As Trump blusters over Iran, prospects for real peace slip further away

Even as the Trump administration facilitates the demise of the international order the United States helped create, the Australian government’s embrace of Aukus ties the two countries ever closer.

On this episode of After America, Dr Emma Shortis and Angus Blackman discuss op-shop submarines, the Democrats’ review of the 2024 election, and Trump’s Iran loop.

This episode was recorded on Monday 1 June.

Support the research powerful interests fear. Make a tax-deductible donation to the Australia Institute’s End of Financial Year Appeal before 30 June.

Host: Emma Shortis, Director, International & Security Affairs, the Australia Institute // @emmashortis

Host: Angus Blackman, Executive Producer, the Australia Institute // @angusrb

Show notes:

Shorter America: The Iran clown show continues; Trump threatens to bomb an ally (again); Trump doesn’t care by Emma Shortis, The Point (May 2026)

Democrats Can’t Avoid a Reckoning with Gaza by Matt Duss, The Nation (May 2026)

After America: Australia and the new world order by Emma Shortis, Australia Institute Press (May 2025)

Major Aukus switch to buy only secondhand subs from US means ‘significant’ cost savings, Marles says by Tom McIlroy & Ben Doherty, Guardian Australia (May 2026)

Photo: The White House/Flickr (U.S. Government work)

Theme music: Pulse and Thrum; additional music by Blue Dot Sessions

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