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.

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81 episodes
Updated July 1

Episodes81

Newest first

March 5 · 10 min
Trump And Israel’s Iran War: Military Analyst Sean Bell Warns Trump Needs An “Off-Ramp”
Jeremy Kyle speaks to former RAF fighter pilot and military analyst Sean Bell as the conflict between the United States, Israel and Iran intensifies. Bell explains that while American forces have already degraded significant parts of Iran’s military capability, the situation remains unpredictable. He says Washington’s initial goals appeared to be stopping Iran’s nuclear programme and forcing regime change — but warns the longer the operation continues, the harder it will be for President Donald Trump to step back. “Eventually Trump needs an off-ramp,” Bell tells Talk. Bell says Iran cannot realistically win a direct confrontation with the United States but doesn’t necessarily have to lose either, raising concerns the conflict could drag on. He highlights Iran’s stockpile of ballistic missiles as a key threat, explaining they are extremely difficult to intercept. Rather than waiting for launches, he says US strategy appears to be destroying missiles and launch sites on the ground before they can be used. The military analyst also warns that modern warfare is limited by logistics as much as battlefield success. Both Israel and the United States are expending large quantities of weapons and interceptors, he says, and those stockpiles cannot be replenished quickly. Bell adds that while the UK faces theoretical risk from Iranian missile programmes in the future, Tehran’s immediate focus remains the United States and regional targets rather than Britain. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 4 · 12 min
Israel-Iran War: Eylon Levy And Natasha Hausdorff Defend Strikes As Legal And ‘Existential’
Ian Collins speaks to former Israeli government spokesman Eylon Levy and international law barrister Natasha Hausdorff as Israel and the United States intensify strikes against Iran’s military and nuclear infrastructure. Levy describes daily missile sirens and bomb shelter alerts inside Israel but says morale remains strong, insisting the conflict is about survival. “The Iranian regime has sworn death to Israel for decades,” he tells Talk, warning the threat of a nuclear-armed Iran is something Israel “cannot sweep under the rug”. Levy argues the joint US-Israel operation has dramatically shifted the battlefield, claiming air superiority over Iran and major blows against senior officials, missile launchers and regime infrastructure. Despite the disruption of repeated attacks and rocket alerts, he says Israelis understand the stakes — preventing Tehran from reaching the point where nuclear weapons and ballistic missile capabilities make it untouchable. Barrister Natasha Hausdorff, legal director at UK Lawyers for Israel, rejects claims the strikes breach international law, arguing critics are misrepresenting the legal framework. She says Israel has been in an ongoing armed conflict with Iran and its proxy forces for years, meaning military action against the regime and its nuclear programme can fall squarely within lawful self-defence. Hausdorff also warns that misusing “international law” as a political argument risks undermining the credibility of the entire global legal order. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 4 · 21 min
Trump: Starmer ‘No Churchill’ — Lord Daniel Hannan On Iran War, Chagos Islands And Britain’s Global Weakness
Ian Collins is joined by Conservative peer Lord Daniel Hannan as Donald Trump’s “no Churchill” swipe at Sir Keir Starmer detonates across Westminster and Washington. Hannan says the criticism has simply “caught up with where 85% of the British public is”, arguing Starmer’s instinctive response to the Iran war has been driven by a rigid, legalistic worldview — and that it’s colliding head-on with a White House that has little patience for international law arguments. The conversation homes in on the Chagos Islands deal and the claim that Britain is being led by a tight circle of “human rights lawyers”, with Hannan warning the government is prioritising abstract legal principles over hard national interests. He suggests Starmer’s repeated insistence that the UK was not involved in the Iran strikes — including remarks made at a Ramadan event — risks looking like political pandering at a moment when Britain’s security, alliances and global credibility are under pressure. Elsewhere, The Times’ Washington Editor Katy Balls assesses the cooling “special relationship” and whether Trump’s anger is personal, strategic, or both — before veteran Middle East correspondent Patrick Cockburn delivers a stark warning: even with US-Israeli military dominance, Iran’s retaliation could trigger a wider economic shock through the Strait of Hormuz, energy infrastructure vulnerabilities and Gulf disruption, raising the risk of a conflict that spreads well beyond the battlefield. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 4 · 19 min
Iran War Explained: Everything You Need To Know with Samara Gill
