Trump threatens to ‘take out’ Iran … again – The Latest

In this episode of The Latest, host Lucy Hough talks with Julian Borger, The Guardian's Senior International Correspondent, about the heightened tensions between the United States and Iran. The conversation revolves around Donald Trump's alarming social media threats to Iran, which include the possibility of bombing essential infrastructure such as power plants and bridges. These threats raise serious concerns about potential war crimes, as targeting civilians violates international law.

Borger elaborates on the unpredictability of Trump’s mental state and how it contributes to escalating conflict. He notes that Trump seems to be getting increasingly desperate for a quick resolution, contrasting his actions with a more complex situation in Iran compared to his experiences in Venezuela. There is significant emphasis on the legality of Trump’s actions, with experts agreeing that attacking civilian infrastructure in Iran would constitute a war crime.

As tensions mount, Borger discusses the weak guardrails that once prevented such actions, citing personnel changes in the Pentagon that have removed legal constraints. Additionally, Iran has made it clear that they will not accept temporary ceasefires and may retaliate if the US follows through on its threats. The conversation also touches on the diplomatic efforts led by Pakistan and other nations to negotiate peace, which are undermined by Trump’s aggressive rhetoric. The episode closes with reflections on the ongoing cycle of threats and accusations, portraying a precarious and volatile situation in US-Iran relations.