The Inside Story Podcast

The war in the Middle East has worsened the economic crisis in Pakistan. Most of its energy supplies are shipped through the Strait of Hormuz, which Iran has largely blocked for five weeks. In this episode:  Kaiser Bengali - Economist and former head of the Policy Reform Unit for the Balochistan Chief Minister Michael Kugelman - Senior Fellow for South Asia at the Atlantic Council Ali Salman - Founder and CEO of the Policy Research Institute of Market Economy Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Several countries say they will take action against Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But with no end in sight to the war, what would make Tehran open the waterway? And is using force an option? In this episode:  Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Rockford Weitz, Maritime Studies Program Director at Tufts University's Fletcher School Craig Murray, Maritime specialist and former Maritime Section head of the UK's Foreign Office Host: Rishaad Salamat Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel and the US continue to bomb Iran. But Israeli opinion polls suggest support for the war is dropping, while Iranian missiles still force millions into shelters there. So, what does Israel now seek from attacking Iran, and what could end its onslaught?  In this episode:  Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator during the Oslo Accords  Gordon Gray, Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at Georgetown University and a former U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House  Host: James Bays  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

As Israel's parliament approves the death penalty to hang Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, far-right ministers celebrate with champagne. The UN, Europe, and rights groups have condemned the law, but not the US. What are the implications?  In this episode:  Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative political party  Ofer Cassif, member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset William Schabas, Professor of International Law at Middlesex University and author of  the book 'The Abolition of the Death Penalty in International Law' Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

US President Donald Trump is threatening to take over or destroy Iran's main oil export hub at Kharg Island. Trump admits such a move would require boots on the ground. But, given the nature of this conflict, will he take that chance? And why does Kharg Island matter so much? In this episode:  Negar Mortazavi, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for International Policy Matthew Kroenig, Vice President at the Atlantic Council Alexandre Vautravers, Defence Policy Specialist and Editor-in-Chief of Swiss Military Review Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Pakistan says it's ready to host talks on ending the war in Iran. That came after a meeting of regional foreign ministers in Islamabad. But what leverage do these players have to reach a ceasefire? And with fighting escalating, is a peaceful settlement possible? In this episode:  Munir Akram, A former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group Bozkurt Aran, Director at The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkiye and a former Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan and Iran Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What difference will the Houthis' involvement in the war make? They have launched missiles at Israel in support of Iran and threatened more attacks. What are the consequences of opening a new front? And given the Yemeni group's proximity to the Red Sea, what could it mean for global shipping? In this episode:  Hisham Al-Omeisy, Senior Yemen Advisor, European Institute of Peace. H A Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow, Defence and Security Studies, Royal United Services Institute. Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Middle East.  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Gulf nations are seeking new defence partnerships.Saudi Arabia and Qatar has signed deals with Ukraine to gain access to its drone expertise.Could other countries follow suit? And would it make a difference on the ground? In this episode:  Dania Thafer - Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum, a think-tank based in Washington DC Oleksiy Melnyk - Co-Director of the Foreign Relations and International Security programmes at the Razumkov Centre Pavel Felgenhauer - Defence and Russian foreign policy analyst Host: Adrian Finighan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Iran war is hitting Gulf Arab nations hard, but with a wider impact in today's interlinked world. As well as global oil and gas supplies, Gulf states play a critical role in many economies. So how are they connected — and what could be at risk?  In this episode:  Nikolay Kozjharnov, Research Associate Professor in Energy Security at the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University Cornelia Meyer, Macroeconomist and oil and gas specialist Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at global risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube  

