Amanpour

As America and Israel's conflict with Iran spills out into the region and beyond, Christiane gets perspective from around the world with a range of guests. U.S. Democratic Senator, Chris Murphy, who sits on the foreign relations committee is up first with a furious response to the roll out of this war and the lack of clear objectives. Then from inside Iran, Christiane hears from human rights activist Mehdi Mahmoudian, who co-write the Oscar-nominated drama 'It Was Just an Accident' and was until recently, a political prisoner of the regime. And with the Gulf region under fire, Christiane speaks to Saudi Arabia's Prince Turki al-Faisal, the country's former director of intelligence. Plus with America's allies increasingly walking a tightrope, Christiane hears from Britain's former spymaster, John Sawers, after President Trump criticised Prime Minister Starmer's initial response. And, with many Americans hearing echoes of Iraq, a lookback at Christiane's reporting from Baghdad just after the fall of Saddam Hussein. Air date: March 7, 2026   Guests:  Senator Chris Murphy Former Saudi Intelligence Chief, Prince Turki al-Faisal  Former MI6 Chief, John Sawers Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It is day seven of Israel and America's war on Iran, after the heaviest night of bombardment so far. Correspondent Fred Pleitgen and his photojournalist and producer, Claudia Otto, are in Tehran - the first US team in the country since the start of the war. They are operating there only with the permission of the Iranian government. While anti-government protesters are off the streets, trying to avoid retribution, the government is allowing us to see crowds of its supporters.  Also on today's show: Mehdi Mahmoudian, Iranian Human Rights Activist; Dan Shapiro, Former US Deputy Assistant Defense Secretary; David Frum, Staff writer, The Atlantic    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today's show begins with a special report from CNN Senior International Correspondent Fred Pleitgen and his team. It's the first time a reporter from a US network has been allowed into the country since the start of the war.  Also on today's show: Admiral Mike Mullen (Ret.), Former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff; Abbas Milani, Director of Iranian Studies, Stanford University & Scott Anderson, Author, "King of Kings"; Noah Feldman, Professor, Harvard Law School    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel is conducting yet another wave of strikes across Iran and Lebanon, while the US says its heaviest attacks are still to come. Five days in, the Trump administration is trying to project a clear and unified message after failing to answer basic questions about its mission. Democratic Senator Chris Murphy is on the Foreign Relations Committee, and he was among a group of senators briefed by Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Tuesday evening. He joined Christiane from Capitol Hill just ahead of the Senate vote on whether to authorize this war.  Also on today's show: Former Saudi intelligence chief Turki al-Faisal; Former MI6 Chief John Sawers    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Israel bombed Iran's Assembly of Experts compound in the holy city of Qom today while its members were voting to elect the country's next supreme leader. In Beirut, the Israeli air force is striking Hezbollah targets as their forces seize ground in Southern Lebanon. And in Saudi Arabia, the US warns there is a threat of imminent attacks, after its embassy was struck by suspected Iranian drones. To discuss all this we turn to former CIA Director David Petraeus.  Also on today's show: Amos Harel, Defense Analyst, Haaretz; Chrystia Freeland, Economic Advisor to President Zelensky / Former Canadian Deputy PM and Foreign Minister  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

War is spreading across the Middle East, as more countries are feeling the impact of the conflict launched by the US and Israel against Iran. Jon Finer was Deputy National Security Advisor under President Biden and he joins the show to discuss whether there is a path to de-escalation.  Also on today's show: Ellie Geranmayeh, Deputy Director, MENA Program, European Council on Foreign Relations; Col. Cedric Leighton, US Air Force (Retired); NPR political reporter Stephen Fowler    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Environmental and health groups have filed a lawsuit against the Environmental Protection Agency after the Trump administration moved to rescind the "endangerment finding," a 2009 determination that established that greenhouse gases threaten public health and welfare. That simple conclusion became the foundation for nearly ever rule limiting pollution for the last seventeen years. Former Democratic Governor of Washington Jay Inslee, a national leader on climate action, joins the show from Portland, Oregon.   Also on today's show: Famed filmmaker Werner Herzog and conservation biologist Steve Boyes discuss "Ghost Elephants"; former NYT opinion columnist David Brooks    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nuclear talks between the US and Iran in Geneva have been "intense" and "serious," according to an Iranian official. The world is still waiting to see if a diplomatic off-ramp can be found, or if the enormous buildup of US military assets in the region will be deployed.  Meanwhile, details are still coming to light about the regime's bloody January crackdown on protesters. Jomana Karadsheh brings you a chilling report, including testimony from victims' families who say they were forced to lie about how their loved ones died.  