The Iran war has entered another dangerous phase, with the confrontation between Tehran and Washington increasingly spilling into the Persian Gulf. Iran has stepped up attacks on shipping around the Strait of Hormuz, while the U.S. has intensified efforts to restrict Iranian oil exports. At the same time, questions over Iran’s nuclear programme remain unresolved, and tensions are rising across Lebanon, Yemen and Iraq.
So, what is Iran trying to achieve with this escalation? What remains of Iran’s nuclear programme? Is the conflict turning into a wider regional war, and is Lebanon becoming its next major front?
Guest: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu
Host: Sharmada Venkatasubramanian
Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian
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Published – September 10, 2026 08:03 pm IST