Samara Gill hosts a special Talk discussion on the escalating Iran crisis, speaking to Erol Morkoc of Republicans Overseas and Iranian political commentator Younes Sadaghiani about Donald Trump’s military strategy, the future of the Iranian regime and growing criticism of Sir Keir Starmer’s leadership. Moorcock argues US strikes were “inevitable”, describing Trump’s approach as “dovish on boots on the ground but hawkish on tactical strikes” — a strategy designed to weaken Iran’s regime without dragging America into another long war. Sadaghiani claims the reaction among many Iranians has been dramatically different to Western media narratives, insisting “90 per cent of Persians are celebrating” the weakening of the Islamic Republic. He argues Iran is fundamentally different from Iraq or Afghanistan — pointing to its history of democracy and strong national identity — and says regime change could open the door for a new political system led by figures such as Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi during a potential transition period. The conversation also explores the geopolitical fallout for the West, including tensions between Washington and London. Guests warn the biggest global risk now is instability if Iran fractures internally, but argue the ultimate goal is clear: dismantling the current regime and preventing Tehran from ever obtaining nuclear weapons — a move they say could reshape the Middle East and redefine Western alliances. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 4 · 10 min
Britain ‘Can’t Even Tell When It’s Raining’: Former Navy Commander Warns UK Unprepared For Global Threats
Alex Phillips speaks to Tom Sharpe OBE, former Royal Navy Commander, about the state of Britain’s naval power as tensions rise globally and questions grow over the UK’s ability to protect its interests at sea. Sharpe warns the public often forgets the Navy’s importance, pointing out that “almost everything you own has been imported from the sea” — yet political support for naval investment typically only appears during wartime. Sharpe insists the current situation is not the fault of the Royal Navy itself, arguing military planners have repeatedly presented proposals to strengthen Britain’s maritime capability. However, he claims those plans have often been ignored by successive governments, leaving the UK struggling to project power or respond quickly to crises. The former commander says Britain has become too comfortable delaying action until it is too late, warning the country has grown so used to holding back resources “for a rainy day” that it now struggles to recognise when a crisis is already underway. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 4 · 10 min
Trump Is Right: Starmer ‘No Churchill’ In Iran Crisis, Says Israeli Envoy Fleur Hassan-Nahoum
Alex Phillips speaks to Israeli Foreign Ministry Special Envoy and former Deputy Mayor of Jerusalem Fleur Hassan-Nahoum as tensions with Iran escalate and global leaders clash over how to respond. Hassan-Nahoum delivers a stark warning about Western leadership, telling Talk that Donald Trump is right to criticise Sir Keir Starmer — arguing the Prime Minister is “no Churchill” and warning the West cannot allow a fanatical regime to “take the whole world hostage”. The Israeli envoy says the stakes are nothing less than preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons, praising the United States for showing decisive leadership while urging Western allies to recognise the scale of the threat. She warns that a potential successor within the Iranian regime has links to the UK, raising fresh questions about Britain’s relationship with Tehran’s leadership network. Hassan-Nahoum also pushes back against comparisons with Iraq or Afghanistan, arguing Iran is a far more unified nation with a powerful global diaspora that could shape its future. Her message is clear: the world cannot afford hesitation — and stopping Iran from becoming a nuclear power is now the central test for Western security. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 4 · 1 hr 7 min
Trump Fury, Warship Delay And Starmer Backlash: Jeremy Kyle Grills Emily Thornberry And Michael Gove
Jeremy Kyle led a blistering Talk Breakfast special as the Middle East war dominated the agenda — with live updates from Dubai, anger over UK military readiness, and renewed fallout from Donald Trump’s attack on Keir Starmer. International editor Isabel Oakeshott joined from Dubai to describe a growing sense of national humiliation as Greek and French forces moved to protect the region while the UK’s HMS Dragon was still reportedly in Portsmouth, with Oakeshott branding the situation “so embarrassing” and accusing the Prime Minister of “cowering” when leadership was needed. The show then widened into a full-blown political reckoning. Former Tory leader Sir Ian Duncan Smith argued Starmer’s handling has left Britain exposed — and warned that allowing the US to use UK bases effectively makes Britain part of the operation, whatever Downing Street claims. He also questioned why UK assets weren’t pre-positioned earlier, linking the weakness to budget pressure and cuts to operational spending, and saying the armed forces are being left unable to move at pace just as the threat level rises. Finally, Lord Michael Gove told Kyle the UK is “exposing the weakness of Britain on the world stage”, warning Starmer has opted for legal “equivocation” instead of clear strategy — while still arguing the US-UK partnership will endure through intelligence and military cooperation. Gove backed the view that defence cuts have bitten hard, saying Britain is “sending one destroyer” while France deployed far more capability — and he openly questioned whether Starmer is now putting party management ahead of national interest as public anger grows over security, energy prices and borders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 4 · 16 min
