David Blair

Lina Khatib, Chatham House MENA expert on regional politics. David Blair, The Telegraph’s chief foreign affairs commentator. They dissect secret peace-talk claims, who in Iran might be negotiating, and Pakistan and Egypt’s mediation. They also discuss control of the Strait of Hormuz, Tehran’s public posture and whether Hezbollah’s military and political power can survive the conflict.

Jonathan Hackett, former US Marine special-ops intelligence officer, offers tactical military perspective. Akhtar Makoii, Telegraph correspondent in Tehran, shares on-the-ground reporting. David Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator, analyzes regional strategy. They discuss Iran’s missile campaign, Strait of Hormuz disruption, covert Israeli operations, regime survival strategies, and how protests and regional actors shape the conflict.

Akhtar Makoii, a foreign correspondent reporting from Iran, shares gripping first-hand accounts from the protests that have ignited across the country. David Blair, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at The Telegraph, provides geopolitical insights on the implications of US policy. They discuss the historic role of the Grand Bazaar, the unprecedented rural participation in protests, and the regime’s determination to maintain power amid increasing violence. The conversation highlights the complexities of potential foreign intervention and the fragmented opposition within Iran.

Joining the discussion are David Blair, Chief foreign affairs commentator at The Telegraph, and Orysia Lutsevych, Head of the Ukraine Forum at Chatham House. They delve into Jonathan Powell's significant role in reshaping diplomatic strategies around Ukraine, comparing him to Henry Kissinger. Topics of negotiation dynamics reveal the challenges of engaging with Putin, while Orysia emphasizes Ukraine’s multifaceted crises. The conversation raises pressing questions about the future of peace talks and the endurance of Ukraine under immense pressure.

David Blair, The Telegraph’s chief foreign analyst, explains Khamenei’s role and Iran’s institutional strength. Danny Citrinowicz, a former Israeli intelligence official, breaks down Iran’s strategy and military dynamics. They discuss the widening regional war, UK base access, divergent US-Israeli aims, regime resilience, and why an air campaign may not achieve regime change.

In this discussion, Joe Barnes, Brussels correspondent for The Telegraph, and David Blair, Chief foreign affairs commentator, delve into Ukraine's audacious strikes against Russian military infrastructure. They explore the pressing situation in Pokrovsk and the ongoing frustration in the EU over frozen Russian assets. The conversation highlights a crucial new motorway designed to bolster NATO's defensive posture and the strategic investments necessary for rapid military logistics in the Baltics. Insights into U.S. troop movements and potential diplomatic shifts round out the analysis.

David Blair, Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator at The Telegraph, shares insights on the implications of Trump's threats over Greenland, emphasizing the strategic significance of the island and the evolving US-EU dynamics. He discusses how Britain's neutral stance positions it as a mediator and speculates on Trump's motivations behind territorial claims. Meanwhile, Andrew Rosindell, a newly defected MP, reveals his reasons for leaving the Conservatives, highlighting patriotism and frustrations with the party’s current trajectory. His candid take on the calls for uniting the right adds a compelling layer to the political discourse.

Donald Trump has abruptly backed down over the US takeover of Greenland. From the icy streets of Nuuk our correspondent James Rothwell reports from the centre of an unusual geopolitical spotlight as Greenlanders try to make sense of their island’s sudden importance and the anxiety of being discussed by faraway powers.Greenland itself emerges not as a prize but as a place with its own history identity and quiet resilience. James paints a picture of a small Arctic capital balancing fishing tourism and everyday life while navigating long memories of colonial rule and new questions about sovereignty security and self determination.Back in the studio Venetia and Roland are joined by Chief Foreign Commentator David Blair to unpack what Trump’s partial retreat really means and to explore the wider implications of Mark Carney’s striking Davos speech. Carney argues we are living through a rupture not a transition and urges middle powers to face reality and work together in a world where power politics is once again shaping events.Read James Rothwell's Greenland dispatch:https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/24/trump-provokes-a-rare-emotion-in-greenland-blind-rage/Read David Blair's analysis of the Greenland deal: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/22/predicted-greenland-deal-not-good-one/Read Roland Oliphant on Trump's Board of Peace: https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/01/22/monarchs-and-pariahs-join-trumps-board-of-peace-parade/Producer: Peter ShevlinExecutive Producer: Louisa Wells► Sign up to our most popular newsletter, From the Editor. Look forward to receiving free-thinking comment and the day's biggest stories, every morning. telegraph.co.uk/fromtheeditorContact us with feedback or ideas:battlelines@telegraph.co.uk @venetiarainey@RolandOliphant Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

David Blair, The Telegraph’s chief foreign affairs commentator, gives sharp analysis of the Iran conflict and regional fallout. Hannah Furness, Royal Editor at The Telegraph, breaks down renewed scrutiny of Princesses Beatrice and Eugenie and palace optics. They discuss Trump’s unclear approach, Iran’s capabilities and regional energy impacts. Short, fast-paced takes on geopolitics and royal reputation.

Colin Freeman, The Telegraph's correspondent in Kyiv, provides first-hand insights on the mood in Ukraine as the third anniversary of the invasion unfolds. David Blair, the Chief Foreign Affairs Commentator, delves into the historical context of the conflict. Former Prime Minister Boris Johnson shares his experiences from Number 10 on the day of the invasion. The discussion highlights Ukraine's missile production ambitions, escalating drone warfare, and the implications of recent German elections on NATO and European defense strategies.