Centcom’s commander Admiral Brad Cooper has briefed Donald Trump on options to resume major combat operations against Iran, as the war collides with next week’s high-stakes US midterm elections.

On today’s episode of Iran: The Latest, Roland Oliphant is joined by Curt Mills, Executive Director of The American Conservative, to analyse how the Iran war is impacting the polls - and how the election results could affect the conflict in the Middle East. What happens if Trump loses the midterms? With oil prices surging past $115 a barrel, they unpack whether the "America First" movement has lost control of the White House and why Texas has become a political crucible.

Plus, two vessels hit by explosions in the Strait of Hormuz, the IRGC claims to have downed two US drones, and Qatari envoys make a desperate return to Tehran to revive a deadlocked peace deal.

Highlights

• Trump briefed on Iran strike options as he faces midterm disaster amid $115 oil
• The IRGC claims to have downed two US drones

CONTRIBUTORS:

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

Curt Mills, executive director The American Conservative magazine @CurtMills

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

CONTENT REFERENCED:

US midterm elections 2026: How do they work and what could they mean for Trump?

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/26/us-midterm-elections-2026/

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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