Is Keir Starmer's government a national security risk? | Dan Hodges' analysis on Talk
Jeremy Kyle speaks to Mail on Sunday commentator Dan Hodges who says "We've got British territory being attacked... so by definition, the Government has already failed to defend British territory." Downing Street is in damage-limitation mode after Donald Trump’s personal broadside at Sir Keir Starmer — insisting the US-UK “special relationship” remains intact even as the Middle East war accelerates and Britain rushes to bolster defences. The Prime Minister has moved to frame Britain’s role as practical, military and ongoing: US aircraft operating from British bases, RAF jets flying defensive missions over key Gulf partners, and daily intelligence-sharing with Washington. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 3 · 26 min
Trump Slams Starmer as "No Churchill" | Ex-US Diplomat Jim Jatras Warns “No Plan B” | Chris Parry & Fox’s Joe Concha
Kevin O’Sullivan tackles the UK-US rupture over Iran after Donald Trump publicly attacks Keir Starmer for restricting US access to RAF bases and Diego Garcia — and questions whether the “special relationship” has taken its biggest hit in years. First, Kevin is joined by Jim Jatras, former US diplomat and ex–Republican Senate foreign policy adviser, who says Americans are focused less on Britain’s stance and more on whether Washington even has an endgame — warning this could become a war without an exit, with the West running short on defensive interceptors and Trump facing MAGA backlash ahead of the midterms. Then Rear Admiral Chris Parry, former NATO and Royal Navy commander, reacts to Trump’s “not Winston Churchill” jibe and argues UK policy has been paralysed by legal hand-wringing, leaving British interests exposed — including Cyprus and the Gulf — while allies step in to plug capability gaps. His verdict: Starmer’s wobble has handed Tehran leverage and embarrassed Britain on the world stage. Finally, Fox News correspondent Joe Concha gives the US media and Washington readout as Trump doubles down on his criticism of Starmer, predicting a long memory in the Oval Office and warning the fallout could spill into trade, NATO and future UK-US cooperation — just as the Middle East conflict escalates. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 3 · 12 min
Iran War Escalation, UK Security Fears And Trump Fallout
As tensions rise between Israel, Iran and the United States, Ian Collins speaks to Urban Coningham, Research Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute (RUSI), and Middle East journalist Emily Schrader about what this conflict means for Britain. With Donald Trump hardening his stance and Keir Starmer facing pressure over the UK’s position, the panel examines: Could Iran retaliate against UK interests? What role do British bases play in US operations? How real is the threat of Iranian-backed terror activity? What happens if this conflict widens across the Middle East? From ballistic missiles and regional escalation to NATO, UK security and the risk of sleeper cells, this is a clear-eyed breakdown of where the Iran war goes next. Keywords: Iran war, Israel Iran conflict, Donald Trump Iran, Keir Starmer foreign policy, UK terror threat, RUSI analysis, Urban Coningham, Emily Schrader, Middle East war, NATO, IRGC, British security, Talk War, Ian Collins. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 3 · 55 min
Trump Fury, Starmer Wobble And Iran War Fears + Harry Cole's Exclusive Interview with Donald Trump
Jeremy Kyle goes live to Nashville to speak with Steve Gill, a former adviser to the Clinton and Bush administrations, as the Iran crisis escalates and Donald Trump’s patience with Keir Starmer appears to snap. Gill explains what the White House says are the three core objectives driving US action — stopping Iran’s nuclear ambition, halting ballistic missile development, and choking off Tehran’s global terror funding — while warning that “regime change is not really the intent, but it will certainly be a byproduct.” He also tackles the biggest concern for many listeners: what happens after strikes and leadership removals, and the risk of a dangerous vacuum. Back in Washington DC, The Sun’s Harry Cole reveals a world exclusive phone interview with President Trump, including a fierce assessment of the UK’s stance and the strain on the special relationship, as Talk Breakfast asks what this all means for Britain’s security, NATO unity, and the threat level at home. Search terms: Talk War, Talk Breakfast, Jeremy Kyle, Steve Gill, Donald Trump, Keir Starmer, Iran war, Israel Iran conflict, UK US special relationship, NATO, ballistic missiles, nuclear weapons, regime change, Middle East crisis. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 3 · 11 min
“The Extremists Love Starmer — Because They Can Use Him”: Yosef Haddad
