Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie discuss whether Trump’s handling of Iran has created a dangerous new source of power for Tehran - one that could end with Iran implementing tolls to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.They also examine whether any diplomatic solution exists without direct US leadership, and whether Europe, the Gulf states and China are now being forced to shape a new balance of power in the region.Finally, they look at the broader political consequences of American retreat: what happens to NATO, Europe and democracy itself when the United States is no longer treated as a dependable leader?This episode was recorded on Monday 6 April.

What happens when Trump threatens to wipe out your civilisation?In this week’s episode, Christiane and Jamie discuss Trump’s ultimatum: re-open the strait or he’ll target key infrastructure. If the Iranians don’t reach a deal, will Trump commit a war crime? And what does it mean for US military generals: will they follow unlawful orders or resign?They discuss the consequences of this and what could happen if this escalates to an energy war in the region, with the risk of the whole regional infrastructure being destroyed.Plus they discuss Pakistan’s bold peace proposal. The plan suggests strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme and the re-opening of the Strait of Homuz, but in return for what?Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie examine what the Iran war could mean for the Republican primary - and for two of its most prominent voices on foreign policy, Marco Rubio and JD Vance.They discuss the contradictions in Trump’s strategy, including the easing of sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil, and ask why Vladimir Putin appears to be benefiting while the US is drawn deeper into war.Plus they explore whether Trump has badly damaged America’s closest alliances, why countries like the UK and Australia are refusing to follow Washington’s lead, and what that says about US power, diplomacy and miscalculation.

Are the US and Iran engaged in real negotiations, or is this all just posturing?In this episode, Christiane and Jamie break down the current state of negotiations, and why Trump’s threats won’t work.They also look closely at the prospect of a US ground invasion: what it could involve, how realistic it is and what the consequences could be if the Iranian regime continues to resist.Jamie takes us inside the reality of diplomatic talks, revealing how negotiations unfold behind closed doors and what it would take to end the conflict.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked to examine whether Donald Trump’s apparent miscalculation on the potential for Iranian regime change could, in a more cynical reading, amount to a “win-win” - benefiting domestic oil interests, aligning with Putin’s goals, and even creating a pretext to distance the US from NATO.They also explore the escalating Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, raising the question of whether the conflict could spiral into a full-blown invasion.Finally, they unpack the seeming contradiction in Trump’s approach to NATO: why turn to the alliance for support while simultaneously antagonising key allies, rather than relying on his so-called “Board of Peace”?Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Should we believe Trump when he claims the US has had 'productive' talks with Iran about ending the war? Christiane and Jamie unpick the President's recent statements and discuss whether he is now looking for a way to end the conflict, or if he could still escalate by attacking Iran's power plants later this week.Christiane explains how those strikes on civilian infrastructure could be considered war crimes if they do go ahead, and reveals what it's like to be in a warzone without power. She & Jamie also look at the impact another escalation would have on oil prices and the global economy more generally.Later, they explain why NATO countries have been so reluctant to support the US and Israel in this war, with Jamie highlighting how Trump's threats over Greenland earlier this year shattered the trust between America and its allies.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's Q&A, Christiane and Jamie tackle pressing questions about the Iran-U.S. tensions. They explore why President Trump is urging other nations to patrol the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. having the largest navy, and why NATO is involved instead of Gulf states.They're also asked about the mystery surrounding the new Ayatollah's absence from public view, addressing claims of possible injury or disfigurement. Additionally, Christiane discusses her personal connection to Iran, responding to whether she is officially banned from visiting the country after referring to herself as an 'exile.'Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week, Christiane is again joined by the legendary Tina Brown, author of the 'Fresh Hell' Substack, to dissect the countless mistakes and miscalculations made by Trump & Netanyahu in their Iran War so far.They discuss why the Trump administration appears to have been surprised by the conflict's impact on the global economy and whether the Iranian regime is any closer to falling than it was three weeks ago.Later, Christiane & Tina discuss Trump's other war: his continued assault on the free press, from giving daily micro-interviews to his notorious distraction techniques. And Tina explains why the Epstein Files are the one story that the President hasn't been able to make go away.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

On this week’s Q&A, the war in Iran takes centre stage once again. Christiane and Jamie are asked whether Iran has ever really been an existential threat to US national security, or if the regime’s threats of “Death to America” ring hollow.Then, looking to the other major conflict of our times, they’re asked whether the continued erosion of international norms around conflicts affects Ukraine, particularly given Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s dynamic. Will Ukraine be pressured to concede territory, or even to step aside?Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's episode, Christiane and Jamie look at the unintended consequences of Trump's Iran War, and the damage the conflict is doing to the world order and global economy. Christiane questions whether Trump and his team had any understanding of the nature of the Iranian regime before starting this war - and whether the President has any clear plan for how it will end.They discuss the knock-on effect the war is having on countries like Russia & China, and explain why the ongoing conflict is a 'mixed bag' for the likes of Presidents Putin & Xi. Christiane also has an update on the airstrike which killed over 100 Iranian schoolgirls at the start of the war, and gives her personal reaction to the ongoing destruction & violence in Iran.Plus Christiane reveals what she's been told about the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and she and Jamie discuss whether he will be any more open to dealing with Trump than his father was.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week's Q&A episode is a special all about the ongoing war in the Middle East: Christiane & Jamie tackle your questions on everything from who is likely to succeed the late Ayatollah Khamenei as the leader of Iran, to whether Trump might have started this conflict to distract from his domestic struggles and scandals.Later, Christiane explains whether there is more support for regime change among the older or younger generations inside Iran, and why Trump has misjudged his approach towards the exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.Meanwhile, Jamie breaks down why Hamas' October 7th attacks on Israel were the turning point that led to this war breaking out.Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it by email to [email protected] us on social media: @amanpourpod

In this special episode, Christiane gives her personal reaction to the killing of Ayatollah Khamanei and the dramatic events of the past few days, as she and Jamie try to make sense of America and Israel's war on Iran.How long will the airstrikes last? Can this military intervention actually lead to regime change? And how many other countries might get involved before the conflict ends? These are some of the questions they try to answer as the world waits to see what happens next.Christiane also asks whether Trump's actions might encourage Putin to attempt a similar strike on Zelensky, and reveals what she's hearing from sources inside Iran about who might be involved if America does try to implement regime change.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

On this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked what the killing of ‘El Mencho’ - who was the boss of Mexico’s powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the country’s most wanted man - means for US–Mexico security cooperation and the future of joint anti-cartel strategy.They also unpack Donald Trump’s latest U-turn on the Chagos Islands deal and are asked who’s got the stronger case - Trump, or UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer?Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week, Christiane questions why there have been so few legal consequences in America for those who are implicated in the Epstein Files, and she & Jamie look at whether we are ever likely to see more people go to jail over their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. They also discuss Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's recent arrest on suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office, plus Christiane reveals why her name appears in the Files...They also react to the Supreme Court's decision to rule many of Trump's tariffs illegal and explain what the consequences of that landmark decision could be for the global economy.Later, Christiane has the latest on potential US strikes on Iran and shares her thoughts on Steve Witkoff's claim that Trump is surprised the Iranian regime hasn't already 'capitulated' in the face of a major military build-up in the Middle East.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week, Christiane and Jamie are asked whether they agree with Hillary Clinton that there is an Epstein files “cover up” by the Trump administration and whether the files are being unlawfully drip-fed to the public.They’re also questioned on the controversial treatment of immigrants in America today and whether the US could face repercussions - or even international sanctions - because of it.Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

As officials from Trump's top team and the Iranian regime prepare for another round of talks, Christiane reveals the warnings she was given by key diplomats at the Munich Security Conference about the chances of Trump launching another round of strikes against Iran.Christiane also explains how she sought out Reza Pahlavi - Iran's exiled Crown Prince and one of the people who could take over if the Ayatollah's regime is toppled - at the same Conference to hear at length about his plans for a potential transition of power. She and Jamie discuss whether a return to a monarchy would be in Iran's best interests, and Christiane explains why she feels there's now support among many ordinary Iranians for the prospect of a US military intervention.Christiane & Jamie also reflect on Marco Rubio's speech to European allies in Munich: was it a Valentine's Day embrace, or another warning that America no longer has Europe's back?Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

The Q&A has returned! This week, Christiane and Jamie are asked whether America's allies would involve themselves in potential US military strikes on Iran, and if not, what that reluctance might mean.They’re then questioned on the rationale behind deploying ICE agents at the Winter Olympics, as opposed to the secret service, and why, in comparison to UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Donald Trump appears to have faced far less scrutiny over the Epstein files.For more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

As the crackdown on dissidents and protesters continues in Iran, Christiane and Jamie discuss what it would actually take for the Ayatollah's Islamic regime to be overthrown - and whether there is any chance that Trump will still follow through with his threat of a military intervention, given talks have now started between the US & Iran. Christiane also calls out Jamie and all recent US administrations for being too focused on Iran's missiles and nuclear threat, and for not doing more to support the human rights of Iranian people.An impassioned Christiane also reacts to the recent sentencing of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai - and warns that press freedom is also being curtailed in the US and the West. She and Jamie discuss the consequences of major cutbacks at the Washington Post, and how Trump has used fear to silence many journalists who have been critical of his Presidency.Christiane and Jamie also react to the crisis facing UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and discuss whether there was ever any justification for appointing Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador, given his known links to Jeffrey Epstein.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this episode from Australia, Christiane reacts to the announcement of an imminent summit between the US and Iran in Istanbul, and gives her view on whether those talks are likely to achieve a meaningful breakthrough, and can help to avert a regional war in the Middle East. Christiane also reflects on Trump's suggestion of Republicans 'nationalising' elections, and speculates as to whether the upcoming Midterms will be free from Presidential interference.Later, she speaks to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former foreign correspondent, Geraldine Brooks, about whether Trump is using ICE as a private militia, and what the US can learn from Australia, which is where Christiane is recording from this week.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this episode, Christiane is joined by a special guest during her holiday in Australia: the legendary Billie Jean King. They discuss how Billie won her battle for equal prize money during her tennis career, how much progress has been made in the overall fight for equality in society over the past 50 years, and what more still needs to be done for real equality to be achieved.Billie also reveals how her famous 'Battle of the Sexes' match against Bobby Riggs in 1973 came about, what she made of the recent match between Nick Kyrgios and Aryna Sabalenka which was controversially billed under the same title - and why more current of the current generation should seek advice from former players.Plus, BJK gives joins Christiane in giving a Recommendation!Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In today’s breaking Q&A special, Christiane and Jamie are asked about President Donald Trump's address to world leaders at the ongoing World Economic Forum in Davos. How will NATO states and “middle powers” such as Canada navigate what looks like a new world order? And, why don't the countries of the world do more to collectively push back against Trump's threats of invasion>They’re also asked whether the UK’s approval of China’s "mega-embassy" reflects strategic realism, or a dangerous underestimation of Beijing’s security and influence risks.For more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

