Episodes

  • Can Iran and the US turn the ceasefire into permanent peace?

    Can Iran and the US turn the ceasefire into permanent peace?
    Jun 30 2026
    "Encouraging progress." That's the feeling from mediators after the first round of talks between Iran and the US concluded in Switzerland. Those direct discussions were held to implement the memorandum of understanding. Their focus will now turn to using that agreement to negotiate a lasting peace deal within the next two months. Despite the positive atmosphere, there are hurdles to reaching a final agreement on that timeline. So, what would it take to overcome those challenges? And what concessions are the sides prepared to make to strike a deal?
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    28 mins
  • How is the Iran-US agreement being viewed in Israel?

    How is the Iran-US agreement being viewed in Israel?
    Jun 29 2026
    Fury from Israeli ministers over the agreement US President Donald Trump has signed with Iran. And a sharp rebuke in response from his vice president JD Vance. So, what are the implications for Israel and its prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu?
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    28 mins
  • What has Iran won from this war?

    What has Iran won from this war?
    Jun 28 2026
    Agreement between Washington and Tehran has all but ended the Iran war, with both claiming victory despite the huge cost. Among that has been Iranian damage to relationships with its Gulf neighbours which it attacked. So, what has Iran won and lost in this conflict?
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    28 mins
  • How significant is Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea?

    How significant is Xi Jinping's visit to North Korea?
    Jun 15 2026
    Chinese president is in North Korea. Pyongyang is largely isolated on the world stage and under UN sanctions. China remains its main supporter. It's been sidelined due to its nuclear activities. But Pyongyang has made it clear it wants to be recognised as a nuclear state - and insists its programme is a "line of no retreat". Xi Jinping's visit comes after he held a summit with Donald Trump, who wants North Korea to denuclearise. He also met Vladimir Putin, who has been developing a closer relationship with Kim Jong Un. So, how could his visit shape geopolitics in the region?
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    27 mins
  • Why is Lebanon such a central issue to Iran?

    Why is Lebanon such a central issue to Iran?
    Jun 13 2026
    Lebanon under Israeli attack while diplomatic efforts continue to end the war in Iran. And with Israel escalating attacks on Hezbollah, Tehran wants any peace deal to cover both conflicts. So, why is Iran making Lebanon a central issue in its own war?
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    28 mins
  • Will Ukraine become an EU member?

    Will Ukraine become an EU member?
    Jun 10 2026
    Ukraine's bid to join the European Union (EU) has received a boost this week. Accession negotiations have finally kicked off. Ukraine is hoping that will provide it with some security guarantees, as the war with Russia drags on. Moscow has long objected to Kyiv strengthening its ties with the West. And now, Ukraine will have to fulfil the EU's requirements before it can be accepted as a member. That will include reforms on a host of issues, including tackling corruption. But what are the risks of integrating a country at war into the bloc? And how will Russia respond?
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    28 mins
  • Could Israel derail talks between the US and Iran?

    Could Israel derail talks between the US and Iran?
    Jun 8 2026
    A possible US-Iran deal is taking shape. But Israeli officials are reportedly worried. What are their concerns? Could it derail negotiations to end the war in Iran, which has caused an unprecedented global energy crisis?
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    28 mins
  • What's the long-term global impact of the war on Iran?

    What's the long-term global impact of the war on Iran?
    Jun 6 2026
    The war on Iran has caused the worst energy crisis in history, according to the International Energy Agency. It's been politically unpopular in the US too, ahead of crucial mid-term elections in November.
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    28 mins