don't make the situation worse". joining me tonight are elise labott, host of the cosmopolitics on substack, and henry bonsu, broadcaster and presenter at times radio. thank you for being with us and we'll talk with you both through the programme. first, the latest headlines. israel is on high alert for a possible attack by iran — vengance for the assassination last month on its soil of the hamas political leader ismail haniyeh. iran blames israel for the killing and says retaliation is its legal right. the iranian backed hezbollah group in lebanon could also join any attack — after israel killed one of its top commanders

in an air strike in beirut. president zelensky claims there are 7a russian settlements under ukrainian control as his army continues its offensive into moscow territory. the kremlin previously said that ukraine controled 28. kyiv is trying to force moscow to divert its forces from the eastern front to protect its own border and says the sooner vladimir putin agreeed to a "just peace", the sooner it would stop its cross—border raids. the families of three people killed in nottingham last year say those responsible forfailings in his care "must bear a heavy burden of responsibility". a review into the treatment of the attacker, valdo calocane, found "a series of errors, omissions and misjudgments" by nottinghamshire health care trust. barnaby webber, grace o'malley—kumar, and ian coates were killed by calocane — who was diagnosed with paranoid schizophrenia in 2020.

a 13—year—old girl who punched and kicked the entrance to a hotel housing asylum seekers in hampshire, has pleaded guilty to violent disorder. the girl who cannot be named because of her age admitted the charges in court and will be sentenced next month. she is among dozens of people appearing in courts across england today in connection with riots that broke out after false claims were spread about the fatal stabbing of three girls in southport. israel is on high alert for a possible attack by iran — vengance for the assassination last month on its soil of the hamas political leader ismail haniyeh. iran blames israel for the killing and says retaliation is its legal right. the us has warned that it is preparing for "a significant set of attacks" by iran or its proxies as soon as this week. the powerful iranian backed hezbollah group in lebanon

could also take part in any attack, after israel's killing of one of its top commanders in an air strike in beirut. world leaders — including joe biden and sir keir starmer, have been trying to persuade iran not to do anything that might ignite a wider conflict. the us secretary of state, antony blinken, has postponed a trip to the region because of the uncertainty there. talks on a possible ceasefire in gaza are scheduled for thursday with president biden says a deal could prevent an iranian attack on israel. but for now israeli forces are continuing air and ground offensives there. the israeli military claims to have killed around a hundred hamas fighters in rafah in recent days — while palestinian medics say 19 people were killed by israeli air strikes on tuesday. with me is our chief international correspondent, lyse doucet.

what is your reading of this? iran has said retaliation is its legal rights, we know that it retaliated before back in april, is it inevitable there would be a action of sometime against israel? it seems clear there would _ of sometime against israel? it seems clear there would be _ of sometime against israel? it seems clear there would be erection - of sometime against israel? it seems clear there would be erection of- clear there would be erection of some kind. iran believes that it has to respond because it has to establish what's known as the terrence, it's estimate sure that israel does not attack again. one of its main concerns is possible attacks on its nuclear infrastructure, but in the last two weeks since there was those back to back ismail haniyeh and a senior hezbollah commander in southern beirut, almost every day we heard it could happen tonight or tomorrow nights, and the prognosis has waxed and waned because there was, after and waned because there was, after an initial sense that iran would

apply very harshly, more hard than it did in april, and more assuming that it did in april, and it was said to hold back because the departures your reported from the united states and arab states and european leaders seen they should not retaliate because he was scupper what seems to be ace real chance this week to achieve a cease—fire. i was on the phone today to some irani and alanis in tehran and they are sceptical, iran is very sceptical that this deal can actually work, they believe prime minister netanyahu is trying to sabotage it, and they don't want to be blamed and follow what they see as prime minister netanyahu strap to spiral things in the region. just something on those talks. _ things in the region. just something on those talks, scheduled _ things in the region. just something on those talks, scheduled for - on those talks, scheduled for thursday, but we have had lots of false tones and optimism from the white house that there would be ideal before but it never seems to happen or get across the line. essen happen or get across the line. even weeks ago. — happen or get across the line. even weeks ago, president _ happen or get across the line. even weeks ago, presidentjoe biden stood

up weeks ago, presidentjoe biden stood up and said israel has a deal on the table and it's done, and we all waited, and there was one time hamas said they accepted a deal and we waited. this time has a different test because it comes after the unprecedented statement by the leaders of the us qatar and egypt, the three mediators, essentially saying time is up, there is no excuse now from either side. a framework is on the table, it is all but done, and they have worked intensely since that statement to try to close the gaps. prime minister netanyahu said immediately that he would send a team, and or has been rather coy, we don't know whether they want a deal, and as we speak tonight, nobody really knows whether prime minister netanyahu, who was come under criticism even from his defence minister this week that he is basically sabotaging the talks, and we don't know whether the new hard—line leader of hamas, sinwar, even once a deal. new hard-line leader of hamas, sinwar, even once a deal. neither ma not

