US deploys third carrier to Iran as Trump admits munitions shortage

The US is sending a third aircraft carrier to Iran even as Donald Trump admits to ammunition shortages as a result of the war.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Sophia Yan speaks with Renad Mansour, deputy director of the MENA Programme and director of the Iraq Initiative at Chatham House, about what this signals about a return to all-out fighting. Renad explains why this is becoming a long-term war of attrition that could last years.

Plus, Houthi strikes near Islam’s holiest sites in Saudi Arabia, Iran linked to both the UK RAF Fairford suspected terror plot and the Flydubai Israel plane hijacking, and why the US withdrawal from Iraq could play into Tehran’s hands.

Highlights

• US deploys third aircraft carrier to Iran
• Why the US withdrawal from Iraq could play into Tehran’s hands

CONTRIBUTORS:

Sophia Yan, co-host and senior foreign correspondent @sophia_yan

Renad Mansour, deputy director MENA Programme and director Iraq Initiative Chatham House, @renadmansour

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

CONTENT REFERENCED:

US is running out of weapons, Trump admits

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/us/news/2026/10/01/us-running-out-of-weapon-iran-trump-admits/

Iranian arrested over suspected RAF terror plot

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/10/01/iranian-arrested-over-suspected-raf-terror-plot/

Trump: Co-pilot hijacker is linked to Iran

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/01/netanyahu-co-pilot-hijacker-is-radical-islamist/

US closes final base in Iraq as Iran eyes chance to fill vacuum

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/09/30/us-closes-final-base-iraq-as-iran-eyes-chance-fill-vacuum/

David Blair: Under more pressure than ever, Iran is failing to save itself

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/10/01/iran-us-war-donald-trump-diplomacy-strait-of-hormuz/

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The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

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