Iran sets out its conditions for an end to the war — rejecting the US list of 15 demands. Tehran says they don't reflect reality, while Donald Trump threatens to 'unleash hell' if his terms aren't met. What are the red lines for both sides?  In this episode:  Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations  Thomas Warrick, Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council Host: Folly Bah Thibault  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran has kept up attacks on neighbouring Gulf states and Israel, despite intense US and Israeli bombing, with senior Iranian figures assassinated. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, limiting the transit of vital energy supplies. So what's Iran's strategy - and what are its options?  In this episode:  Foad Izadi, Professor at the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran Mehran Kamrava, Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar Elijah Magnier, military and political analyst Host: Nick Clark Connect with us:@AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Millions of Israelis forced to take shelter day and night, from repeated Iranian missile attacks. The economic shockwaves of the war Israel and the US have launched against Iran are being felt across the world. How is it affecting Israel and its future?  In this episode:  Gideon Levy, columnist at Haaretz Newspaper.  Alex Coman, professor at Holon Institute of Technology Dan Perry, political analyst, former editor of the Associated Press in Europe, Middle East and Africa Host: James Bays  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Schools and hospitals bombed. Strikes on apartment buildings. Energy facilities targeted. And attacks on neighbouring states. Have Israel, the US, and Iran broken international law in the war, or what legal justification might they claim?  In this episode:  Geoffrey Nice, Human rights lawyer and former International Criminal Court prosecutor. Brian Finucane, Senior Adviser with the U.S. Program at International Crisis Group Nicholas Tsagourias, Professor of International Law at the University of Sheffield. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Who's left running Iran? Much of the top leadership has been assassinated but the country is still fighting. How has it been able to withstand such blows? And can the Iranian government survive this war? In this episode:  Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, Director, House of Diplomacy. Ali Vaez, Director, Iran Project, International Crisis Group. Tim Ripley, Editor, Defence Eye. Host: James Bays  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Yemeni armed group says it's ready for any developments in the ongoing confrontation. Given their proximity to the Red Sea, what could the Houthis' involvement mean for this vital maritime route? In this episode:  Farea Al Muslimi - Research Fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House   Khaled Batarfi - Political analyst who specialises in Saudi foreign policy   Rockford Weitz - Director of the Fletcher Maritime Studies Program at Tufts University Host: James Bays  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Energy prices have soared since Israel attacked Iran's South Pars gas field. Iran has targeted oil and gas facilities in neighbouring countries since early in the war. And it's warned of more to come. In this episode:  Mohsen Baharvand, Former Iranian ambassador to the United Kingdom Jim Walsh, Research associate in MIT's Security Studies Program John Sfakianakis, Chief economist at the Gulf Research Center Host: Imran Khan  Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel assassinated Iran's supreme leader on the first day of the war — killing senior military, intelligence and political figures afterwards. For decades, assassination has been Israeli policy. But what has the strategy achieved? And is it becoming normalised?  In this episode:  Rami Khouri, Distinguished Fellow at the American University of Beirut Illan Pappe, Israeli historian and chairperson of the Nakba Memorial Foundation Luca Trenta, Associate Professor at Swansea University who specialises in state-sponsored assassinations  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Relentless US and Israeli attacks on Iran killed top figures with thousands of air-strikes across the country. Iran has retaliated, hitting Israel and Gulf neighbours, targeting energy facilities and supply routes. So what are Iran's options now?  In this episode:  Elijah Magnier, Military and political analyst who specialises in wars in the Middle East Setareh Sadeqi, Assistant Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran Mehran Kamrava, Iranian Studies Unit at the Arab Center for Research and Policy Studies Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Israel's prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu has wanted to attack Iran for his entire political career, and he finally got his way with Donald Trump in the White House. Within Israel, there's huge support for the war. So how could it impact Netanyahu's political future?  In this episode:  Alon Pinkas, former Ambassador and Consul General of Israel in New York  Dahlia Scheindlin, political consultant and pollster based in Tel Aviv Mitchell Barak, founder of Keevoon Research, Strategy and Communications, and former aide to Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The Strait of Hormuz has effectively been closed to most shipping since the US and Israel attacked Iran — sending energy prices soaring worldwide. The marine channel in the Gulf had been the gateway for 20% of global energy supplies. What difficulties does this pose for Donald Trump?  In this episode:  Eli Bremer, Republican Strategist and Retired Major in the U.S. Air Force  Andreas Krieg, Associate Professor at the School of Security Studies at King's College London Patrick Bury, Defence and Security Expert at the University of Bath  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

What's the impact of the war in Iran on China? The two countries are close trading partners.Yet, Beijing has largely stayed away from lending any support to Tehran. But what does China stand to lose in this latest conflict in the Middle East? In this episode:  Shaun RHINE, Founder and Managing Director, China Market Research Group.  Barbara Slavin, Distinguished Fellow, Stimson Center.  Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor, University of Tehran. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

The already bad situation in Gaza...is getting worse as the war in Iran rages on. The humanitarian crisis is deepening and efforts to enforce the US-brokered ceasefire are put on hold. So, is the world ignoring Gaza? And how's that benefitting Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu? In this episode:  Abdulla Al Etaibi - Assistant Professor in International Affairs at Qatar University.   Mohammed Salah - Founder, 'Tech From Palestine' NGO.   Gordon Gray - Former U.S. Ambassador and Deputy Assistant Secretary of State for Near Eastern Affairs. Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

With Lebanon under fire, the UN chief visits Beirut, calling for peace. Israel's bombing campaign has displaced nearly a million people. Now, its troops are advancing and threatening to stay. So, what's the endgame?  In this episode:  Nadim Houry, Executive Director of the Arab Reform Initiative Maureen Philippon, Norwegian Refugee Council’s country director for Lebanon Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-Chief of the Beirut-based news service, Mideastwire.com Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Does US President Donald Trump have an exit strategy for the war with Iran? He is reportedly under pressure to set a deadline. But with contradicting statements from his administration, when will this offensive end? And on what terms? In this episode:  Adolfo Franco, U.S. Republican strategist and former adviser to U.S. Senator John McCain Foad Izadi, Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran Lawrence Wilkerson, Retired U.S. Army colonel and former Chief of Staff for U.S. Secretary of State Colin Powell Host: Sami Zeidan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Europe is under pressure as the conflict in the Middle East continues, and is now competing with Asia for scarcer oil and gas supplies. Rocketing prices benefit Russia and weaken sanctions imposed for the war in Ukraine, with Europe wary of antagonising Donald Trump. How is the Iran war impacting all these?  In this episode:  Steven Erlanger, Chief Diplomatic Correspondent for Europe at The New York Times Chris Weafer, CEO of Macro-Advisory, a strategic consultancy focused on Russia and Eurasia Alan Tonelson, Economist and founder of the RealityChek blog Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Iran has significant oil and gas reserves and is a major supplier to China. A member of the US president's inner circle says control of them is a key American aim. So how valuable are Iran's natural resources? And could they be a factor in US thinking?  In this episode:  Foad Izadi, Professor in the Faculty of World Studies at the University of Tehran Mohammad Reza Farzanegan, Professor of Middle East Economics at Marburg University Paolo von Schirach, President of the Global Policy Institute, an independent think-tank Host: Imran Khan Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei replaces his assassinated father. His selection sends a defiant message to the US and Israel as they attack the country. So, who is Iran's new leader, and what does his appointment mean?  In this episode:  Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran Mehran Kamrava, Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar Alex Vatanka, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC  Host: Tom McRae Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube

Tehran has carried out more attacks on Gulf states despite an apology by the president to Iran's neighbours. Civilian targets have been hit, including airports and vital infrastructure. Who's in control in Iran and how will Gulf states react as the attacks continue? In this episode:  John Brennan, Former Director, Central Intelligence Agency under the Obama administration.  Bader Al-Saif, Professor, Kuwait University. Trita Parsi, Executive Vice President, Quincy Institute for Responsible Statecraft.  Host: James Bays Connect with us: @AJEPodcasts on X, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube