The World with Richard Engel and Yalda Hakim

Dominic Waghorn, Sky News' international affairs editor, joins Yalda Hakim to discuss Israel's recent military actions against Iran. They delve into the timing of these strikes and the potential for a larger conflict. Waghorn shares insights from his trip to Iran, explaining how leaders there feel trapped. The conversation also touches on world reactions, including the possibility of U.S. involvement and the implications for UK interests. It's a captivating look at escalating tensions and the geopolitical landscape.

John Brennan, the former CIA director from 2013 to 2017, joins Richard and Yalda to delve into the evolving landscape of intelligence operations in Ukraine. He shares why he believes Ukrainian spies have become some of the best globally. The trio discusses the recent surge in drone attacks, with Richard reporting live from Mykolaiv on its resilience amid conflict. They also critique Trump's naive peace proposals and explore the impact of ongoing protests in Los Angeles, linking them to broader geopolitical tensions.

Imagine a bunker filled with former ministers and military experts navigating a simulated threat from Russia. They role-play various national defense strategies, revealing the intricate layers of geopolitical decision-making. The conversation dives into the potential risks of escalating tensions and highlights Britain's vulnerabilities. It's a gripping exploration of how the past and present shape future responses to aggression, all wrapped in the high-stakes tension of a war game scenario.

Discover the audacious Operation Spiderweb, where Ukraine launches a drone assault likened to 'Russia's Pearl Harbor.' Delve into the complexities surrounding media access in Gaza as Yalda reflects on shocking interviews about the humanitarian crisis. Explore the peculiar intersection of tech and politics with Elon Musk's playful mishap and Trump's humorous response. Gain insights into the turbulent Israeli-Palestinian conflict and the intricate dynamics of US-Iran relations, shedding light on the urgent need for accurate narratives in global geopolitics.

Tensions rise as the possibility of a ceasefire in Gaza is debated amid increasing international criticism. Drones are transforming warfare in unexpected ways, like a scene from Black Mirror. A surprising interview with a Hamas official sheds light on the negotiation landscape. Meanwhile, discussions crop up about a potential U.S.-Iran nuclear deal and revealing insights about the elite lifestyles in Tehran. The podcast also explores the intricate cat-and-mouse game between Trump and Putin, set against the backdrop of the Ukraine conflict.

Former GCHQ director Sir Jeremy Fleming joins Richard and Yalda for a wide-ranging conversation covering the war in Gaza, Donald Trump’s foreign policy, the threat of China and the dangers of AI.What does the former spy chief think will happen in the war in Ukraine? How close is a nuclear deal with Iran? What are the biggest threats to the UK’s national security?Sir Jeremy, who held the top role for six years before leaving in 2023, also answers questions from listeners on spies, cyber wars and who might be the next James Bond.GCHQ, short for Government Communications Headquarters, is the UK's largest intelligence agency, focusing on counter terrorism, cyber security and international intelligence.To get in touch or to share questions for Richard and Yalda, email theworld@sky.ukClick here to visit their YouTube channel where you can watch all the episodes.Episodes of The World With Richard Engel And Yalda Hakim will be available every Wednesday on all podcast platforms.

This week, Yalda is in Riyadh and Richard is back in Tehran as they discuss President Trump's trip to the Gulf states. He hails a "Golden Age of the Middle East" and vowed to stop sanctions on Syria and repeats his desire for a nuclear deal with Iran.Richard also tells Yalda about his trip to Syria where he joined a search for American hostages killed by ISIS - and Yalda shares her concerns over the fragile ceasefire brokered between India and Pakistan. You can watch Richard's exclusive report from Syria here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CqCEELavbFg To get in touch or to share questions for Richard and Yalda, email theworld@sky.uk Click here to visit their YouTube channel where you can watch all the episodes.Episodes of The World With Richard Engel And Yalda Hakim will be available every Wednesday on all podcast platforms.

In a special extra episode, Yalda talks to Sky News' India reporter and producer Neville Lazurus in Delhi on the roots of the latest hostilities between the two nuclear-armed countries and asks if this has the potential to escalate into a global conflict.

Former US national security adviser John Bolton talks to Yalda about his experience of being the target of an attempted assassination plot by a member of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps.Mr Bolton also discusses why he believes China poses an "existential threat" to the West - and why he describes working in Donald Trump's White House as like "living inside a pinball machine".Episodes of The World With Richard Engel And Yalda Hakim will be available every Wednesday on all podcast platforms.

Yalda and Richard discuss whether there is any rationale behind President Trump's foreign policy or is he just winging it?They analyse the most recent volte-face on his attitude towards Volodymyr Zelenskyy and Vladimir Putin and the impact on his popularity at home.Also, Yalda discusses her interview with Pakistan's defence minister Khawaja Asif who admitted his country has been doing America's "dirty work" for the past 30 years.This comes amid a rapid and dangerous escalation between nuclear-armed neighbours India and Pakistan.They also discuss the status of a possible US-Iran nuclear deal.To get in touch or to share questions for Richard and Yalda, email theworld@sky.ukClick here to visit their YouTube channel where you can watch all the episodes.Episodes of The World With Richard Engel And Yalda Hakim will be available every Wednesday on all podcast platforms.