President Donald Trump is betting new sanctions and economic pressure can force Tehran to accept a deal to end the war on US terms. Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps may be impervious to such pressure and has plenty of ways to retaliate, including military strikes across the Gulf. The US economic pressure campaign is having an impact, risking one of Iran's worst ever economic crises, but it's unclear if it will lead to Iran's capitulation or further retaliation.

Also this weekend, China’s humanoid robot makers now control 97% of global shipments, giving Beijing an early lead over US rivals. At the World Robot Conference in Beijing, robots sort boxes, handle laundry and bag clothes.

On today's show, Bloomberg This Weekend hosts Christina Ruffini and David Gura speak with:

- Former Head of MI6 Sir Richard Dearlove, on his concerns about politicization and personnel changes inside the CIA.

- Bloomberg News Reporter Allen Wan at the World Robot Conference in Beijing, where Unitree declared that humanoid robots could take off commercially in just two years.

- Kim Ghattas, Distinguished Fellow at Columbia University’s Institute of Global Politics, on how sanctions are targeting Iran's weakened regional network.

- Nathan Grawe, Professor of Economics at Carleton College, on how US colleges are facing a shrinking student population.

Plus, David, Christina, and Alexis Christoforous play Pointed: The News Quiz for Risk Takers.

For more conversations like this, watch and listen to Bloomberg This Weekend live on Saturdays and Sundays from 7AM-10AM ET. Watch on Bloomberg Television, listen on Bloomberg Radio and stream the show live on the Bloomberg Business app and Bloomberg.com/video.