Does Donald Trump have an exit strategy for the war with Iran?

Does US President Donald Trump have an exit strategy for the war with Iran? He is reportedly under pressure to set a deadline. But with contradicting statements from his administration, when will this offensive end? And on what terms? In this episode:  Adolfo Franco, U.S. Republican strategist and…

Why does the Iran war pose more dilemmas for Europe?

Europe is under pressure as the conflict in the Middle East continues, and is now competing with Asia for scarcer oil and gas supplies. Rocketing prices benefit Russia and weaken sanctions imposed for the war in Ukraine, with Europe wary of antagonising Donald Trump. How is the Iran war impacting a…

How valuable are Iran's natural resources?

Iran has significant oil and gas reserves and is a major supplier to China. A member of the US president's inner circle says control of them is a key American aim. So how valuable are Iran's natural resources? And could they be a factor in US thinking?  In this episode:  Foad Izadi, Professor in t…

Who is Iran's new leader?

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei replaces his assassinated father. His selection sends a defiant message to the US and Israel as they attack the country. So, who is Iran's new leader, and what does his appointment mean?  In this episode:  Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran …

How will Gulf states react as Iranian attacks continue?

Tehran has carried out more attacks on Gulf states despite an apology by the president to Iran's neighbours. Civilian targets have been hit, including airports and vital infrastructure. Who's in control in Iran and how will Gulf states react as the attacks continue? In this episode:  John Brennan,…

How far will the Iran war spillover?

From the Gulf countries, to Lebanon, Turkiye, Azerbaijan, Cyprus and Sri Lanka - the conflict has been spreading. But what are the dangers of this war expanding even further beyond the Middle East? In this episode:  Alam Saleh, Senior Lecturer in Iranian Studies at Centre for Arab & Islamic Stud…

Has Donald Trump failed to sell the Iran war to the world?

Some of Washington's allies have been critical, saying they won't join the conflict. And as fighting escalates, the US is still struggling to garner support from its partners. But does it need them to continue to wage this war? In this episode:  Anatol Lieven, Director of the Eurasia Programme at …

Will Hezbollah drag Lebanon into the US-Israel war on Iran?

Hezbollah has been attacking Israel - as it pummels southern Lebanon and parts of Beirut. That's despite the Lebanese government's ban on Hezbollah's military activities. What will be the fallout for Lebanon? In this episode:  Heiko Wimmen, Project Director Iraq, Syria, Lebanon for the Internati…

How is the war playing out in Iran?

Iran stands at a crossroads. With its top leadership assassinated early in the joint US-Israeli offensive, the remaining layers of power have been trying to maintain control. There are concerns that after January's mass anti-government demonstrations, this war would lead to chaos. In this episode:…

What are the implications of Iran's strikes on Gulf Arab states?

Iran attacks Gulf Arab states, hitting civilian buildings and energy infrastructure, as well as U.S. bases. The impact of the American-Israeli strikes on the Islamic Republic is felt across the region. What does this mean for Gulf states' relations with Iran and with the US?  In this episode:  Abd…