On Talk Breakfast, Jeremy Kyle speaks to Arab-Israeli journalist Yosef Haddad about the escalating Israel-Iran conflict, anti-Semitism in the West and the future of the Iranian regime. Haddad, a Christian Arab citizen of Israel, says Israelis — both Jews and Arabs — are “behind our army until we win”, arguing that Iran’s leadership has destabilised the Middle East for decades. He rejects claims that Israel is an apartheid state, insisting that during Iranian missile barrages, “it doesn’t matter if you’re a Jew or an Arab — Israel protects all its civilians.” He also accuses critics in Europe of hypocrisy, claiming there is a double standard when it comes to anti-Semitism and condemnation of Israel. Discussing UK politics and the special relationship, Haddad says Middle Eastern extremists may “love” weak Western leaders but “have zero respect” for them, contrasting that with what he calls fear and deterrence under Donald Trump. He outlines a three-stage strategy he believes could weaken the IRGC and empower the Iranian people to rise up, arguing that regime change must ultimately come from within Iran — with external military pressure creating the opportunity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 3 · 12 min
Ex-MI6 Boss: Iran Has Sleeper Cells In The UK And Starmer “Sat On The Fence”
Jeremy Kyle is joined by former MI6 chief Sir Richard Dearlove for a blunt assessment of the Iran crisis, the terror threat to Britain and Keir Starmer’s handling of the special relationship with Donald Trump. Dearlove says the Prime Minister “sat on the fence when he didn’t need to”, arguing the UK should have immediately backed the US and Israel as Australia and Canada did. He dismisses overreliance on international law as “a movable feast” and says national interest should have come first. On NATO, he acknowledges that an attack on RAF Akrotiri is serious, but stops short of calling for full Article 5 escalation. On domestic security, the former spy chief confirms there are groups in Britain sympathetic to Tehran and warns of the risk of Iranian-linked activity, including potential sleeper cells. While he says the security services are well equipped to disrupt organised plots, he flags the greater danger of lone actors. Dearlove, who reveals he has been personally sanctioned by the Iranian regime, describes that as a “badge of honour” and argues Iran’s ability to project power has been severely weakened — with the next chapter hinging on whether the Iranian people move against the IRGC from within. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 3 · 10 min
Iran War, International Law And ‘Aggression’: Sir Richard Dalton On Why Regime Change Is Not The Answer
On Talk, Jeremy Kyle speaks to Sir Richard Dalton, former UK Ambassador to Iran, for a sharp and at times fiery debate over Britain’s stance in the escalating conflict with Tehran. Dalton rejects claims that the UK has been weak, arguing Britain has taken a “judicious position” by assisting defensive operations while avoiding full-scale war. He insists international law must remain the foundation of foreign policy, warning that legitimising the assassination of leaders risks putting Western politicians “in the crosshairs too.” He also questions Washington’s justification for military action, saying claims of an imminent Iranian attack have not been convincingly evidenced. Kyle pushes back, challenging whether international law can apply to a regime accused of sponsoring terrorism, repressing its own people and plotting abroad. Dalton acknowledges Iran’s record of internal repression and hostile activity, but argues that launching wars without a clear endgame risks regional chaos, economic shock and long-term instability. The exchange lays bare the divide between moral outrage and legal restraint — and what Britain’s national interest should look like in a volatile Middle East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 2 · 16 min
Former UK Ambassador To Iran Warns: “No Sign Of A Spontaneous Uprising” After Tehran Strikes
Kevin O’Sullivan speaks to former British Ambassador to Iran Sir Nicholas Hopton about whether US and Israeli strikes can realistically trigger regime change in Tehran. Drawing on his time in post, Hopton says the Iranian regime is deeply unpopular but still resilient, warning there is currently “no sign” of a nationwide uprising despite isolated celebrations following the killing of senior figures. He estimates active regime support may sit between 10 and 20 per cent, but stresses that discontent does not automatically translate into revolution. He also cautions that while Iran’s military capabilities are no match for the United States and Israel in a prolonged conflict, Tehran could sustain staggered retaliation for days or even weeks. With oil markets under pressure and Gulf allies under fire, Hopton argues the key question is whether Washington has a clear endgame — and whether this confrontation ends in negotiation, escalation, or a drawn-out regional war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 2 · 10 min
Trump Vs Starmer: Rick Gates On Iran Strikes, UK Bases And The Special Relationship
Kevin O’Sullivan speaks to Rick Gates, former campaign chairman for President Donald Trump, about the escalating US action against Iran and Britain’s controversial response under Prime Minister Keir Starmer. Gates says there is “immense disappointment” in Washington over Starmer’s initial refusal to allow the US to use British bases such as RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia for strikes on Iranian targets. Although the UK later granted limited permission for what Downing Street described as defensive purposes, Gates argues the hesitation signals weak leadership at a pivotal geopolitical moment. He contrasts Starmer’s approach with what he calls Trump’s “decisive leadership”, claiming the President is willing to risk political fallout at home to pursue what he believes is global stability. The discussion also explores the future of the UK-US special relationship. Gates insists President Trump maintains deep respect for the British people but warns that relationships matter in global politics, particularly on trade, NATO and security cooperation. He suggests that backing away from full support could have diplomatic consequences, even if the long-term alliance endures. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 2 · 15 min
