A 'rathole of retaliation': Trump, Iran and what happens next

<p>America&rsquo;s attacks on Iran&rsquo;s nuclear sites over the weekend mark a terrifying turning point.</p> <p>Donald Trump has taken the US into direct conflict with Iran &ndash; and risked what the UN secretary-general is calling a &ldquo;rathole of retaliation&rdquo;.</p> <p>US Secretary of Defence Pete Hegseth claims that Iran&rsquo;s nuclear ambitions have been obliterated, but questions remain about the extent of the damage, and whether the attack will only strengthen Iran&rsquo;s resolve to rebuild. Moreover, Trump&rsquo;s calls for regime change suggest that peace may take much longer.</p> <p>Today, author of&nbsp;<em>The Permanent Crisis: Iran&rsquo;s Nuclear Trajectory </em>and defence editor at <em>The Economist </em>Shashank Joshi, on what Iran will do next.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p>If you enjoy 7am, the best way you can support us is by making a contribution at <a href="http://7ampodcast.com.au/support">7ampodcast.com.au/support</a>.</p> <p>&nbsp;</p> <p><strong>Socials:</strong><strong> </strong>Stay in touch with us on <a href="http://www.instagram.com/7ampodcast">Instagram</a></p> <p><strong>Guest:</strong> Author of <em>The Permanent Crisis: Iran&rsquo;s Nuclear Trajectory </em>and defence editor at <em>The Economist</em>,<em> </em>Shashank Joshi</p> <p><strong>Photo:&nbsp;</strong>Hindustan Times/Sipa USA</p><p>See <a href="https://omnystudio.com/listener">omnystudio.com/listener</a> for privacy information.</p>