Alex Phillips sits in for Julia Hartley-Brewer, speaking to former Parachute Regiment major Andrew Fox about why No10 initially resisted US use of UK military bases to attack Iran.
Celebrations erupted in Iran and across the world after Ayatollah Khameini and a host of significant Iranian regime officials were killed by strikes on Saturday morning. The regime has killed tens of thousands of its own citizens and maintained brutal, theocratic rule over Iran since a 1979 revolution brought them to power.
American-Israeli military action has sparked debate about US intervention in the Middle East, whether this is ultimately in Western interests, the escalation risk, a power vacuum in Iran, and potential terror attacks by Shiite Muslims.
Four US servicemen have been killed so far, and three American jets have been shot down by friendly fire.
Donald Trump wanted to use RAF Fairford in Gloucestershire and the Chagos Islands' Diego Garcia to affect regime change and dismantle its nuclear and missile facilities. Having made it clear they would deny the president's request, the Labour government eventually shifted position as UK assets and personnel came under threat - but emphasised that any UK involvement would be "defensive".
Andrew and Alex assess how this decision reflects on the UK prime minister.
They also discuss Iran’s missile capabilities, interception rates across the Gulf, resupply pressures, and how long the current tempo of operations can be sustained — as well as the likelihood of Russia or China escalating support for their ally in the region.
Later, barrister Natasha Hausdorff, legal director of UK Lawyers for Israel, responds to arguments that Donald Trump's strikes violated international law.
She weighs Lord Wolfson’s critique of the Attorney General Lord Hermer's approach, examining how self-defence and the wider regional conflict framework are being interpreted by "the West's detractors". She ultimately justifies the strikes.
Also: whether the UN is playing a credible role, and what the conflagration means for the UK–US "special relationship" and Britain’s national security.
Alex Phillips is stepping in for Julia Hartley-Brewer until Friday 6th March.
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