sinwar, even once a deal. neither may not want _ sinwar, even once a deal. neither may not want to _ sinwar, even once a deal. neither may not want to deal _ sinwar, even once a deal. neither may not want to deal and - sinwar, even once a deal. neither- may not want to deal and netanyahu, lots of his critics have said that the longer the war in gaza was on to better for the longer the war in gaza was on to betterfor him, it the longer the war in gaza was on to better for him, it keeps them the longer the war in gaza was on to betterfor him, it keeps them in power, and if there is not a war that he may come out of power. his critics in that he may come out of power. h 3 critics in recent weeks that he may come out of power. h 1 critics in recent weeks said israeli media have reported coming from is really negotiators who speak and honestly saying that prime minister netanyahu time and again has sabotaging thoughts and like i said yoav gallant said this week to a currency that it is nonsense to think that we can have a complete military victory in gaza, and of course that provoked criticism from prime minister and that the thiago, accusing of being anti—is really, so the tensions are mounting on all fronts and president biden, the qataris said they would do everything possible to make sure my or is there because at the end of the day, ben, it is the long—suffering people of gaza, we are about to see the figure of dead reach of 40,000 any day now, and

also for the families of hostages, long—suffering families of the hostages whose loved ones, the longer this goes on, the less chance that they will come home alive. every day things are happening that is a level of violence and pain and suffering, it is terrible to say, but it is almost become normalised, not one day goes by without more people dying in gaza.— people dying in gaza. sobering thou~ht, people dying in gaza. sobering thought. at — people dying in gaza. sobering thought, at or _ people dying in gaza. sobering thought, at or set _ people dying in gaza. sobering thought, at or set there, - people dying in gaza. sobering thought, at or set there, or . people dying in gaza. sobering l thought, at or set there, or chief international correspondent. joining me is dr ramin parham, author and expert on iran—israel relations. thank you for being with us. you think it is inevitable that iran will mount some sort of attack on israel? . ~' , ., will mount some sort of attack on israel? ., ~ , ., ., ., ., israel? thank you, and good evening to ou and israel? thank you, and good evening to you and everyone, _ israel? thank you, and good evening to you and everyone, i _ israel? thank you, and good evening to you and everyone, i don't - israel? thank you, and good evening to you and everyone, i don't think i to you and everyone, i don't think there _ to you and everyone, i don't think there is_ to you and everyone, i don't think there is going _ to you and everyone, idon't think there is going to— to you and everyone, i don't think there is going to be _ to you and everyone, i don't think there is going to be a _ there is going to be a retaliation, at least _ there is going to be a retaliation, at least not — there is going to be a retaliation, at least not the _ there is going to be a retaliation, at least not the way _ there is going to be a retaliation, at least not the way we _ there is going to be a retaliation, at least not the way we have - there is going to be a retaliation, i at least not the way we have been

talking _ at least not the way we have been talking about _ at least not the way we have been talking about or— at least not the way we have been talking about or hearing _ at least not the way we have been talking about or hearing about. at least not the way we have been talking about or hearing about in i at least not the way we have been| talking about or hearing about in a way that _ talking about or hearing about in a way that would _ talking about or hearing about in a way that would immediately- talking about or hearing about in a| way that would immediately follow for another — way that would immediately follow for another retaliation, _ way that would immediately follow for another retaliation, this - way that would immediately follow for another retaliation, this time . for another retaliation, this time from _ for another retaliation, this time from israel. _ for another retaliation, this time from israel, which _ for another retaliation, this time from israel, which would - for another retaliation, this time from israel, which would be - for another retaliation, this time from israel, which would be i- for another retaliation, this time i from israel, which would be i took to -- _ from israel, which would be i took to -- absolutely— from israel, which would be i took to —— absolutely catastrophic - from israel, which would be i took to —— absolutely catastrophic for l to —— absolutely catastrophic for the country _ to —— absolutely catastrophic for the country. there _ to —— absolutely catastrophic for the country. there is _ to —— absolutely catastrophic for the country. there is much - to —— absolutely catastrophic for. the country. there is much server and as— the country. there is much server and as was— the country. there is much server and as was just _ the country. there is much server and as was just said _ the country. there is much server and as wasjust said on— the country. there is much server and as was just said on the - and as was just said on the palestinian _ and as was just said on the palestinian side, _ and as was just said on the palestinian side, also - and as wasjust said on thel palestinian side, also much suffering _ palestinian side, also much suffering perhaps— palestinian side, also much suffering perhaps in- palestinian side, also much suffering perhaps in a - palestinian side, also much . suffering perhaps in a different way, _ suffering perhaps in a different way. certainty— suffering perhaps in a different way, certainly in _ suffering perhaps in a different way, certainly in a _ suffering perhaps in a different way, certainly in a different- suffering perhaps in a differentl way, certainly in a different way in irarr~ _ way, certainly in a different way in irarr~ people — way, certainly in a different way in iran. people put _ way, certainly in a different way in iran. people put their— way, certainly in a different way in iran. people put their hope - way, certainly in a different way in iran. people put their hope in thei iran. people put their hope in the election— iran. people put their hope in the election that _ iran. people put their hope in the election that brought _ iran. people put their hope in the election that brought the - iran. people put their hope in the election that brought the leader i iran. people put their hope in thel election that brought the leader to where _ election that brought the leader to where he — election that brought the leader to where he is — election that brought the leader to where he is now— election that brought the leader to where he is now to _ election that brought the leader to where he is now to not _ election that brought the leader to i where he is now to not have another war with _ where he is now to not have another war with israei— where he is now to not have another war with israel and _ where he is now to not have another war with israel and the _ where he is now to not have another war with israel and the whole - war with israel and the whole westerrr— war with israel and the whole western allies _ war with israel and the whole western allies of _ war with israel and the whole western allies of israel. - war with israel and the whole . western allies of israel. people war with israel and the whole - western allies of israel. people put their hope — western allies of israel. people put their hope irr— western allies of israel. people put their hope in this _ western allies of israel. people put their hope in this election - western allies of israel. people put their hope in this election to - western allies of israel. people put their hope in this election to have l their hope in this election to have peace _ their hope in this election to have peace and — their hope in this election to have peace and to _ their hope in this election to have peace and to perhaps _ their hope in this election to have peace and to perhaps have - peace and to perhaps have prosperity, _ peace and to perhaps have prosperity, at— peace and to perhaps have prosperity, at least - peace and to perhaps have prosperity, at least less i peace and to perhaps have - prosperity, at least less inflation, hetter— prosperity, at least less inflation, hetterjohs. — prosperity, at least less inflation, betterjobs, much— prosperity, at least less inflation, betterjobs, much better- prosperity, at least less inflation, l betterjobs, much better economic situation, — betterjobs, much better economic situation, so— betterjobs, much better economic situation, so the _ betterjobs, much better economic situation, so the their— betterjobs, much better economic situation, so the their perspectivel situation, so the their perspective of a full—fledged _ situation, so the their perspective of a full—fledged war _ situation, so the their perspective of a full—fledged war with - situation, so the their perspective of a full—fledged war with israel. of a full—fledged war with israel and israei's _ of a full—fledged war with israel and israel's western _ of a full—fledged war with israel

