US blockades Iran’s borders as China and Russia rearm Tehran

About this episode

The US military has bombed Qeshm Island again and launched Operation Iron Gate - an ambitious land blockade designed to sever Iran’s resupply corridors with Russia and China. On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey is joined by Jonathan Hackett, retired US Marine Corps counterintelligence agent and author of 'Iran’s Shadow Weapons', to analyse whether Centcom’s latest moves are enough to isolate the IRGC. They delve into how exactly Beijing and Moscow are propping up Tehran, from targeting assistance to potential S-400 air defence batteries to missiles parts for the Houthis in Yemen. Donald Trump insists renewed strikes are "highly unlikely" but has assembled three aircraft carriers in the Middle East. Jonathan outlines three things to watch in the coming weeks to assess whether strikes are about to restart. Plus, will Israeli leader Benjamin Netanyahu lash out as he faces the prospect of losing power to rival Gadi Eisenkot? Jonathan explains why despite being cornered, Bibi cannot go it alone due to a lack of air defences. Highlights • US blockades Iran’s borders as China and Russia rearm Tehran • Trump bombs Qeshm island in the Strait of Hormuz CON