<p>Benjamin Netanyahu has different plans then Donald Trump, aiming to expand their territory to make "Greater Israel", argues Professor Scott Lucas.</p><p><br></p><p>No Zoe today so Ali breaks down the <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/topics/cx2jyv8j8gwt">war in Iran</a> so far before being joined by Professor of International Studies at the Clinton Institute in Dublin, and founder of the EA WorldView, Scott Lucas to chat about the shaky ceasefire between the US and Iran. We also rerun Zoe's interview with Matthew Spence, former Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Middle East Policy under Obama.</p><p><br></p><p>After this Scott Lucas joins the show, where he breaks down the different <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://news.sky.com/story/iran-war-latest-254-people-killed-by-israeli-strikes-in-lebanon-today-says-civil-defence-service-13509565">aims in this war</a> for Israeli Leader Benjamin Netanyahu and US President Donald Trump, arguing that Israel wants to expand, creating "Greater Israel" in Lebanon.</p><p><br></p><p>"No one wins" a war, argues Lucas, as they explain the ever-increasing death tolls, the targeting of civilian infrastructure and JD Vance's plans to become President after Trump leaves office.</p><p><br></p><p>They also discuss <a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.theguardian.com/world/2026/apr/08/conflict-iran-us-uk-geopolitical-standing-military-readiness-explainer">the UK's role in the war,</a> and the US's precarious position with its allies.</p><p><br></p><p>Guest Bio:</p><p><br></p><p><a target="_blank" rel="noopener noreferrer nofollow" href="https://www.ucdclinton.ie/our-staff/scott-lucas">Scott Lucas </a>became Professor of International Politics in 2014, having been on the staff of the University of Birmingham since 1989 and a Professor of American Studies since 1997.<br><br>He began his career as a specialist in US and British foreign policy, but his research interests now also cover current international affairs --- especially North Africa, the Middle East, and Iran --- New Media, and Intelligence Services.<br><br>A professional journalist since 1979, Professor Lucas is the founder and editor of EA WorldView, a leading website in daily news and analysis of Iran, Turkey, Syria, and the wider Middle East, as well as US foreign policy.</p><p><br></p><p>Host: Ali Milani</p><p>Guests: Scott Lucas and Matthew Spence</p><p>Producer: Hugh Smiley</p><p><br></p>