Houthi ballistic missiles have struck Riyadh international airport for the third time in a week, killing three Saudis including a pilot, destroying a plane and prompting major carriers to cancel flights.

On today’s episode of Iran: the Latest, Venetia Rainey speaks to Africa correspondent Ben Farmer to discuss why Saudi airports are particularly “painful” targets for the Iran-backed Houthis to be hitting even as they face growing military pressure from government forces within Yemen.

Fresh from Djibouti’s Red Sea coastline, Ben shares testimonies from Yemeni refugees about what the war looks like on the ground, Houthi forced recruitment, and why many are more scared of Saudi planes than the militants.

Plus, Donald Trump insists no strikes on Iran will take place prior to the US midterms, even as reports reveal the Pentagon has drawn up plans for a three-day campaign targeting the regime’s missile arsenal and command centers. What would a resumption of the war mean for Africa?

CHAPTERS:
00:00 Introduction & Episode Overview
01:14 Houthi Missile Attack on Riyadh International Airport
04:05 Ongoing Ground Operations and Airstrikes in Yemen
05:20 Eyewitness Accounts: Fleeing Yemen Across the Red Sea to Djibouti
06:39 Historical Context of the Yemen War & Saudi Air Campaigns
08:47 Assessment of "Operation Dawn of Yemen" & Houthi Child Recruitment
12:15 Humanitarian Crisis, Malnutrition, and the Dangerous Sea Crossing
15:57 Geopolitical Presence in Djibouti and Red Sea Escorts
17:19 Escalation in the Strait of Hormuz & Qatari LNG Exports
19:03 Economic & Humanitarian Impact on African Nations
20:35 U.S. Military Plans vs. Trump Statements on Potential Iran Strikes
22:39 African Diplomatic Stance and Closing Remarks

#Yemen #Iran #SaudiArabia #MiddleEast #Djibouti #RedSea #StraitOfHormuz #Houthis #USMilitary #Trump #Geopolitics #IranTheLatest

CONTRIBUTORS:
Venetia Rainey, co-host and executive producer @venetiarainey
Ben Farmer, Africa correspondent @benfarmerDT

WATCH US ON YOUTUBE: Iran: The Latest |  Podcast | The Telegraph

CONTENT REFERENCED:
‘The dogs were eating their bodies’: Thousands of Yemenis flee war across the sea
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/global-he...

The UAE-backed ‘Giants Brigade’ changing the Saudi-Houthi war
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-new...

Houthis destroy passenger jet at Riyadh airport
https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-new...

Winner Best News and Analysis Podcast - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026
Bronze Best News, Politics and Current Affairs - British Podcast Awards 2026
Nominated Podcast of the Year - Society of Editors News Podcasts Awards 2026
Nominated Podcast of the Year - London Press Club Awards 2026
The Telegraph, Winner Podcast Publisher of the Year 2026 - Publisher Podcast Awards 2026

Producers: Peter Shevlin and Max Bower
Researcher and Social Producer: Anna Hindmarsh
Studio Operator: Andy Watson
Executive Producer: Venetia Rainey
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