Experts Hanna Notte and Jon B. Alterman delve into how Russia and Iran are intensifying their collaboration post-Ukraine invasion. They discuss Russia's growing involvement in the Middle East through military partnerships with Iran, learning from Iran's sanctions evasion tactics, analyzing the impact of the Iranian president's death on relations, and Russia's strategic response to the Gaza conflict. The episode also explores complex perceptions of Russia and the United States in the region and speculates on the future trajectory of the Russia-Iran relationship.

Bronwen Maddox and guests discuss the resurgence of nuclear threats globally, focusing on challenges in dealing with potential threats in East Asia and the Middle East. They explore the emotional impact of nuclear weapons, Russian nuclear threats in Europe, and the intersection of civil nuclear power and non-proliferation efforts. The conversation also touches on navigating nuclear politics in Ukraine and the intricacies of preventing nuclear proliferation in the Middle East.