and israel's western allies - of a full—fledged war with israel and israel's western allies is i of a full—fledged war with israell and israel's western allies is not what _ and israel's western allies is not what the — and israel's western allies is not what the people _ and israel's western allies is not what the people want. _ and israel's western allies is not what the people want. i- and israel's western allies is not what the people want. i don't i and israel's western allies is not. what the people want. i don't think the regime — what the people want. i don't think the regime is — what the people want. i don't think the regime is ignorant— what the people want. i don't think the regime is ignorant of— what the people want. i don't think the regime is ignorant of that - what the people want. i don't think the regime is ignorant of that fact. | the regime is ignorant of that fact. i the regime is ignorant of that fact. i don't _ the regime is ignorant of that fact. idorr't think— the regime is ignorant of that fact. idon't think that _ the regime is ignorant of that fact. idon't think that the _ the regime is ignorant of that fact. i don't think that the regime is - idon't think that the regime is ignorant— idon't think that the regime is ignorant of— i don't think that the regime is ignorant of the _ i don't think that the regime is ignorant of the fact _ i don't think that the regime is ignorant of the fact that - i don't think that the regime is ignorant of the fact that the i ignorant of the fact that the retaliation— ignorant of the fact that the retaliation to _ ignorant of the fact that the retaliation to the _ ignorant of the fact that the retaliation to the possible l ignorant of the fact that the - retaliation to the possible response will he _ retaliation to the possible response will be absolutely _ retaliation to the possible response will be absolutely destructive - retaliation to the possible response will be absolutely destructive for. will be absolutely destructive for the country _ will be absolutely destructive for the country it _ will be absolutely destructive for the country. it will— will be absolutely destructive for the country. it will annihilate - will be absolutely destructive for. the country. it will annihilate what remains _ the country. it will annihilate what remains of— the country. it will annihilate what remains of this _ the country. it will annihilate what remains of this infra— _ the country. it will annihilate what remains of this infra— structure . the country. it will annihilate what remains of this infra— structure of| remains of this infra— structure of the country— remains of this infra— structure of the country and _ remains of this infra— structure of the country and the _ remains of this infra— structure of the country and the economy- remains of this infra— structure of the country and the economy of. remains of this infra— structure of. the country and the economy of the country _ the country and the economy of the country it— the country and the economy of the country. it seems _ the country and the economy of the country. it seems that _ the country and the economy of the country. it seems that there won't. country. it seems that there won't be such— country. it seems that there won't be such a — country. it seems that there won't be such a retaliation _ country. it seems that there won'ti be such a retaliation because there was a _ be such a retaliation because there was a rumour— be such a retaliation because there was a rumour these _ be such a retaliation because there was a rumour these past— be such a retaliation because there was a rumour these past days - be such a retaliation because there was a rumour these past days that| was a rumour these past days that following — was a rumour these past days that following the — was a rumour these past days that following the meeting _ was a rumour these past days that following the meeting with - was a rumour these past days that following the meeting with new i following the meeting with new elected — following the meeting with new elected president, _ following the meeting with new elected president, the - following the meeting with new elected president, the leader. following the meeting with new| elected president, the leader of following the meeting with new - elected president, the leader of the country— elected president, the leader of the country has — elected president, the leader of the country has decided _ elected president, the leader of the country has decided not _ elected president, the leader of the country has decided not to - elected president, the leader of the country has decided not to act, - country has decided not to act, and it seems— country has decided not to act, and it seems that — country has decided not to act, and it seems that the _ country has decided not to act, and it seems that the rumour— country has decided not to act, and it seems that the rumour was - it seems that the rumour was propagated _ it seems that the rumour was propagated by— it seems that the rumour was propagated by the _ it seems that the rumour was propagated by the regina's . it seems that the rumour wasi propagated by the regina's on it seems that the rumour was . propagated by the regina's on a proper— propagated by the regina's on a proper dental— propagated by the regina's on a proper dentai -- _ propagated by the regina's on a proper dental —— propaganda . proper dental —— propaganda apparatus, _ proper dental —— propaganda apparatus. and _ proper dental —— propaganda apparatus, and the - proper dental —— propaganda apparatus, and the reason i proper dental —— propagandal apparatus, and the reason for proper dental —— propaganda - apparatus, and the reason for that it seems— apparatus, and the reason for that it seems that _ apparatus, and the reason for that it seems that they— apparatus, and the reason for that it seems that they want _ apparatus, and the reason for that it seems that they want to - apparatus, and the reason for that it seems that they want to test - apparatus, and the reason for that| it seems that they want to test the public— it seems that they want to test the public opinion— it seems that they want to test the public opinion and _