Also on today' show: AI researcher Nate Soares; director Morgan Neville ("Man on the Run"); professor of dermatology Dr. Jean Tang and EB Research Partnership CEO Michael Hund    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump beat his own record Tuesday night, delivering the longest State of the Union speech in American history. The president boasted about his accomplishments while slamming Democrats for "destroying the country." Virginia Governor Abigail Spanberger gave the rebuttal, focused squarely on what her party considers Trump's weakness right now: kitchen table issues.  Joining the program to discuss is Gregg Nunziata, Executive Director of the Society for the Rule of Law, and Susan Glasser, a longtime journalist and staff writer for the New Yorker.  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A moment of silence in Kyiv today as Ukrainians mark a grim milestone: four years of war, with hundreds of thousands killed and many more wounded. Now, President Zelensky is doing everything in his power to convince his allies to stick with Ukraine. Journalist Nataliya Gumenyuk joins the show from Kyiv where she's been asking people how they feel about the war, four years on.  Also on today's show: Michael Kofman, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Craig Renaud, director of the new documentary "Armed Only with a Camera" about his journalist brother's killing in Ukraine; cognitive scientist Maya Shankar, author of "The Other Side of Change"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Gang members in Mexico are retaliating against the killing of most-wanted cartel boss "El Mencho," torching buses and businesses, clashing with security forces, and setting hundreds of blockades across 20 Mexican states. Mexico's President Claudia Sheinbaum told the country this morning that peace and security is "being maintained" and stressed the key role Mexico's military played in the operation. Mexican scholar Viri Rios joins the show from Mexico City.  Also on today's show: CNN International Correspondent Max Foster; Yale Law School professor Natasha Sarin; Johns Hopkins professor Vali Nasr; legendary musician Wynton Marsalis    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Dive into powerful stories this week, from Cardinal Tobin's stance on immigration to the groundbreaking arrest of ex-Prince Andrew. Plus, don't miss our segment from the past on Ukraine's drone innovation! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Next week, Ukraine will mark a violent anniversary: four years since Russia's full-scale invasion. The war has already reshaped Europe's security order, strained Western unity, and tested the limits of diplomacy. It's a conflict that historian Serhii Plokhy explores in his new book "David and Goliath: Commentaries on the Russo-Ukrainian War." He joins the show to discuss.  Also on today's show: actors Billy Crudup and Denise Gough; author Emily Galvin    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the first time since King Charles I in 1647, a senior British royal has been arrested. Today, police took Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor, the former Prince Andrew, into custody on suspicion of misconduct in public office. Andrew's fall from grace began in 2019, when journalist Emily Maitlis sat down with him inside Buckingham Palace for a notorious, hour-long interview about his relationship with Epstein. Mattis joins Christiane in London to discuss this latest development.  Also on today's show: Rafael Grossi, Director General, International Atomic Energy Agency; Cardinal Joseph W. Tobin, Archbishop of Newark, New Jersey; journalist/biographer A'Lelia Bundles    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

US-mediated peace talks between Russia and Ukraine wrapped up in Geneva today after just about two hours. Both sides say there is progress. Still, Moscow launched a wave of aerial attacks just hours before this round of talks began. Barham Salih has just been appointed the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees, having previously served as president of Iraq. He joins from Ukraine.  Also on today's show: Joachim Trier, Director & Co-writer, “Sentimental Value”; CNN Chief Medical Correspondent Dr. Sanjay Gupta; author Jon Meacham    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's a day of dual diplomacy in the Geneva area, as President Trump's special envoy Steve Witkoff and his son-in-law Jared Kushner attempt to negotiate with Iran to avert a wider war. Also on the agenda, attempting to end Russia's war on Ukraine as it approaches its fifth year. Wendy Sherman is a former US Deputy Secretary Of State, who negotiated the 2015 nuclear deal with Iran. She joins to discuss these two critical negotiations.  Also on today's show: European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen & British Prime Minister Keir Starmer; David Holland, Professor, Atmosphere/Ocean Science, New York University    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's been almost four years since Russia's brutal full-scale invasion of Ukraine began. Now, Ukrainian negotiators are headed to Geneva to meet with Russia and the United States for the next round of talks, hoping to hammer out a ceasefire agreement. In Munich, Christiane sat down with Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky, alongside NATO's Secretary General Mark Rutte, European Parliament President Roberta Metsola, and US Republican Senator Roger Wicker.  Also on today's show: Jesús Armas, Freed Venezuelan opposition activist; Margaret Hany, Professor of Neurobiology, Columbia University Medical Center  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A transatlantic turning point from the Munich Security Conference! Dive deep into the future of Iran, as we sit down with key leaders and voices from across the globe. Don't miss our in-depth analysis and conversations. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

