The Inside Story Podcast

Defending democracy ... The slogan of left-leaning world leaders in Spain meeting to counter the growing influence of the far right. Meanwhile in Italy, right-wing figures aim to build momentum. So, who will shape the global agenda? In this episode: Ruth Ferrero-Turrion, Professor, Political Science, Complutense University of Madrid. Georgios Samaras, Assistant Professor, Public Policy, King's College London. Rebecca Christie, Senior Fellow, Bruegel. Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

He's accused of links to the sex offender Jeffrey Epstein. He also failed government security checks. Yet Peter Mandelson was appointed UK ambassador to the US. Now, the prime minister is under pressure to resign. But will he? And how will the fallout impact the UK Labour Party? In this episode: Denis MacShane - Former UK Foreign Office Minister of State and Labour MP Jennifer Nadel - Co-founder of the cross-party think-tank Compassion in Politics Giles Kenningham - Founder of Trafalgar Strategy and former communications director for the UK Conservative Party Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Lebanon and Israel are holding their first direct talks in decades. But as Israel considers Hezbollah a threat, is a lasting peace agreement possible? And how much influence does Iran have in Lebanon? In this episode: Joe Macaron, Middle East geopolitical analyst Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at the Middle East and North Africa Programme at Chatham House Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

China tells its ally Iran that the Strait of Hormuz must be reopened. International leaders have been visiting Beijing almost daily, underlining its importance in the crisis. So what's the impact of the war on China, and what role is it playing? Host: James Bays In this episode: Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow at the Cato Institute in Washington DC Shaun Rein, Founder and Managing Director of the China Market Research Group in Shanghai Nader Habibi, Professor of Practice in the Economics of the Middle East at Brandeis University in Boston Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel's alliance with the European Union is under mounting political pressure. Behind the shift are demands to suspend the main agreement underpinning their close relations. But their ties survived Israel's war on Gaza, so why have there been difficulties between them? Host: James Bays In this episode: Barry Andrews, Member of the European Parliament Sven Kuhn Von Burgsdorff, former EU ambassador to the occupied Palestinian territories Eve Geddie, Director of the European Institutions Office at Amnesty International Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump in a war of words with the leader of the Roman Catholic Church. The U.S. president refuses to apologise for criticising Pope Leo's opposition to the Iran conflict. He says the pontiff should stay out of American affairs. So, is this political interference or a moral duty to speak out? And what are the consequences? Host: Folly Bah Thibault In this episode: Cornel West, Professor and Dietrich Bonhoeffer Chair at the Union Theological Seminary Adolfo Franco, US Republican strategist Christopher White, Vatican journalist and author of a book on Pope Leo Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Hungary's opposition has defeated Prime Minister Viktor Orban by a landslide. He governed for 16 years with a far-right agenda often described as 'authoritarian'. What led to his loss? And what does the outcome mean for the EU, US, and Russia? In this episode: Gabor Scheiring, Assistant Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar and a former member of National Assembly of Hungary Carl Bildt, Co-Chair of European Council on Foreign Relations and the Former Swedish Prime Minister Kim Lane Scheppele, Professor at Princeton University Host: Scott McLean Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Iran war has created risks to food security from higher energy costs and shipping restrictions. The world's fertiliser production has been badly hit due to attacks on Gulf chemical plants. Where is food supply most at risk and could there be a lasting impact? In this episode: Mourad Wahba, Acting Executive Secretary, United Nations Economic and Social Commission for Western Asia. Avinash Kishore, Senior Research Fellow, International Food Policy Research Institute, New Delhi, Steve Keen, Economist and Honorary Professor, University College London. Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

