The US and Israel are preparing for an imminent post-midterms strike campaign on Iran as new intelligence reveals Tehran has built a secret network of companies to rearm with the help of Russia and China.
On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by intelligence analyst and former US soldier Ryan McBeth to unpack whether another round of strikes can achieve anything more than "turning big rocks into little rocks". They discuss whether JD Vance’s backchannel letter to Iranian hardliners is a serious off-ramp or just more Trump bluster, why critical US precision munitions inventories like Patriot and Tomahawk face dangerous depletion, and what it will mean for a potential future war with China.
Plus, Akhtar Makoii’s scoop that Iranian intelligence operations are targeting the US midterm vote, the firing of another top Pentagon general by Pete Hegseth.
Highlights
- Trump warns Gulf of imminent Iran blitz
- China and Russia caught smuggling weapons to Iran
CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Ryan McBeth, intelligence analyst and former US soldier @RyanMcbeth
WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLJnf_DDTfIVAif-vifC6F2aoPB8GIw6dk
CONTENT REFERENCED:
Iran prepares to disrupt US midterms after meddling in Israel election
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/29/election-interference-tehran-cyber-baghaei/
Vance makes last-ditch attempt to stop fresh Iran bombing
Iran’s Hidden Web of Military Agencies Is Slipping Hardware Past the US Blockade
Winner Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026
Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026
Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026
The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Producers: Joleen Goffin and Max Bower
Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh
Studio Operator: Andy Watson
Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey
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