Let's talk about the elephant in the room: this war in Iran has been a total balls-up from Trump.

He's cried wolf three times on his ultimatums. He's said one thing and then in the next breath said exactly the opposite.

Now he's talking about ending an entire civilisation.

White House officials have described him as being in a 'defiant' mood. Wars aren't generally won on moods, they're won on strategy and execution.

The gameplan for Iran has been sorely lacking.

Even Nigel Farage says Trump's gone too far with his rhetoric. Tucker Carlson is calling on the military to disobey Trump's orders, refuse to carry out his bombing.

The reason this is all for nothing is because Trump could blast Iran's military infrastructure 'till the cows come home and still not get every drone, every speed boat, every regime-loving terrorist out there.

And all it takes are a few of them to hold the world to ransom via the Strait.

So Trump ups the ante. He talks tough. He threatens to end civilisation.

And what have the Iranians done? They've cut off diplomatic talks with the US.

Which means we're now in very dangerous territory. Remember for them to win, or claim they've won, all they have to do is survive to live another day.

Which leaves Trump either ending an entire civilisation, which he won't do because it could end the world, or backing down. Again.

Either way, not a great outcome for a strongman like him.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Ryan Bridge: This war in Iran has been a total balls-up from Trump