A negative political and public reaction in Israel to the ceasefire with Iran - regardless of the respite it brings. No pause for Israel's army however or its victims - hundreds killed in Lebanon and more dead in Gaza. Has Israeli society become conditioned to permanent war? In this episode: Ilan Pappe - a historian and professor at Exeter University Gideon Levy - a columnist at Haaretz newspaper in Tel Aviv Haim Bresheeth - professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Opinion polls in Hungary suggest long-time prime minister Viktor Orban has a battle on his hands in Sunday's election. The outcome will be keenly awaited in Washington, Moscow, Kyiv, and Brussels. So why is this election so important outside of Hungary? In this episode: Gabor Scheiring, a former member of the National Assembly of Hungary Istvan Kiss, political scientist, director of the Danube Institute and former political adviser in Prime Minister Viktor Orban's office Daniel Kelemen, law and politics professor, and McCourt Chair at the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The bombing of Iran has stopped, but the bombing of Lebanon has not. Even as Iran and the US say they'll try to work out their many differences at the negotiating table in Pakistan, Israel is busy ramping up its attacks on what it says are Hezbollah targets in Lebanon. The group has been a key player in Iran's axis of resistance for decades. So how far is Tehran willing to go to protect its allies? In this episode: Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rob Geist Pinfold, Lecturer in International Security at King's College London Nadim Houry, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Donald Trump has found his Iran off-ramp — but what has it cost? After apocalyptic threats, Washington and Tehran have agreed to a two-week ceasefire. It's still unclear whether that will mean a lasting peace. What's more certain is that the US and the world stage have been changed by Trump's war. Has the world order been changed by Trump's war on Iran? And can any of it be walked back? Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The US and Israel's war with Iran has put pressure on Tehran's relations with Moscow. They've been allies, but the Kremlin is seeking to maintain ties with the US to reach a deal on the Ukraine conflict. In this episode: Afshin Shahi, a Middle East political analyst Leonid Ragozin, independent journalist Maximilian Hess, founder of Enmetena Advisory and a senior fellow at the Foreign Policy Research Institute Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran's Bushehr nuclear power plant has been targeted four times since the US-Israeli war began. Tehran accuses the UN's nuclear watchdog of inaction, which the IAEA rejects, saying the situation is of deep concern. But why are the attacks happening? And what risks do they pose? In this episode: Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Co-ordination at the International Atomic Energy Agency Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies Alicia Sanders-Zakre, Head of Policy at the International Campaign to Abolish Nuclear Weapons Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The war in Iran is worsening the humanitarian crisis in Gaza. In violation of the ceasefire, Israel has severely restricted aid and maintained its air strikes. The US-brokered deal is meant to be in Phase 2 but appears to be in limbo. So, who could step in to help Palestinians? In this episode: Dr Mohammed Tahir, Orthopaedic surgeon, worked in Gaza. Alex de Waal, Executive Director, World Peace Foundation. Xavier Abu Eid, Former Communications Director, PLO. Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The war in the Middle East has worsened the economic crisis in Pakistan. Most of its energy supplies are shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely blocked for five weeks. In this episode: Kaiser Bengali - Economist and former head of the Policy Reform Unit for the Balochistan Chief Minister Michael Kugelman - Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council Ali Salman - Founder and CEO of the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Several countries say they will take action against Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But with no end in sight to the war, what would make Tehran open the waterway? And is using force an option? In this episode: Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rockford Weitz, Maritime Studies Program Director at Tufts University's Fletcher School Craig Murray, Maritime specialist and former Maritime Section head of the UK's Foreign Office Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel and the US continue to bomb Iran. But Israeli opinion polls suggest support for the war is dropping, while Iranian missiles still force millions into shelters there. So, what does Israel now seek from attacking Iran, and what could end its onslaught? In this episode: Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator during the Oslo Accords Gordon Gray, Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at Georgetown University and a former U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

As Israel's parliament approves the death penalty to hang Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, far-right ministers celebrate with champagne. The UN, Europe, and rights groups have condemned the law, but not the US. What are the implications? In this episode: Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative political party Ofer Cassif, member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset William Schabas, Professor of International Law at Middlesex University and author of the book 'The Abolition of the Death Penalty in International Law' Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump is threatening to take over or destroy Iran's main oil export hub at Kharg Island. Trump admits such a move would require boots on the ground. But, given the nature of this conflict, will he take that chance? And why does Kharg Island matter so much? In this episode: Negar Mortazavi, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for International Policy Matthew Kroenig, Vice President at the Atlantic Council Alexandre Vautravers, Defence Policy Specialist and Editor-in-Chief of Swiss Military Review Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Pakistan says it's ready to host talks on ending the war in Iran. That came after a meeting of regional foreign ministers in Islamabad. But what leverage do these players have to reach a ceasefire? And with fighting escalating, is a peaceful settlement possible? In this episode: Munir Akram, A former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group Bozkurt Aran, Director at The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkiye and a former Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan and Iran Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What difference will the Houthis' involvement in the war make? They have launched missiles at Israel in support of Iran and threatened more attacks. What are the consequences of opening a new front? And given the Yemeni group's proximity to the Red Sea, what could it mean for global shipping? In this episode: Hisham Al-Omeisy, Senior Yemen Advisor, European Institute of Peace. H A Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow, Defence and Security Studies, Royal United Services Institute. Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Middle East. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Gulf nations are seeking new defence partnerships.Saudi Arabia and Qatar has signed deals with Ukraine to gain access to its drone expertise.Could other countries follow suit? And would it make a difference on the ground? In this episode: Dania Thafer - Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum, a think-tank based in Washington DC Oleksiy Melnyk - Co-Director of the Foreign Relations and International Security programmes at the Razumkov Centre Pavel Felgenhauer - Defence and Russian foreign policy analyst Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Iran war is hitting Gulf Arab nations hard, but with a wider impact in today's interlinked world. As well as global oil and gas supplies, Gulf states play a critical role in many economies. So how are they connected — and what could be at risk? In this episode: Nikolay Kozjharnov, Research Associate Professor in Energy Security at the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University Cornelia Meyer, Macroeconomist and oil and gas specialist Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at global risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran sets out its conditions for an end to the war — rejecting the US list of 15 demands. Tehran says they don't reflect reality, while Donald Trump threatens to 'unleash hell' if his terms aren't met. What are the red lines for both sides? In this episode: Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations Thomas Warrick, Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council Host: Folly Bah Thibault Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran has kept up attacks on neighbouring Gulf states and Israel, despite intense US and Israeli bombing, with senior Iranian figures assassinated. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, limiting the transit of vital energy supplies. So what's Iran's strategy - and what are its options? In this episode: Foad Izadi, Professor at the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran Mehran Kamrava, Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar Elijah Magnier, military and political analyst Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Millions of Israelis forced to take shelter day and night, from repeated Iranian missile attacks. The economic shockwaves of the war Israel and the US have launched against Iran are being felt across the world. How is it affecting Israel and its future? In this episode: Gideon Levy, columnist at Haaretz Newspaper. Alex Coman, professor at Holon Institute of Technology Dan Perry, political analyst, former editor of the Associated Press in Europe, Middle East and Africa Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Schools and hospitals bombed. Strikes on apartment buildings. Energy facilities targeted. And attacks on neighbouring states. Have Israel, the US, and Iran broken international law in the war, or what legal justification might they claim? In this episode: Geoffrey Nice, Human rights lawyer and former International Criminal Court prosecutor. Brian Finucane, Senior Adviser with the U.S. Program at International Crisis Group Nicholas Tsagourias, Professor of International Law at the University of Sheffield. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Who's left running Iran? Much of the top leadership has been assassinated but the country is still fighting. How has it been able to withstand such blows? And can the Iranian government survive this war? In this episode: Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, Director, House of Diplomacy. Ali Vaez, Director, Iran Project, International Crisis Group. Tim Ripley, Editor, Defence Eye. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Yemeni armed group says it's ready for any developments in the ongoing confrontation. Given their proximity to the Red Sea, what could the Houthis' involvement mean for this vital maritime route? In this episode: Farea Al Muslimi - Research Fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House Khaled Batarfi - Political analyst who specialises in Saudi foreign policy Rockford Weitz - Director of the Fletcher Maritime Studies Program at Tufts University Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Energy prices have soared since Israel attacked Iran's South Pars gas field. Iran has targeted oil and gas facilities in neighbouring countries since early in the war. And it's warned of more to come. In this episode: Mohsen Baharvand, Former Iranian ambassador to the United Kingdom Jim Walsh, Research associate in MIT's Security Studies Program John Sfakianakis, Chief economist at the Gulf Research Center Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel assassinated Iran's supreme leader on the first day of the war — killing senior military, intelligence and political figures afterwards. For decades, assassination has been Israeli policy. But what has the strategy achieved? And is it becoming normalised? In this episode: Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Illan Pappe, Israeli historian and chairperson of the Nakba Memorial Foundation Luca Trenta, Associate Professor at Swansea University who specialises in state-sponsored assassinations Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Relentless US and Israeli attacks on Iran killed top figures with thousands of air-strikes across the country. Iran has retaliated, hitting Israel and Gulf neighbours, targeting energy facilities and supply routes. So what are Iran's options now? In this episode: Elijah Magnier, Military and political analyst who specialises in wars in the Middle East Setareh Sadeqi, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran Mehran Kamrava, Iranian Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has wanted to attack Iran for his entire political career, and he finally got his way with Donald Trump in the White House. Within Israel, there's huge support for the war. So how could it impact Netanyahu's political future? In this episode: Alon Pinkas, former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in New York Dahlia Scheindlin, political consultant and pollster based in Tel Aviv Mitchell Barak, founder of Keevoon Research, Strategy and Communications, and former aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Strait of Hormuz has effectively been closed to most shipping since the US and Israel attacked Iran — sending energy prices soaring worldwide. The marine channel in the Gulf had been the gateway for 20% of global energy supplies. What difficulties does this pose for Donald Trump? In this episode: Eli Bremer, Republican Strategist and Retired Major in the U.S. Air Force Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor at the School of Security Studies at King's College London Patrick Bury, Defence and Security Expert at the University of Bath Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's the impact of the war in Iran on China? The two countries are close trading partners.Yet, Beijing has largely stayed away from lending any support to Tehran. But what does China stand to lose in this latest conflict in the Middle East? In this episode: Shaun RHINE, Founder and Managing Director, China Market Research Group. Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow, Stimson Center. Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor, University of Tehran. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The already bad situation in Gaza...is getting worse as the war in Iran rages on. The humanitarian crisis is deepening and efforts to enforce the US-brokered ceasefire are put on hold. So, is the world ignoring Gaza? And how's that benefitting Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu? In this episode: Abdulla Al Etaibi - Assistant Professor in International Affairs at Qatar University. Mohammed Salah - Founder, 'Tech From Palestine' NGO. Gordon Gray - Former U.S. Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