Dubai Under Fire: Isabel Oakeshott On Iran Missiles And Starmer’s U-Turn
Kevin O’Sullivan is joined by Talk’s International Editor Isabel Oakeshott, speaking from Dubai after Iranian missiles and drones were launched towards the UAE over the weekend. Isabel describes the shock of receiving late-night warnings to take cover as air defence systems intercepted the vast majority of incoming projectiles. Residents were sent to underground car parks, hearing “thudding” munitions overhead, while authorities reportedly intercepted around 92 per cent of missiles and drones. Despite a small impact near Dubai airport and moments of real fear, she says daily life has resumed in an “eerily normal” fashion, with most residents staying put and only some tourists seeking to leave. The conversation then turns to Sir Keir Starmer’s shifting position on allowing the US to use British bases, including RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia. Kevin brands it a “U-turn”, while Isabel calls Britain’s response an “international embarrassment”, arguing the UK cannot pretend to be uninvolved while allies in the Gulf come under attack. She questions whether Starmer is prioritising legal technicalities over moral clarity at what she describes as a historic inflection point in the Middle East. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 2 · 14 min
Iran War Debate: Is Starmer Backing An Illegal Attack Or Supporting Regime Change?
Ian Collins hosts a fierce debate on the US and Israeli strikes on Iran, after Sir Keir Starmer confirmed British bases can be used by Washington to target Iranian missile systems. Journalist and broadcaster Peter Oborne argues the intervention is illegal under international law, insisting there was no imminent threat and no UN Security Council mandate. He warns that removing Iran’s leadership could plunge the country into chaos, trigger civil war and unleash a refugee crisis affecting Europe and the UK. Drawing comparisons with Iraq in 2003, Oborne claims regime change without a clear plan risks repeating “catastrophic consequences”. In stark opposition, Iranian-British human rights activist Lily Moo says Iranians are “rejoicing” at the fall of senior regime figures and reject comparisons with Iraq. She argues the Islamic Republic has waged war on its own people for decades and insists support for Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as a transitional figure is real and widespread. Moo frames US and Israeli action as a “rescue mission” under the international principle of Responsibility to Protect, saying the Iranian people are ready for change — not civil war. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 2 · 16 min
Iran Regime Collapse Or Forever War? Defence Expert's Analysis on US-Israel Strikes
Ian Collins examines what happens next after US and Israeli strikes on Iran, asking whether this is the beginning of regime collapse or the start of a prolonged regional conflict. Security and intelligence expert Professor Anthony Glees warns Britain is “in a very weak place”, arguing the UK has alienated Washington, angered Tehran and offered mixed signals over the use of RAF Fairford and Diego Garcia. He cautions that removing senior Iranian figures will not automatically end the threat, describing Shia Islamism as a wider ideological movement that cannot be defeated with a single strike. Glees fears the conflict could become a “forever war”, with major consequences for oil prices, economic stability and UK security, particularly after a reported drone incident at RAF Akrotiri in Cyprus. In stark contrast, UK-based anti-regime Iranian journalist Niyak Ghorbani insists the Islamic Republic’s core support is minimal, claiming only a small percentage of Iranians back the regime. He says many inside Iran are celebrating the strikes and looking to Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi as a potential unifying figure for democratic transition. According to Ghorbani, ordinary Iranians see US and Israeli action as a chance to end decades of repression rather than the start of another Iraq-style disaster. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
March 2 · 9 min
Trump, Iran And The UK-US Rift: Rear Admiral Mike Hewitt On Nuclear Strikes And The Special Relationship
On Talk War, Alex Phillips is joined by Rear Admiral Mike Hewitt, former US Navy officer, to analyse the escalating US and Israeli strikes on Iran, Donald Trump’s shift from diplomacy to military action, and the growing strain on the UK-US special relationship. Hewitt explains that negotiations in Oman ultimately collapsed over Iran’s refusal to give up uranium enrichment, which he describes as the core pathway to a nuclear weapons capability. He outlines what a true nuclear programme entails — enriched uranium, missile delivery systems and a functioning detonator — and argues there is “no doubt” Iran possesses key elements of that infrastructure. According to Hewitt, Trump even offered to fund a civilian nuclear energy programme for Iran, but the regime refused to abandon enrichment, making military escalation increasingly likely. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.