How far is Trump willing to go to make Greenland a part of America? And how much damage could the US President do to the West in the process? These are two of the key questions that Christiane and Jamie attempt to answer this week, as tensions continue to flare between Trump and his European allies over the Danish territory against the backdrop of the World Economic Forum in Davos.Christiane reveals what various European leaders and governments are telling her about what's going on behind the scenes as this saga plays out, while Jamie looks at how this compares to previous moments in history when there's been major tension between the US and the West.Later, Christiane gives her reaction to the latest on the protests in Iran, after reports emerged at the weekend suggesting over 16,000 protesters had been killed during the Islamic regime's recent crackdown. Jamie also explains which other world leader has 'blood on their hands' over these deaths.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Christiane and Jamie are asked whether they believe the current anti-government demonstrations in Iran could successfully topple the government, and if they don’t, what the future of the state could look like.They’re also asked about the probability of NATO falling apart - if the alliance were to no longer include the US, what would be the repercussions strategically, geopolitically and economically for the world?For more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

As Trump continues to threaten Iran with military action - and after he announced major tariffs on any countries doing business with the Islamic Republic - Christiane gives a personal, emotional reaction to the mass protests in her home country, and looks at what might happen next.Christiane also talks about the dangers and difficulties posed by the media and internet blackout in Iran - and speaks to two of her former camera crew colleagues, Maria Fleet and Cynde Strand - about the challenges of reporting from warzones and getting access to countries with hostile attitudes to journalists.Later, Christiane, Maria, and Cynde share some of their standout memories - good and bad - from their years working together in some of the world's most dangerous places.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Christiane and Jamie are back answering your questions! In regards to Donald Trump's de-facto takeover of Venezuela, they're asked to what extent oil actually incentivised the capturing of Nicolás Maduro, whether the US will seize control of Greenland next, and what impact all this will have on potential peace in Ukraine.They also discuss whether the drip feed release of Epstein files to the public are doing victims more harm, than good.For more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

After the New Year began with a coup that shook the world, Christiane and Jamie react to Trump's capture of Venezuelan leader Nicolás Maduro, and ask whether the extraordinary events in Caracas over the weekend mean we're in for another turbulent twelve months in 2026.Christiane reveals how she first heard about the news - and questions what message this operation sends to America's adversaries, such as Russia and China. She also gives her reaction to the ongoing protests in Iran, and gives her view on whether Trump is likely to follow through on his threat to intervene if Iranian security forces start shooting protesters.Meanwhile, Jamie explains why overthrowing the Venezuelan government could backfire on the Trump administration, and speculates on how likely we are to see the US invade Greenland as its next move.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

The legendary Tina Brown - ex-Editor of Vanity Fair and now the writer of the Substack "Fresh Hell" - joins Christiane for a look back on a year like no other. They unpick Trump's Chief of Staff describing the President as having an "alcoholic's personality" in a recent interview, discuss whether the Epstein Files have been a damp squib, and explain why more billionaires buying media companies is a dangerous trend for democracy.Tina also tells the story of the day Jeffrey Epstein forced his way into her office, predicts what 2026 might hold for the Royal Family, and joins Christiane in giving a final Recommendation of 2025!You can read Tina's Substack here.Contact us at: [email protected] more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

With the first cracks in MAGA’s unity beginning to show, Christiane and Jamie are asked what the future of the movement looks like and whether the Democratic Party will be strong enough to take advantage of those cracks and build a lasting majority.Also on the agenda - the president has threatened to ban several nations from competing in the forthcoming US-hosted FIFA World Cup, as well as claiming he’ll move fixtures away from Democratic states to Republican ones. Is the FIFA Peace Prize that's been awarded to the President an attempt at appeasement?For more content, please follow us:  Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod  Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpod X: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-Presents BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social