According to the latest annual report by Human Rights Watch, President Donald Trump is pushing America towards authoritarian rule. It says nearly three-quarters of the global population now live under autocratic rulers - putting democracy at its lowest point in forty years. It's a bleak reality that our first guest saw coming. Writer and activist Ece Temelkuran left Turkey ten years ago after learning she might be arrested for criticizing President Erdogan. Temelkuran joins the show to discuss her new book, "Nation of Strangers."   Also on today's show: Sheikha Al Mayassa bint Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, Chairperson, Qatar Museums and Doha Film Institute; Tig Notaro, co-producer of “Come See Me in the Good Light," joined by the subject of the documentary, poet Megan Falley    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Eighty years of peaceful world order are under unprecedented harm, thanks to the "wrecking-ball politics" led by US President Donald Trump. That's the assessment of European security experts who are getting set to host world leaders and diplomats at the pivotal Munich Security Conference starting tomorrow. Robert Kagan is a traditional conservative foreign policy scholar, he calls himself a "former Republican" and his latest piece for the Atlantic is about America and the world. He joins the show from Washington.  Also on today's show: actor Delroy Lindo; author Chris Jennings    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

47 years ago today, Iran was declared an Islamic republic, after a year-long revolution that toppled a Shah and sent shockwaves throughout the world. And this anniversary sees the regime in its fiercest fight for survival yet. Last month, hundreds of thousands of Iranians rose up in protest, demanding change, before authorities brutally cracked down. The government itself admits to more than 3,000 deaths, but the real number could be in the tens of thousands, according to human rights groups. The violence and intimidation continue even in prison. Detained Nobel Peace Prize winner Narges Mohammadi has been viciously assaulted, according to the Nobel Committee, whose leader Jørgen Frydnes joins from Oslo.  Also on today's show: Former Danish Prime Minister Anders Fogh Rasmussen; Sara Khaki & Mohammadreza Eyni, co-directors of Oscar-nominated Iranian documentary "Cutting Through Rocks"; Scott Galloway, professor at the NYU Stern School of Business    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Amidst tension in the Middle East, nuclear diplomacy progresses. Inside Iran, it's now more than a month since the brutal crackdown on political dissent began. Hadi Ghaemi Is Executive Director of the Center for Human Rights in Iran, researching and documenting rights violations there. He joins the show to discuss.  Also on today's show: NPR Correspondent Brian Mann from the Olympics; Rappler CEO and Nobel Peace Prize laureated Maria Ressa    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The children of Hong Kong democracy activist Jimmy Lai are speaking out after their 78-year old father was sentenced to 20 years in jail for violating national security laws. Lai, who is a British citizen, denies all charges, saying he's a political prisoner, the target of persecution from Beijing. Correspondent Kristie Lu Stout reports from Hong Kong.  Also on today's show: Rush Doshi, Senior Fellow, Council on Foreign Relations; Tom Tugendhat, British Conservative MP; Dara Massicot, senior fellow in the Russia and Eurasia Program, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; Former US National Security Adviser Jake Sullivan    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The United States is intensifying its focus on Cuba, after removing its ally Nicolas Maduro from Venezuela. Can Havana withstand the pressure?  Bianna Golodryga speaks to Cuba's deputy Foreign Minister Carlos Fernandez de Cossio in a rare interview from Havana. And, the Brazilian film dazzling critics: "The Secret Agent." Oscar-nominated Wagner Moura and director Kleber Mendonca Filho join the program from New York. Then, a troubling report on the African men Russia is funneling to the frontlines in Ukraine. Plus, "Mr. Nobody Against Putin"...the Oscar-nominated documentary about a Russian teacher who caught on video the Kremlin propaganda aimed at children. And from the archives, Christiane's 1988 trip to meet the singers vying to perform at the Calgary Opening Ceremonies.   Air date: February 7, 2026   Guests: Carlos Fernández de Cossío David Borenstein Wagner Moura & Kleber Mendonça Filho Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Conflict is raging in more than 30 countries around the world, according to the Institute for Economics and Peace. Each conflict is creating a dire humanitarian situation for innocent civilians, but many aid organizations now call Sudan the world's worst humanitarian crisis. Volker Türk is the UN's High Commissioner for Human Rights. He just visited Sudan and joined the show to tell us what he saw there.  Also on today's show: Director/writer Kleber Mendonça Filho and actor Wagner Moura, "The Secret Agent"; Jodi Kantor, Investigative Reporter, The New York Times    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Cuba only has only 15-20 days of oil left, according to the Financial Times. With the US blocking deliveries from Venezuela, the Trump Administration is choking off the Cuban economy one gas tank at a time. Could talks with Washington give Cuba an off-ramp? Carlos Fernandez de Cossio is Cuba's deputy foreign minister and top diplomat for US affairs. He says Havana is, even now, exchanging messages with Washington, and is ready for "meaningful dialog."  Also on today's show: Amos Harel, Defense Analyst, Haaretz; Kay Bailey Hutchison, Former US Ambassador to NATO    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the world focuses on diplomatic efforts in Russia's war against Ukraine, "New START," the only remaining nuclear arms control agreement between the United States and Russia, expires this Thursday. Rose Gottemoeller, former deputy Secretary General of NATO, was America's chief negotiator on "New START." She joins the show from Capitol Hill, where she was briefing US senators on the agreement.  Also on today's show: Julie K. Brown, author, "Perversion of Justice: The Jeffrey Epstein Story"; Elliot Williams, former federal prosecutor, author of "Five Bullets"  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Will the US strike Iran or make a deal? That is the key question as the US continues to build up its military presence in the region. Meanwhile, the brutal crackdown that killed thousands of protestors last month appears to be almost forgotten. Abbas Milani is an Iranian-American historian and author of a landmark biography of the former Shah. He joins the show to discuss this all.  Also on today's show: Michael J. Bustamante, Chair, Cuban Studies, University of Miami; Charles Duhigg, Writer, The New Yorker    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Are America's closest allies getting cold feet about a friendship that's lasted since World War II? Christiane speaks to Michael Ignatieff, former leader of Canada's Liberal Party, about growing unease with Washington. Then, a true story of heroism and disaster on the edge of space. Forty years after the U.S. space shuttle Challenger exploded, shocking America and the world, best-selling author Adam Higginbotham speaks about his minute-by-minute account of the tragedy and the decisions that led to catastrophe. Plus, hopes of progress in Gaza, but in the occupied West Bank, Israeli settler violence continues to devastate Palestinian villages. Jeremy Diamond reports. Also ahead, Christiane's conversation with a Holocaust survivor and legal titan. At 95 years old, Judge Theodor Meron reflects on a lifetime devoted to pursuing justice and accountability. And as the world marks Holocaust Remembrance Day this week, from Christiane's archive: how the Nazis' slaughter of six million Jews shocked the international community into outlawing genocide.   Air date: January 31, 2026   Guests: Michael Ignatieff Adam Higginbotham Judge Theodor Meron Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As global power dynamics tilt eastward, Beijing is pressing its advantage, economically, diplomatically, and strategically, just as US foreign policy enters a period of upheaval. Elizabeth Economy, a former senior China adviser in the Biden administration and author of The World According to China, joins Bianna to unpack what she sees as Beijing's strategy to dominate the next frontiers of power, and what it means for the future of the global order.  Also on today's show: Adam Higginbotham, Author, “Challenger”; Rebecca Newberger Goldstein, Author, "The Mattering Instinct"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Trump has sent a clear message to Iran: Agree to a deal that results in "no nuclear weapons," or America will take military action. In response, Iran says its armed forces ready "with their fingers on the trigger." Vice Admiral Kevin Donegan is a veteran military planner who served as a Director of Operations for US Central Command, which includes the Middle East. He joins the show to breakdown the options on Trump's table.  Also on today's show: Karim Sadjadpour, Senior Fellow, Carnegie Endowment for International Peace; David Borenstein, Co-director, Mr Nobody Against Putin; Stephen Vladeck, Professor of Law, Georgetown University    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The whole world is watching what is happening in Minnesota, the state at the center of President Donald Trump's immigration crackdown. Minneapolis Mayor Jacob Frey says local police won't enforce federal immigration policy. Some Republicans are now speaking out after the killing of ICU nurse Alex Pretti, with Senator Thom Tillis railing against both Homeland Security Chief Kristi Noem and top White House adviser Stephen Miller. Trump responded by calling Tillis a "loser" and a frequent target of Trump, Congresswoman Ilhan Omar, was attacked last night in Minneapolis. A man ran at Omar spraying an unknown substance, before he was tackled and taken away. To discuss this all, reporter Kevin Liptak joins the show.  Also on today's show: Brian A. Nichols, Former Assistant Secretary of State for Western Hemisphere Affairs; Milo Rau, Director and playwright, Hate Radio; Joseph Cox, Reporter and Co-Founder, 404 Media    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