it seems that they want to test the public opinion and prepare - it seems that they want to test the public opinion and prepare the - public opinion and prepare the public— public opinion and prepare the public opinion— public opinion and prepare the public opinion not _ public opinion and prepare the public opinion not to - public opinion and prepare thej public opinion not to retaliate. public opinion and prepare the . public opinion not to retaliate. in other— public opinion not to retaliate. in other word, _ public opinion not to retaliate. in other word, they— public opinion not to retaliate. in other word, they are _ public opinion not to retaliate. in other word, they are conducting i public opinion not to retaliate. in - other word, they are conducting some sort of— other word, they are conducting some sort of operation — other word, they are conducting some sort of operation of _ other word, they are conducting some sort of operation of face—saving. - sort of operation of face—saving. for themselves. _ sort of operation of face—saving. forthemselves. doctor- sort of operation of face—saving. for themselves. doctor ramin . sort of operation of face—saving. - for themselves. doctor ramin parham, stay with us but i want to go to the panel, elise labott and henry bonsu and elise to you first of all, we were at a crossroads in the middle east this week, we could have an irani and attacked on israel or some kind of peace deal that brings a cease—fire in gaza. kind of peace deal that brings a cease-fire in gaza.— kind of peace deal that brings a cease-fire in gaza. that's right, and i cease-fire in gaza. that's right, and i think— cease-fire in gaza. that's right, and i think that _ cease-fire in gaza. that's right, and i think that the _ cease-fire in gaza. that's right, and i think that the doctor - cease-fire in gaza. that's right, and i think that the doctor has l cease-fire in gaza. that's right, | and i think that the doctor has it right, you know here that iran is saying that if there is a cease—fire in gaza we might hold back a response. there's many lots of talk of maybe iran would hide behind hezbollah and that thing take the lead on any kind of retaliation,

because that's the face it, that is more expected that hezbollah would retaliate for the strike in beirut. so at the same time, iran is letting israel a guess. it may not be an open war, but it's the war of nerves thatis open war, but it's the war of nerves that is certainly psychological warfare. you heard the leader of hezbollah say this is part of the punishment, to keep israel waiting, and everyone is expecting this big spectacular irani and attack that would cause some israeli response, it could be a terrorist attack on israeli citizens somewhere in europe, that was saw on that bus years ago. it psychological where fear my a slow burning terror campaign to keep israel and americans on edge, but it is also the irani and regina not wanted

destabilising the governments, the new president, which i think these are the warnings coming with the deposit me —— diplomacy towards iran, to not destabilise the new government, so iran is keeping its options open but leaving the door open for standing back if there is the cease—fire deal. and open for standing back if there is the cease-fire deal.— open for standing back if there is the cease-fire deal. and henry, in some ways — the cease-fire deal. and henry, in some ways iran — the cease-fire deal. and henry, in some ways iran likes _ the cease-fire deal. and henry, in some ways iran likes that, - the cease-fire deal. and henry, in some ways iran likes that, he - the cease-fire deal. and henry, in| some ways iran likes that, he likes to be the centre of world attention, and it quite next to have the world leaders calling up and seen please not to attack israel. irani leaders calling up and seen please not to attack israel.— not to attack israel. irani and see themselves _ not to attack israel. irani and see themselves as _ not to attack israel. irani and see themselves as this _ not to attack israel. irani and see themselves as this great - not to attack israel. irani and see themselves as this great engine | themselves as this great engine persian — themselves as this great engine persian civilisation, now the modern ieader— persian civilisation, now the modern leader of— persian civilisation, now the modern leader of the axis of resistance, but it— leader of the axis of resistance, but it is— leader of the axis of resistance, but it is under great pressure to do something — but it is under great pressure to do something because it has had senior leaders _ something because it has had senior leaders killed in april on what is considered to be its own diplomatic territory— considered to be its own diplomatic territory in — considered to be its own diplomatic territory in syria and damascus, and a senior— territory in syria and damascus, and a senior and — territory in syria and damascus, and a senior and close ally, ismail haniyeh. _ a senior and close ally, ismail haniyeh, on its own soil, and as its own spokes — haniyeh, on its own soil, and as its own spokes piece of mesh —— spoke

