Iran: The Latest

Egypt weighs entering war against the Houthis as strikes threaten global shipping

Iran: The Latest

Show Notes

Houthi ballistic missile strikes kill 20 people in Yemen as Egypt considers sending military support to help Saudi Arabia counter Iranian threats in the Red Sea.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Sophia Yan speaks to the Telegraph’s Executive Defence and Foreign Affairs Editor Con Coughlin and Chatham House Middle East expert Dr. Lina Khatib.

They analyze Iran’s turn to asymmetric proxy warfare as Houthi strikes continue. Meanwhile, Western intelligence faces a renewed threat as Tehran appoints Mehrdad Akhlaghi Ketabchi, known as Iran’s "Missile Man", as its new defence minister to rebuild its degraded ballistic missile arsenal.

Plus, Donald Trump endorses Benjamin Netanyahu ahead of Israel's national election, and why Iran’s remaining, highly ideological leadership core could make Tehran more dangerous than ever.

Highlights Iran’s "Missile Man" appointed as new Defence Minister and what this means for the war. A sign of expanding regional support against the Houthis, as Egypt considers sending troops to support Saudi Arabia

CONTRIBUTORS: Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan Con Coughlin, executive defence and foreign affairs editor @con_coughlin Dr. Lina Khatib, Chatham House Middle East expert @LinaKhatibUK

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

CONTENT REFERENCED: The Houthis are Europe’s problem https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/15/houthis-are-europe-problem/?recomm_id=c1d5b4ae-93da-41d2-af79-bec524a0c34e

Iran’s proxies are propping up Tehran with financial support, says US https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/17/irans-proxies-propping-up-tehran-financial-support-us/?recomm_id=b2d4de18-e667-484b-a32a-eac0926b890a

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 Nominated Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026 The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh Studio Operator: Andy Watson Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey

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