Amanpour Munich Security Conference Chair Wolfgang Ischinger
May 12, 2026
Wolfgang Ischinger, former German ambassador and Munich Security Conference chair, on European security, Iran, Russia and transatlantic ties. Cochav Elkayem-Levy, human rights lawyer, on systematic sexual and gender-based violence documentation and accountability. Ben McKenzie, actor-filmmaker, on cryptocurrency fraud, regulation and the psychology behind scams.
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Europe Equally Focused On Preventing An Iranian Nuclear Breakout
- Europe shares the same core interest as the US: preventing Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons.
- Wolfgang Ischinger stresses Europe, especially Germany, is directly threatened by Iranian ballistic capabilities that could reach much of Europe even if not the US.
Use Sino-American Talks To Pressure Iran Toward Compromise
- Use diplomacy with China as a lever to pressure Iran toward compromise and avoid US military escalation.
- Ischinger urges President Trump to encourage Xi to push Tehran to curb nuclear ambitions and seek negotiated outcomes.
Ukraine Defense Is Europe's Security Priority
- Russia's invasion of Ukraine has triggered European panic and a renewed priority to keep the United States committed to defending Europe.
- Ischinger describes European security now centered on ensuring NATO and US support for Ukraine's survival.