The Inside Story Podcast

The US says it has 'obliterated' Iran's nuclear capabilities. But is that true? Tehran says it removed all nuclear material before the US air strikes. And insists its know-how can't be destroyed. So, is bombing the answer for Iran's nuclear ambitions?

In this episode: 

• Laura Rockwood, Senior Fellow, Vienna Center for Disarmament and Non-Proliferation.
• Roxane Farmanfarmaian, Director, International Studies a...

Donald Trump says the US bombing attacks he ordered have totally obliterated Iran's key nuclear sites. And he's threatening more strikes if Tehran doesn't return to diplomacy. But what if it decides not to? And what are the risks of a regional spillover? 

In this episode: 

• Zohreh Kharazmi, Assistant Professor, Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran.
• Tariq Rauf, Former Head, Verification and Security Policy Co...

What is the cost of the war between Israel and Iran? Continuing strikes from both countries are already draining their economies. And the global economy faces the threat of inflation. So, what could be the outcome of a prolonged conflict?

In this episode: 

• Aly-Khan Satchu, GeoEconomic Analyst and Investor. 
• Eyal Winter, Professor, Economics, Hebrew University and Lancaster University.
• Nader Habibi, Pro...

The German leader and EU commission president were quick to back Israel as the conflict began with Iran. The EU has since called for de-escalation, reflecting growing anxiety over what might happen next. So what's the thinking in European capitals? And how much influence does Europe really have?

In this episode: 

• Pieter Cleppe, Editor-in-Chief, BrusselsReport.eu.
• Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent in Europe, ...

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, D...

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 Or...

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 St...

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 B...

Will Russia, Turkey and China provide support to Iran in its conflict with Israel? The three countries have condemned Israel's actions. But is that enough? And what do they all stand to lose if the conflict spirals out of control?

In this episode: 

• Barin Kayaoglu, Chair and Assistant Professor, American Studies, Social Sciences, University of Ankara.
• Glenn Carle, Career CIA Officer and Deputy National Intelligence Officer...

With its allies significantly weakened, Iran is left to confront Israel on its own. It's launched a barrage of missiles at Israel in retaliatory strikes without its traditional support. With Tehran apparently exposed, what might be the outcome of this conflict?

In this episode: 

• Ronnie Chatah, Political Commentator, Writer and Host, The Beirut Banyan podcast.
• Setareh Sadeqi, Professor, University of Tehran's Faculty of Wo...

Israel has attacked Iranian military and nuclear sites, claiming Tehran was close to producing a nuclear weapon. Tehran says it's a declaration of war. So, how far will it go with its response? And what does it all this mean for its nuclear ambitions?

In this episode: 

• Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior policy fellow, European Council on Foreign Relations.
• Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project, International Crisis ...

Israel's far-right finance minister says he wants to cut off Palestinian banks from the global financial system. The plan's not yet been approved by the Israeli government. But if it does happen, what could be the consequences? 

In this episode: 

• Raja Khalidi, Director General at the Palestine Economic Policy Research Institute. 
• Shahd Hammouri, Lecturer in International Law at the University of Kent. 
• Must...

Renewed violence by armed groups Boko Haram and ISIL has forced thousands of people to leave their homes in Nigeria. Despite repeated government pledges, the military has been unable to end the violence. So why is it continuing and what threats does it pose? 

In this episode: 

• Kabir Adamu, Managing Director, Beacon Security and Intelligence.
• David Otto, Deputy Director, Counter Terrorism Training, International ...

National Guard troops and even the Marines are on the streets of Los Angeles - deployed by President Donald Trump after mass protests against his immigration raids. California's governor is suing him while the protests spread to other US cities. So, could this crisis worsen? 

In this episode: 

• Peter Eliasberg, Chief Counsel, American Civil Liberties Union of Southern California. 
• Claire Finkelstein, Profess...

Attacks by both Russia and Ukraine have intensified in recent weeks, with little sign that Europe's largest conflict since World War II is nearing an end. So, what are the strengths and weaknesses of each side and their alliances? And what are the chances of peace? 

In this episode: 

• Peter Zalmayev, Executive Director, Eurasia Democracy Initiative.
• Alexander Bratersky, Independent journalist and political analys...

The UK government is planning major defence reforms, at the cost of welfare programmes – drawing public anger. European members of NATO are under pressure to increase their military budgets. But could they defend themselves without U.S. support?

In this episode: 

• Paul Beaver, Defence analyst.
• Aaron Gasch Burnett, Senior fellow at Democratic Strategy Initiative.
• Jeremy Corbyn, Independent Member of the UK Pa...

From mutual admiration to a fierce public blow-up. The short-lived alliance between US president Donald Trump and Elon Musk appears to have come to a dramatic end. The two men have been trading accusations, threats and insults. What's behind the break-up? And why does it matter?

In this episode: 

• Niall Stanage, Political analyst and White House columnist for The Hill.
• Dan Ives, Technology analyst and Managing Di...

Why does Donald Trump seem to be fixated by foreign nationals? He's barred citizens from a number of countries from entering the United States. He says he wants to keep the country safe. But what are the implications of these new measures? And are his concerns justified?

In this episode: 

• Yael Schacher, Director, Refugees International.
• Steven Heller, US immigration lawyer.
• Johanna Leblance, US foreign poli...

There is outrage over the US vetoing a UN Security Council resolution for Gaza. The resolution calls for a permanent ceasefire and demanded unrestricted aid entry to the Strip. But while Israel is bombing and starving Palestinians, will any UN resolution make a difference?

In this episode: 

• Stephen Zunes, Professor of Politics, University of San Francisco.
• Luigi Daniele, Associate Professor of International Law,...