peopie _ own spokes piece of mesh —— spoke peopie have — own spokes piece of mesh —— spoke people have insane, and is president, the israelis have been continuing — president, the israelis have been continuing with their aggression, they have — continuing with their aggression, they have been continuing to kill people. — they have been continuing to kill people, they have had cover from the us, from _ people, they have had cover from the us, from britain and france and germany — us, from britain and france and germany, they have not stopped, so therefore _ germany, they have not stopped, so therefore we must punish them with a deterrence. _ therefore we must punish them with a deterrence, and that is why it would be difficult — deterrence, and that is why it would be difficult for them to do nothing. henry— be difficult for them to do nothing. henry and — be difficult for them to do nothing. henry and elise, thank you, i know back to doctor ramin parham, can i ask you, i mean last time iran attacked israel, it was arguably a damn squib, most of their missiles and drones were shot down by israel and drones were shot down by israel and its allies, so if there was another attack, and its allies, so if there was anotherattack, maybe and its allies, so if there was another attack, maybe it would follow the same pattern? riff another attack, maybe it would follow the same pattern? of course, there is no doubt _ follow the same pattern? of course, there is no doubt about _ follow the same pattern? of course, there is no doubt about the - there is no doubt about the technological— there is no doubt about the technological advance - there is no doubt about the technological advance of. there is no doubt about the i technological advance of israel

there is no doubt about the - technological advance of israel and their allies. — technological advance of israel and their allies, who— technological advance of israel and their allies, who are _ technological advance of israel and their allies, who are england - their allies, who are england inciuded. _ their allies, who are england included, who— their allies, who are england included, who have - their allies, who are england included, who have the - their allies, who are englandj included, who have the most their allies, who are england - included, who have the most advanced armies— included, who have the most advanced armies and _ included, who have the most advanced armies and technologies, _ included, who have the most advanced armies and technologies, there - included, who have the most advanced armies and technologies, there is- included, who have the most advanced armies and technologies, there is no. armies and technologies, there is no doubt _ armies and technologies, there is no doubt about— armies and technologies, there is no doubt about that, _ armies and technologies, there is no doubt about that, but _ armies and technologies, there is no doubt about that, but speaking - armies and technologies, there is no doubt about that, but speaking of i doubt about that, but speaking of deterrence. — doubt about that, but speaking of deterrence. i_ doubt about that, but speaking of deterrence, i think— doubt about that, but speaking of deterrence, i think a _ doubt about that, but speaking of deterrence, i think a certain - doubt about that, but speaking of i deterrence, i think a certain degree of deterrence — deterrence, i think a certain degree of deterrence has _ deterrence, i think a certain degree of deterrence has already— deterrence, i think a certain degree of deterrence has already been - of deterrence has already been achieved — of deterrence has already been achieved iry— of deterrence has already been achieved by iran, _ of deterrence has already been achieved by iran, although - of deterrence has already been| achieved by iran, although with of deterrence has already been . achieved by iran, although with a heavy— achieved by iran, although with a heavy price. _ achieved by iran, although with a heavy price, although _ achieved by iran, although with a heavy price, although under- achieved by iran, although with a heavy price, although under veryj heavy price, although under very difficult — heavy price, although under very difficult internal— heavy price, although under very difficult internal circumstances, i difficult internal circumstances, but a _ difficult internal circumstances, but a certain— difficult internal circumstances, but a certain degree _ difficult internal circumstances, but a certain degree of- difficult internal circumstances, i but a certain degree of deterrence has been — but a certain degree of deterrence has been achieved _ but a certain degree of deterrence has been achieved because - but a certain degree of deterrence has been achieved because no- but a certain degree of deterrence . has been achieved because no matter how the _ has been achieved because no matter how the previous _ has been achieved because no matter how the previous attack _ has been achieved because no matter how the previous attack in _ has been achieved because no matter how the previous attack in april- has been achieved because no matter how the previous attack in april was l how the previous attack in april was prepared, _ how the previous attack in april was prepared, and— how the previous attack in april was prepared, and it— how the previous attack in april was prepared, and it was _ how the previous attack in april was prepared, and it was prepared - how the previous attack in april was prepared, and it was prepared him. how the previous attack in april was| prepared, and it was prepared him a but the _ prepared, and it was prepared him a but the fact— prepared, and it was prepared him a but the fact is — prepared, and it was prepared him a but the fact is iran _ prepared, and it was prepared him a but the fact is iran is _ prepared, and it was prepared him a but the fact is iran is the _ prepared, and it was prepared him a but the fact is iran is the only- but the fact is iran is the only country— but the fact is iran is the only country since _ but the fact is iran is the only country since the _ but the fact is iran is the only country since the existence . but the fact is iran is the only| country since the existence of israei. — country since the existence of israel, which _ country since the existence of israel, which in _ country since the existence of israel, which in the _ country since the existence of israel, which in the region- country since the existence of israel, which in the region ori israel, which in the region or anywhere _ israel, which in the region or anywhere else _ israel, which in the region or anywhere else for— israel, which in the region or anywhere else for that - israel, which in the region orl anywhere else for that matter israel, which in the region or- anywhere else for that matter has dared _ anywhere else for that matter has dared to _ anywhere else for that matter has dared to launch _ anywhere else for that matter has dared to launch 300 _ anywhere else for that matter has dared to launch 300 missiles - anywhere else for that matter has - dared to launch 300 missiles towards israei~ _ dared to launch 300 missiles towards israei~ iran— dared to launch 300 missiles towards israei~ iran is— dared to launch 300 missiles towards israel. iran is the only— dared to launch 300 missiles towards israel. iran is the only country- dared to launch 300 missiles towards israel. iran is the only country in- israel. iran is the only country in this region — israel. iran is the only country in this region that _ israel. iran is the only country in this region that has _ israel. iran is the only country in this region that has been- israel. iran is the only country in this region that has been facingl this region that has been facing years— this region that has been facing

years if— this region that has been facing years if not— this region that has been facing years if not decades _ this region that has been facing years if not decades of - years if not decades of confrontation, - years if not decades of confrontation, and - years if not decades of confrontation, and notj years if not decades of - confrontation, and notjust with anyone, — confrontation, and notjust with anyone, confrontation- confrontation, and notjust with anyone, confrontation with - confrontation, and notjust with anyone, confrontation with the i anyone, confrontation with the strongest _ anyone, confrontation with the strongest power— anyone, confrontation with the strongest power —— _ anyone, confrontation with the strongest power —— powers- anyone, confrontation with the strongest power —— powers in. anyone, confrontation with the . strongest power —— powers in the world _ strongest power —— powers in the world and — strongest power —— powers in the world and region, _ strongest power —— powers in the world and region, so _ strongest power —— powers in the world and region, so that- strongest power —— powers in the world and region, so that brings. world and region, so that brings some _ world and region, so that brings some sort— world and region, so that brings some sort of— world and region, so that brings some sort of deterrence, - world and region, so that brings some sort of deterrence, some i world and region, so that brings - some sort of deterrence, some sort of a some sort of deterrence, some sort ofa sentiment— some sort of deterrence, some sort of a sentiment that _ some sort of deterrence, some sort of a sentiment that iran _ some sort of deterrence, some sort of a sentiment that iran is - some sort of deterrence, some sort of a sentiment that iran is a - of a sentiment that iran is a regional— of a sentiment that iran is a regional power, _ of a sentiment that iran is a regional power, and - of a sentiment that iran is a regional power, and if- of a sentiment that iran is a regional power, and if iran. of a sentiment that iran is a - regional power, and if iran resolves its remaining — regional power, and if iran resolves its remaining difficulties— regional power, and if iran resolves its remaining difficulties with - regional power, and if iran resolves its remaining difficulties with the i its remaining difficulties with the united _ its remaining difficulties with the united states, _ its remaining difficulties with the united states, iran _ its remaining difficulties with the united states, iran will- its remaining difficulties with the united states, iran will be - its remaining difficulties with the united states, iran will be the i united states, iran will be the regional— united states, iran will be the regional power. _ united states, iran will be the regional power.— united states, iran will be the reuional ower. ., ., ., ., regional power. doctor ramin parham, thank ou regional power. doctor ramin parham, thank you india — regional power. doctor ramin parham, thank you india for _ regional power. doctor ramin parham, thank you india for being _ regional power. doctor ramin parham, thank you india for being with - regional power. doctor ramin parham, thank you india for being with us. - around the world and across the uk, this is bbc news.

ukraine's president zelensky is claiming his troops now control 74 russian settlements — after its surprise cross border incursion that began last week.

ukraine says it does not want to occupy russian territory — but that it will continue its military action until moscow agrees to peace. a key part of the strategy appears to be to force russia to divert its forces from the eastern front, marked here in red, to protect its own territory. ukraine's invasion of russian territory in the kursk region is seen here in yellow. ukrainian commanders say they control over a thousand square kilometres of russian land. moscow has evacuated 120,000 of its citizens from the area. well, ukrainian troops are crossing over the border into russia from the sumy region close to kursk. earlier, i spoke to former us ambassador to nato and former united states special envoy to ukraine, kurt volker, and asked him whether this surprise offensive is a gamble.

i think that this was a choice, a decision to show to the world that russia is more vulnerable than it looks, to show to the russian people that this is indeed a war, and it can come to them as well, and to kind of expose putin as the only russian leader since world war ii who actually provoked an invasion of russia and lost russian territory, so i think it was a decision to make a step that would change the narrative in a significant way compared to what we have been seeing of the slow erosion of the front in the east of ukraine, where russia has been making gains. and i think they would dig in and hold it for a long time. i don't think they want to keep the territory, it is not like putin seeking territorial expansion of russia, i think this is positioning ukraine for the future because there would have to be to end to this war, some kind of negotiation, and i think they want to put the lie to idea that russia just gets to take territory and that is all.

it is going to have to be given back territory. let's get back to her panel. elise labott and henry bonsu. henry, let me ask you the same question, do you think this is a gamble that could backfire on ukraine and president zelensky? it backfire on ukraine and president zelens ? .., backfire on ukraine and president zelens ? _, , ., zelensky? it could be if that particular— zelensky? it could be if that particular elite _ zelensky? it could be if that particular elite unit - zelensky? it could be if that particular elite unit is - zelensky? it could be if that i particular elite unit is trapped will he — particular elite unit is trapped will be on enemy lines and president putin is— will be on enemy lines and president putin is able to marshal forces that cut them _ putin is able to marshal forces that cut them off and then destroy them, that would _ cut them off and then destroy them, that would be a great blow to the ukrainians, but it is one after 2.5 years— ukrainians, but it is one after 2.5 years they— ukrainians, but it is one after 2.5 years they are winning today, because — years they are winning today, because you might say that been fighting — because you might say that been fighting with one hand behind their backs _ fighting with one hand behind their hacks it— fighting with one hand behind their backs it is— fighting with one hand behind their backs. it is taking a long time for certain— backs. it is taking a long time for certain deliveries of weapons from nato countries and also the biggest supplier, _ nato countries and also the biggest supplier, the united states. they have _ supplier, the united states. they

have time — supplier, the united states. they have time and again said they are supporting them but they have struggled to deliver the right kind of weapons on time, and even when they have _ of weapons on time, and even when they have done so, the have two of them _ they have done so, the have two of them they— they have done so, the have two of them they can only use it within your— them they can only use it within your own — them they can only use it within your own territory or within that part of — your own territory or within that part of your territory captured by the russians, and i am sure tonight or over— the russians, and i am sure tonight or over the — the russians, and i am sure tonight or over the last five or six days since _ or over the last five or six days since the — or over the last five or six days since the incursion took place, lots of ukrainians would be saying what took them — of ukrainians would be saying what took them so long. elise of ukrainians would be saying what took them so long.— took them so long. elise what is our take took them so long. elise what is your take on _ took them so long. elise what is your take on this, _ took them so long. elise what is your take on this, there - took them so long. elise what is your take on this, there must i took them so long. elise what is| your take on this, there must be some nervousness in western capitals like washington and london about ukrainian troops using western military hardware on the ground inside person territory?- inside person territory? there definitely is. _ inside person territory? there definitely is, and _ inside person territory? there definitely is, and you - inside person territory? there definitely is, and you have - inside person territory? there definitely is, and you have to| definitely is, and you have to remember, president biden was very reluctant to let ukrainians use us weapons to launch across the border, i know to incursions onto russian soil, certainly that has a lot of

military leaders a bit concerned, but at the same time, these are the kind of offensives that the us was kind of offensives that the us was kind of offensives that the us was kind of expecting a year ago. obviously, there was a holdup with weapons and there was a concern, as weapons and there was a concern, as we been talking, that the ukrainians were falling behind and there was momentum loss sol were falling behind and there was momentum loss so i do think this is an effort to change the narrative. you see that russian troops are now being diverted from zaporizhzhia and the curse on regions to deal with some of these regions that do ukrainians have overtaken, and who knows, maybe the ukrainians will try to retake some of the line that the russians are evacuating their troops, maybe recapture some of that i'm a but at the end of the day it is really to strengthen the ukrainian hand at the bargaining table. �* , , , ., , table. and henry, i guess that is true, table. and henry, i guess that is true. change _ table. and henry, i guess that is true, change of _ table. and henry, i guess that is true, change of the _ table. and henry, i guess that is true, change of the narrative, i table. and henry, i guess that is. true, change of the narrative, and table. and henry, i guess that is i true, change of the narrative, and i can see from a pr point of view

internally inside ukraine, this is very successful, boosting morale, but you wonder militarily, president zelensky, if this was his brain and child, he is not a military man, he is a politician, and whether he got the strategy right militarily. he is not a military _ the strategy right militarily. he is not a military man, _ the strategy right militarily. he is not a military man, but _ the strategy right militarily. he is not a military man, but most i the strategy right militarily. he is not a military man, but most world leaders _ not a military man, but most world leaders are — not a military man, but most world leaders are not military men or women — leaders are not military men or women but surrounded by experts who have seen _ women but surrounded by experts who have seen war are no inlets about military— have seen war are no inlets about military history and intelligence and he — military history and intelligence and he would have made a calculation. this is not the one, we are talking — calculation. this is not the one, we are talking about 2.5 years into this, _ are talking about 2.5 years into this, and — are talking about 2.5 years into this, and ukraine, as you saw from the graphic— this, and ukraine, as you saw from the graphic you showed a short time a-o, the graphic you showed a short time ago, a _ the graphic you showed a short time ago, a significant significant slice of bread — ago, a significant significant slice of bread to the east has been captured _ of bread to the east has been captured by the russians, their supposedly ancient brothers and sisters, — supposedly ancient brothers and sisters, so this is something they are prepared to risk and many people will he _ are prepared to risk and many people will he sent_ are prepared to risk and many people will be sent good on them, because

how can _ will be sent good on them, because how can you — will be sent good on them, because how can you possibly accept all of this incoming fire and not take the fi-ht this incoming fire and not take the fight to— this incoming fire and not take the fight to the enemy? it was something president _ fight to the enemy? it was something president zelensky said if you does a-o president zelensky said if you does ago and _ president zelensky said if you does ago and today. these people need to understand _ ago and today. these people need to understand what this is about, they must _ understand what this is about, they must feel— understand what this is about, they must feel that the war on their own soil, and _ must feel that the war on their own soil, and vladimir putin is struggling to explain how this simple — struggling to explain how this simple special operation is no forcing — simple special operation is no forcing over 100,000 people to flee. news _ forcing over100,000 people to flee. news of— forcing over 100,000 people to flee. news of this is reaching moscow it is not _ news of this is reaching moscow it is notiust— news of this is reaching moscow it is notjust in kursk and belgorod and those — is notjust in kursk and belgorod and those areas, the whole of russia will he _ and those areas, the whole of russia will be aware of this by now.- will be aware of this by now. henry and russ michael _ will be aware of this by now. henry and russ michael thank _ will be aware of this by now. henry and russ michael thank you - will be aware of this by now. henry and russ michael thank you for- will be aware of this by now. henry and russ michael thank you for the moment, coming up next, we would take a deep dive into that two hour long conversation and discussion between the president —— presidential hopeful that donald trump and billing or elon musk, so stay with us, you are watching bbc news. henry and elise.

good evening. in recent nights, we've had some fantastic displays of the aurora borealis, even into southern parts of england. and the opportunity may well be there again for the next few hours this side of midnight, and even in the south. but there's a fly in the ointment. there's a lot more cloud and rain straddling the uk at the moment. either side, perhaps some clearer skies. scotland, northern ireland, eventually northern england and early in the evening further east. but our band of cloud and rain, even some rumbles of thunder initially are tracking their way eastwards through the night, so it will be a warmer, cloudier end to the night

across central and eastern areas, but a chilly one further north — down to li—s under the clearing skies. and that bodes well fora drier, brighter, sunnier day across scotland, for northern ireland and for northern england and wales. eventually that cloud, although dragging its heels initially, will clear towards the east. some early rain, some mist and murk over the hills. that's something that we'll see through the night as well, underneath that cloud band, and even underneath that remnant cloud, 23—24, still quite warm. not as warm as it's been, of course, today — a fresher feel futher north. but lighter winds than today, so pleasant in the sunshine. but that window of drier weather here under this brief ridge of high pressure doesn't last for long because, as you can see, through tomorrow night into thursday, the next area of rain is working its way in across northern ireland and scotland — quite a wet night and a wet start to thursday. it does brighten and dry up to the north, and after a cooler start in the south and the east, we hold on to some sunshine. just east anglia and the south east from the looks of things, but there will be some heavy rain on this weather front and some

brisk winds as well. so, a fresherfeel once it clears, quite muggy underneath that weather front. again, it's warm, moist air, so we might see 25—27 in the sunshine ahead of that. that shows you that that warm air�*s not too far away. and that muggy air is with us then through thursday night into friday and still around, potentially in, the south on friday on that weather front. so still some heavy rain potentially, and more getting into the north and the west. but for many, it looks like some drier weather again is on the way on friday. so, you can see how it's changeable day to day, our weather. but it looks then as if we'll see high pressure building in for the weekend. so, yes, there will be a few showers, but for many, there'll be a lot of dry weather with some sunshine, and feeling warm in that sun, too.

hello, i'm ben brown. you're watching the context on bbc news. in a public conversation plagued by technical problems, elon musk and donald trump discuss everything from global warming to the assassination attempt. as the race for the white house intensifies, the momentum at the moment seems to be with the democratic contender, kamala harris, while many analysts

believe donald trump's campaign has been thrown onto the back foot. well last night, he tried to reenergise that campaign by spending two hours on x — formerly twitter — in conversation with its owner, elon musk. the discussion, not on camera, ranged from topics like immigration and global politics, to the attempted assassination of mr trump. well, here's a bit of that interview with as trump makes his frustration known, now thatjoe biden has been removed as the democrats presidential candidate. this was a coup — this was a coup . of a president of the united states. he didn't want to leave, i and they said, "we can do it the nice way, or we can do it the hard way" _ mr trump also insisted that the us needed a tough and intimidating leader, suggesting that would have stopped vladimir putin's invasion of ukraine.