The Inside Story Podcast

Donald Trump urges Israel and Iran to stick to the agreed ceasefire. The two sides have traded accusations of violations. It comes after Iran targeted a US military base in Qatar. So, will this ceasefire hold? And what does it mean for the wider Middle East? In this episode:  Dania Thafer, Executive Director, Gulf International Forum. Ellie Geranmayeh, Deputy Head, Middle East and North Africa Programme, European Council on Foreign Relations. Doug Bandow, Senior Fellow, Cato Institute.  Host: Imran Khan Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Laura Rockwood, a seasoned expert in disarmament, and Roxane Farmanfarmaian, a scholar on global politics, join former nuclear scientist Imad Khadduri to explore the effectiveness of U.S. airstrikes on Iran's nuclear ambitions. They dissect the claims of obliterated nuclear capabilities, scrutinizing the reliability of satellite imagery and the challenges of targeting crucial sites like Fordow and Natanz. The discussion reveals the complexities of Iran's nuclear knowledge and the broader geopolitical implications of military action, questioning whether bombing can truly halt such ambitions.

In this discussion, Zohreh Kharazmi, an Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran, dives into the implications of the U.S. bombings of Iran's nuclear sites. She highlights how military actions complicate diplomatic avenues and the potential for regional instability. The conversation touches on Iran's response to aggression and its impact on global oil markets. Kharazmi also examines the internal solidarity within Iran and the complex dynamics with Israel, underscoring the delicate balance of power in global politics.

Aly-Khan Satchu, a GeoEconomic Analyst and Investor, and Eyal Winter, a Professor of Economics at Hebrew University, delve into the staggering costs of the Israel-Iran conflict. They explore how the war is straining both nations' economies, implications for global inflation, and vital concerns about oil prices and shipping routes. The discussion also highlights Israel's tech resilience and the ongoing economic challenges in Iran due to sanctions. Their insights shed light on the potential long-term consequences of this protracted struggle.

In this discussion, Ellie Geranmayeh, Deputy Director of MENA Programme at the European Council on Foreign Relations, shares insights on Europe's role in Middle Eastern politics. She explores the EU's influence in the ongoing tensions with Iran and Israel, emphasizing the challenges faced in negotiating peace. The conversation also highlights how European viewpoints shape international relations and the complexities of trade relations amid human rights concerns. Together with expert opinions, they evaluate Europe's diminished role post-JCPOA and the implications for future diplomatic efforts.

Israel says ending Iran's nuclear programme is a key aim of its attacks on the country. Israel is widely believed to have nuclear arms - but has never admitted that. So what are the nuclear capabilities of both sides - and the risks from this conflict?  In this episode:  Dan Smith, Director, Stockholm International Peace Research Institute  Sahil Shah, Nuclear weapons policy analyst  Rebecca Johnson, Director at the Acronym Institute for Disarmament Diplomacy  Host: Laura Kyle Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

As Israel attacks Iran, its genocide in Gaza has shown no signs of easing. At least 70 Palestinians were killed in a single day at a food distribution site run by a controversial Israeli-US-backed group in Khan Younis this week. All other aid channels are blocked including medical supplies. So, what's the impact of this latest Israeli strategy?  In this episode:  Amjad Shawa, Director, Palestinian Non-Governmental Organizations Network in Gaza.  Christopher Lockyear, Secretary General, Medecins Sans Frontieres International (Doctors Without Borders).  Mads Gilbert, Medical Doctor with extensive experience in Gaza.  Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

The Israel-Iran conflict brings more instability to the Middle East, a region with extensive US interests. They'll be central to shaping president Donald Trump's strategy. So, what's at stake for Washington--and the pros and cons for Trump of further involvement?  In this episode:  Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.  PJ Crowley, Former US Assistant Secretary of State.  Niall Stanage, White House Columnist, The Hill newspaper.  Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

As Israel and Iran continue to attack each other, how do their militaries compare? Israel's air force dominates the skies, while Iran relies heavily on its ballistic missiles and drones. But who will have the upper hand as the war rages on? In this episode:  Mamoun Abu Nowar, Retired Jordanian Airforce General. Marina Miron, Military Analyst and Researcher, War Studies Department, King's College London. Justin Bronk, Senior Research Fellow, Airpower and Technology, Royal United Services Institute. Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on Twitter, Instagram, Facebook

Nikolay Surkov, an Assistant Professor at the Moscow State Institute of International Relations, and Glenn Carle, a former CIA officer, delve into the intricate geopolitical dynamics surrounding Iran's conflict with Israel. They discuss Russia's delicate balancing act in maintaining ties with both Iran and Israel, Turkey's cautious foreign policy dilemmas and concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions, and China's focus on energy stability as it navigates its role in the Middle East. The conversation highlights the complex relationships and potential repercussions if tensions escalate.