Iran's 'zombie regime' & UAE ‘to help force open’ Strait of Hormuz
Iran's 'zombie regime' & UAE ‘to help force open’ Strait of Hormuz  
Podcast: Iran: The Latest
Published On: Wed Apr 01 2026
Description: Could the UAE help solve the Strait of Hormuz stalemate caused by the Iran war?The US is growing increasingly angry with its allies for refusing to help fully reopen the blocked waterway, which has led to soaring oil prices and dire economic warnings. From President Donald Trump threatening to pull out of Nato (a Telegraph exclusive) to Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth lambasting the UK, Washington’s ire is palpable. Venetia Rainey runs through the latest updates from the Middle East, including Trump’s claim ahead of his big speech tonight that Iran has asked for a ceasefire, and a potentially game-changing report that the UAE is pushing for a coalition to help reopen the Strait by force. Plus, Roland Oliphant and senior foreign correspondent Sophia Yan speak to Iranian-American analyst and author of the Iranist newsletter, Holly Dagres. She explains why there haven’t been more protests and how the Islamic Republic is becoming a “zombie regime”. CONTRIBUTORS:Venetia Rainey, co-host @venetiaraineyRoland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphantSophia Yan, senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yanHolly Dagres, Washington Institute analyst @hdagresCONTENT REFERENCED:Roland Oliphant: The four outcomes if Trump surrenders the Strait of Hormuz to IranTrump interview: I am strongly considering pulling out of NatoIona Cleave: Iranian fortress at the centre of the battle for HormuzAkhtar Makoii: How Iran plans to fight US troops if Trump invadesProducer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditor► EMAIL US: Contact the team on battlelines@telegraph.co.uk ► GET THE LATEST HEADLINES: Find all our latest Iran coverage here: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/iran-war/ Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.