A spate of new trade agreements shows how America's global partners are hedging their bets against Trump's volatile tariff policy. Canada's Prime Minister Mark Carney saw all this coming. Speaking in Davos, he called for 'middle powers' to prepare for the end of the rules-based international order, warning, "if we're not at the table, we're on the menu." Historian Michael Ignatieff, who preceded Carney as head of Canada's Liberal Party, joins the show to discuss.   Also on today's show: Director Tamara Kotevska; NYT columnist Thomas Friedman  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In Minneapolis, outrage is deepening and protests have intensified after the deadly shooting of 37-year-old registered nurse Alex Pretti. As tensions rise, local police fear the city may be heading down the same spiral that began in 2020, after the murder of George Floyd. The city's former chief of police, Medaria Arradondo, joins the show.  Also on today's show: David Bier, Director of Immigration Studies, Cato Institute; CNN Jerusalem Correspondent Jeremy Diamond; former Columbia University President Lee Bollinger    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump continues to lash out at the press and its coverage of his second term. The FBI raided the home of a Washington Post reporter and confiscated her devices. Authorities say it was part of an investigation into classified documents, but federal regulations to preserve press freedom and protect sources traditionally prevent such invasive action. Former Washington Post Executive Editor Marty Baron joins the show to discuss.  Also on today's show: Mahmood Mamdani, father of New York City Mayor Zohran Mamdani; National Geographic Fellow Paul Salopek  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

While the threat of war among allies over Greenland has abated, with Donald Trump announcing he's agreed on a security plan with the head of NATO, the details are still unclear. Tonight, EU leaders will gather in Brussels for an emergency summit. Former Danish Prime Minister Helle Thorning-Schmidt joins Christiane to discuss.  Also on today's show: Siamak Namazi, an Iranian-American businessman who was imprisoned in Iran for eight years; A. Rob Hirschfeld, Bishop, Episcopal Church of New Hampshire    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump flew to Davos this morning, where he dissed Europe, before he embraced it, called NATO deadbeat before saying he was 100% behind it, and doubled down on his push to take Greenland. But to a collective sigh of relief, the US president said he would not use force to get it. Finland's President Alexander Stubb was in the front row for Trump's speech.  Also on today's show: Former White House Trade Adviser Kelly Ann Shaw; Atlantic Staff Writer Charlie Warzel    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Today marks one year since President Trump began his second term. In just one year, we've seen seismic shifts in America's foreign policy, such as his relentless bid for Greenland. Plus, he's now threatening an additional 200% tariffs on French wine if Macron refuses to join his Gaza Board of Peace. Democratic Senator Chris Coons wants to de-escalate tensions and has just finished a bipartisan congressional visit to Denmark. He joins the show from Davos.  Also on today's show: CNN Jerusalem correspondent Jeremy Diamond; NYT columnist Lydia Polgreen; Noubar Afeyan, Co-founder, Moderna    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

President Donald Trump is doubling down on his threats to annex Greenland and has said he will impose tariffs on European countries who do not support his ambitions. Europe is weighing its options, including a so-called "Trade Bazooka," which would block some US access to EU markets and impose export controls. So what do Greenlanders think about all this? International reporter Nic Robertson joins the show from Nuuk with the details.   Also on today's show: Heather Conley, Former US Deputy Assistant  Secretary of State; Sir Peter Westmacott, Former UK Ambassador to the US; Kimberlé Crenshaw, Professor of Law, UCLA & Columbia University / Executive Director, African American Policy Forum; former January 6th Capitol riot senior prosecutor    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After weeks of violent uprisings in Iran, the question is - what comes next? Iranian lawyer and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Shirin Ebadi reflects on her nation's history to consider what's best for the future. Air date: January 17, 2026 Guests: Shirin EbadiElliott Abrams Kaouther Ben Hania Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Iranian peoples' call for freedom was heard all over the world, but has a bloody crackdown crushed the uprising? Shirin Ebadi was Iran's first female judge, but was demoted following the 1979 Islamic Revolution. But she kept advocating for women and human rights, and in 2003, became Iran's first Nobel Peace Prize winner. Shirin Ebadi joins the show from London.  Also on today's show: author Theodor Meron; author Dr. Ezekiel Emanuel    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After days of urging the people of Iran to continue to protest, President Trump suddenly appeared to back down last night — noting to reporters that Iranian sources told him that the killing of protesters was over and planned executions will not go ahead. But even as the crackdown on protesters has proven deadly, with thousands reported killed, some are still staunch defenders of the regime. Christiane speaks to one of those voices — Mohammad Marandi is a Professor at the University of Tehran and joins the show from Tehran, Iran.  Also on today's show: Nazenin Ansari, Journalist /Managing Editor of Kayhan London; Phil Gunson, Andes Project Senior Analyst, International Crisis Group; NYT columnist and author Andrew Ross Sorkin    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices