Amanpour

The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States is facing a new test. Iran's revolutionary guard is warning it has a "legitimate" right to respond, after US forces carried out what they called self-defense strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and boats around the Strait of Hormuz. And the regional situation is growing even more volatile. Israel has launched fresh strikes in Lebanon, signaling a more aggressive posture against Hezbollah, as the Trump administration indicates continued support. Beth Sanner, a former US Deputy Director of National Intelligence, joins Bianna Golodryga to discuss. Also on today's show: Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases; Heather Kerr, DRC Country Director, International Rescue Committee; Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As old alliances are tested and new powers emerge, diplomacy is being reshaped across a divided world. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares discusses recent tensions between the U.S. and Europe. Then, we turn to the sports world, as former professional tennis player Rafael Nadal reflects on his new documentary and opens up about his struggles with anxiety and injury. CNN Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh walks down a deadly road near Ukraine’s frontlines, where modern warfare is rapidly changing. Then, Christiane speaks to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty about his country’s role as a mediator in the conflict with Iran. After The New York Times revealed that the U.S. and Israel may have considered former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as part of a regime change strategy, we revisit Christiane’s 2005 interview with the hardliner. And finally, as Americans honor the troops who gave their lives this Memorial Day, we return to Christiane’s conversation with WWII veteran Jake Larson, who explained why he joined the fight against fascism more than 80 years ago. Air date: May 23, 2026 Guests: José Manuel Albares Rafael Nadal Badr Abdelatty Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the war in the Middle East grinds on, grave repercussions are hitting the world's most vulnerable. What makes it all so much worse is the total evisceration of foreign-aid funding, led by the United States dismantling USAID. Somalia has been plagued by violence and famine for decades, and now this vulnerable country is headed towards the same disaster again. New York Times reporter Peter Goodman has just returned, and he joins the show from New York. Also on today's show: journalist Kelli María Korducki Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

NATO Foreign Ministers are gathering in Sweden today, as the alliance faces mounting strains. President Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO, threatened action over Greenland and now the Pentagon says thousands of US troops will be pulled from Europe. One country that has been especially outspoken is Spain, openly challenging Washington over its war on Iran and sharply criticizing Israel's Palestine policy. Ahead of that key NATO meeting, the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares joined Christiane. Also on today's show: tennis star Rafael Nadal; NYT reporter Mike Isaac Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump's hold on the Republican Party appears as strong as ever. In primaries held this week, Trump-backed candidates advanced in Georgia, Alabama and Kentucky. David A. Graham, author of a new book which examines how Project 2025 is reshaping America, joins the show to discuss what this moment tells us about the future of the GOP and the upcoming midterms. Also on today's show: exiled Russian journalist Mikhail Fishman; Atlantic staff writer Helen Lewis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Middle East remains trapped in limbo, as President Trump threatens to unleash overwhelming force on Iran, only to pull out last minute again. Egypt has been grappling with the economic blows of the conflict, and has been involved in trying to stop the fighting. Last week, Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty met with his Iranian counterpart in India. He joined Christiane in London for an exclusive conversation about what comes next for the Middle East. Also on today's s episode: former US prosector Andrew Weissmann, author of "Liar's Kingdom: How to Stop Trump's Deceit and Save America"; Josh Tyrangiel, author of "AI for Good" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Lethal records are being set almost daily in Ukraine's war with Russia. But even as the air war expands, the tide on the ground may be turning. Last month, Ukraine managed to liberate more land than Russia seized - the first time Moscow suffered a net loss of territory since 2024. In his nightly address, President Volodymyr Zelensky has warned Russia to expect more attacks. Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh brings us a first hand, harrowing look at the new drone warfare, reporting from eastern Ukraine. Also on today's show: Former Ukrainian Minister of Economy Tymofiy Mylovanov; Former AUS ssistant Secretary of State for the Western Hemisphere Juan Gonzalez; director Rita Coburn ("W. E. B. Du Bois: Rebel With a Cause") Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After pageantry and flattery in Beijing this week, Presidents Trump and Xi are hailing a new era of the America-China relationship. But stumbling blocks remain - from tech and trade deals to the war in Iran. China expert Rush Doshi served in President Biden's National Security Council and he joins the show to discuss all the details from this historic summit. Then, what went wrong in Israel? That's the question author and leading genocide scholar Omer Bartov seeks to answer in his new book. He joins Christiane to trace the origin story of Israel, to the war in Gaza, to its present-day popularity crisis. Plus, as tech giants join Trump in China, back home in America they are seeking the key to immortality. Tech journalist Kara Swisher explores this in her new CNN series "Kara Swisher Wants to Live Forever." And from the archives, a look back at the long fight for freedom in Iran. Christiane's report from Tehran, where young Iranians risked brutal punishments to go to parties. And finally, when politics meets pop. We explain how this year's Eurovision Song Contest is causing controversy as Israel gears up to compete in Saturday's 70th Grand final. Air date: May 16, 2026 Guests: Rush Doshi Omer Bartov Kara Swisher Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two superpower leaders, two days of talks, and an agenda with global consequences ... all of it unfolding under the shadow of the war in Iran, which has thrown China's global influence into sharper focus. Over the last thirteen years, President Xi has transformed China, tightening control at home while embracing a bolder strategy abroad. Xiang Lanxin is Professor Emeritus of International History and Politics at the Graduate Institute in Geneva, and he joins the show from Shanghai. Also on today's show: Indian journalist Rahul Bhatia; clinical psychologist (and Holocaust survivor) Edith Eger and daughter Marianne Engle Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On his first trip to China in nearly a decade, there's a lot at stake for President Trump: tariff tensions, the AI race and the war with Iran are all on the table, along with a stark warning from Xi on Taiwan. China says he warned that if the issue is "mishandled" it could lead to "a highly dangerous situation." Rush Doshi served as a top official on China and Taiwan on President Biden's National Security Council. He's now a senior fellow at the Council on Foreign Relations and joins the program from Washington. Also on today's show: Lewis Goodall, co-host, the "News Agents" podcast; Brendan Ballou, former special council, US Justice Dept. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Kevin Warsh, set to take over as fed chair this week, vowed in his confirmation hearing that he would be independent of the White House. For more than a year, outgoing chair Jerome Powell, himself a Trump pick, has faced relentless criticism and legal targeting by this administration. And this unprecedent pressure campaign is the subject of a new "Frontline" documentary, "The President vs. The Fed." The doc's director, James Jacoby, joins the show from New York. Also on today's show: Dr. Paul Offit, Director of the Vaccine Education Center, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia; Tyler Pager, White House Correspondent, The New York Times Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Iran conflict may be America's and Israel's war of choice, but the fallout hits allies in Europe particularly hard. As their countries invest billions to rebuild their militaries in the face of a growing Russian threat, European leaders are standing up to US pressure. Wolfgang Ischinger was Germany's Ambassador to the United States. Now he's Chair of the Munich Security Conference, and he joins the show. Also on today's show: Cochav Elkayem-Levy, Lead author, report on Sexual and Gender-based violence on October 7th; Ben McKenzie, Writer-Producer-Director of the new documentary "Everyone is Lying to You for Money" Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Four months after the US invaded Caracas and captured leader Nicolas Maduro, what has become of the promise of democratic elections? It’s a question on the mind of our first guest. Opposition leader Maria Corina Machado is now in exile after a risky departure to accept her Nobel Peace Prize late last year — a prize she promptly gave to Trump. She joins Christiane from Washington. Also on today's show: Omer Bartov, Author, “Israel: What Went Wrong”; journalist/author Bob Davis Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we remember when giants strode this earth - the life and legacy of CNN founder Ted Turner. First our conversation from his Montana ranch in 2015, where he told me about the uphill battle to make 24-hour news, his fight to conserve the planet and banish nuclear weapons, and his difficult relationship with his father. Then memories from veteran journalist and author Walter Isaacson, about his years as Chairman and CEO of CNN under our founder. We also discuss his new book on America’s founding principles and the greatest sentence ever written. Plus, we turn to Christiane’s archive, as Britain’s broadcasting legend David Attenborough celebrates his 100th birthday. We hear about his greatest moments bringing the wonders of the natural world into our living rooms. Air date: May 9, 2026 Guests: Ted Turner (archive) Walter Isaacson David Attenborough (archive) Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the United States approaches the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence, the country is confronting deep political division and growing questions about its identity. In his new book, “The Greatest Sentence Ever Written,” former CNN Chairman Walter Isaacson joins the show to re-examine the second line of the Declaration and how its ideals continue to shape what it means to be American today. He also reflects on CNN’s founder Ted Turner, who passed away earlier this week. Also on today's show: naturalist Sir David Attenborough; author Sherrie Rollins Westie Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

At today's meeting between US Secretary of State Marco Rubio and Pope Leo, the two discussed their "shared commitment to promoting peace and human dignity." Human dignity is often one of the first casualties of war: Iran reports more than three thousand people were killed during the US and Israeli attacks. Very few reporters or Western officials have been permitted into Iran to see the devastation, making the experience of today’s first guest all the more important. Mirjana Spoljaric, the president of the International Committee of the Red Cross, recently visited Tehran to meet with government officials. Also on today's show: Alexander Gabuev, Director, Carnegie Russia Eurasia Center; US House Democrat Shomari Figures; actor/musician Rita Wilson Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

CNN founder Ted Turner has died at the age of 87. An innovator and an icon, he revolutionized the television business by creating the first 24-hour news channel. Much more than a media mogul, Turner also was an environmentalist, a peace activist, a champion sailor, and a philanthropist. Christiane worked closely with him and joins the show to discuss his life and legacy. Also on today's show: Danny Citrinowicz, former head of Iran branch of Israel’s military intelligence; author Rhae Lynn Barnes Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Experts assess whether the US-Iran ceasefire is holding as tensions escalate around the Strait of Hormuz and “Project Freedom,” with analysis from F. Gregory Gause III on regional dynamics involving Iran, the UAE, and Saudi Arabia. The World Food Programme warns of a growing global hunger crisis tied to the conflict, while Nancy Northup discusses the Supreme Court’s move to preserve access to abortion pills. Plus, Barbara F. Walter examines the rising tide of political violence in the United States. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Rising tensions in the Strait of Hormuz have led to U.S. forces destroying Iranian boats after attacks on naval and commercial ships, with diplomacy stalled as the conflict enters its third month. Meanwhile, civil rights leaders criticize a recent Supreme Court decision weakening the Voting Rights Act. Energy experts warn Iran’s blockade is causing a historic global oil supply disruption, with broader impacts still unfolding. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the war in Iran, to the global economy, to shifting international alliances - is the old world order gone for good? Former deputy Secretary of State Wendy Sherman and Iranian-American academic Vali Nasr on the latest in the war with Iran. Then, as the war's ripple effects seem to play into Putin's hands, the European perspective with Czech President Petr Pavel. CNN reporter Abeer Salman takes us to the West Bank, where Palestinian schoolchildren are protesting after Israeli settlers surrounded their school with razor wire. Then, Christiane speaks to former Israeli diplomat Colette Avital about how she is speaking out against her country's government. For World Press Freedom Day, we go back to 2007, when Christiane visited Moscow and discovered many journalists living in fear. And finally, how King Charles' first state visit to the U.S. has been centuries in the making. Air date: May 2, 2026 Guests: Wendy Sherman & Vali Nasr Petr Pavel Colette Avital Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices