel and Gulf states, spiking global oil prices and hitting UK petrol pumps hard. They reveal why interceptor stocks are draining, Russian components in Iranian drones threaten Cyprus bases, and Trump's shifting stance raises questions about US reliability. Philip and Andrew expose Britain's dire state: underfunded, undermanned armed forces, delayed defence plans, Treasury cuts since 2010, failed projects like AJAX, and politicians dipping into defence budgets for vote-winning priorities. Is NATO finished? Will Russian subversion and drone threats hit home next? And why might a major crisis be needed to force real change? This is your no-nonsense national security briefing – holding leaders to account when politicians won't. From Ukraine to Gaza to Iran, conflict anywhere affects us here. Subscribe to TalkTV for more Talk War episodes, expert analysis, and daily updates. Available on the Talk app or wherever you get podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.