With Lebanon under fire, the UN chief visits Beirut, calling for peace. Israel's bombing campaign has displaced nearly a million people. Now, its troops are advancing and threatening to stay. So, what's the endgame? In this episode: Nadim Houry, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative Maureen Philippon, Norwegian Refugee Council’s country director for Lebanon Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-Chief of the Beirut-based news service, Mideastwire.com Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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 former adviser to U.S. Senator John McCain Foad Izadi, Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran Lawrence Wilkerson, Retired U.S. Army colonel and former Chief of Staff for U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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 all these? In this episode: Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe at The New York Times Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on Russia and Eurasia Alan Tonelson, Economist and founder of the RealityChek blog Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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 the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran Mohammad Reza Farzanegan, Professor of Middle East Economics at Marburg University Paolo von Schirach, President of the Global Policy Institute, an independent think-tank Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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 Mehran Kamrava, Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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, Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency under the Obama administration. Bader Al-Saif, Professor, Kuwait University. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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 Studies at Australian National University Michael O'Hanlon, Senior fellow and director of research in Foreign Policy at the Brookings Institution Serhan Afacan, Director of the Center of Iranian Studies in Ankara Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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 Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft Theresa Fallon, Director of the Centre for Russia, Europe, Asia Studies & a Senior Fellow at the Chicago Council on Global Affairs General Dominique Trinquand, former head of the French military mission to the UN and NATO Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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 International Crisis Group Nimrod Novik, former Senior Policy Adviser to Shimon Peres and member of Leadership of Commanders for Israel's Security Nabeel Khoury, former U.S. Diplomat and non-resident fellow at the Arab Center. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

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 maintain control. There are concerns that after January's mass anti-government demonstrations, this war would lead to chaos. In this episode: Sasan Karimi, former deputy to Iran's Vice President for Strategic Affairs Maha Yahya, Director of the Malcolm H Kerr Carnegie Middle East Center Christopher Hill, former US diplomat and ambassador to Iraq Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

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: Abdulaziz Alghashian, Senior non-resident fellow at the Gulf International Forum Bader Al Saif, Professor at Kuwait University, specialising in Middle East history and politics Foad Izadi, Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran Host: Mohammed Jamjoom Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel's assault on Iran comes while it's still attacking Gaza and Lebanon, after bombing Syria, Yemen, and Qatar in the past year. What are the risks for Israel opening another battlefront, and from the collapse, or the survival, of the Islamic Republic? In this episode: Alon Pinkas, Former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in New York Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Mitchell Barak, CEO of Kevoon Research Strategy and Communications Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

 Iran's Supreme leader Ayatollah Ali Khomeini assassinated in attacks by the US and Israel. There are huge crowds of mourners on the streets, and the complex process of selecting his successors are already underway. So, how does Iran work and how robust are these state systems now under attack? In this episode: Ibrahim Fraihat, Associate Professor, International Conflict Resolution, Doha Institute for Graduate Studies.  Sanam Vakil, Director, Middle East and North Africa Program, Chatham House.  Elijah Magnier, Military and Political Analyst. Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The US and Israel attack Iran - and Tehran retaliates, firing missiles at Israeli targets and US assets in the region. It follows a massive military build-up by Washington - and indirect talks between the US and Iran over its nuclear program. So how dangerous is the situation? In this episode: Daniel Levy - President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator Mehran Kamrava - Professor of Government at Georgetown University in Qatar Richard Weitz - Senior Fellow at NATO Defense College in Washington DC Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook