Back To Bombs: US Launches Fresh Attacks On Iran (S01E140)

Monday, August 31, 2026, Istanbul

The US claimed it launched attacks on two missile launchers preparing to attack Persian Gulf shipping on Iran’s Larak Island. Iran says two military personnel were killed and two injured, and launched overnight counterattacks targeting US military sites in Jordan and the Arabian Peninsula.

In the latest episode of badlands, I discuss the inevitability of the return to warfare as well as the escalating rhetoric preceding the bombing and the danger of the type of “preemptive” war thinking that drives the US thinking.

In an interview with BBC News, I also discuss the deadly capsizing of a ferry departing from the Turkish Republic of Northern Cyprus.

Plus more talk about Iran as well as the CIA chief’s visit to Moscow last week in interviews with India’s NewsX World.

badlands is a viewer-supported podcast. To receive new episodes and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit borzou.substack.com/subscribe