The Story

Aubrey Allegretti, chief political correspondent at The Times, gives quick, sharp reporting on the Mandelson files. He explains what the released documents show. He outlines who backed or warned about Mandelson, the chaotic exit negotiations, and what this might mean for the Prime Minister’s judgment. He warns more documents could follow.

Michael Stephens, RUSI senior associate fellow and RAND expert on Gulf security. He unpacks Iran’s strategy of targeted disruption, explains why different Gulf states respond differently, and describes threats to shipping, desalination and air defences. Discussion covers daily life under strikes and how this moment could shift Gulf–US ties and the region’s economic and security future.

Harry Wallop, consumer journalist who decodes how oil and gas swings hit household bills. Dr Ellen R. Wald, energy expert on Middle East strategy and oil geopolitics. They discuss why the Strait of Hormuz matters, how tanker disruptions spike prices, tools to calm markets, potential triple-digit prices if flows stop, and how oil shapes wars, inflation and home heating costs.

Catherine Philp, World Affairs editor and long-time Iran correspondent, provides on-the-ground analysis and background on Mojtaba Khamenei. She outlines how he rose through the Revolutionary Guard and his history with protest crackdowns. The conversation covers succession mechanics, Iran’s security apparatus, international reactions and the risks around targeting the new leader.

David Leslie, professor of ethics, technology and society, offers expert analysis on military AI. He discusses how AI compressed targeting teams and sped battlefield decision-making. He explains AI-enabled kamikaze drones, how targeting was accelerated in the Iran strikes, the Anthropic vs military dispute, and the ethical and regulatory hazards of machine-speed warfare.

Blanca Schofield, assistant culture and books editor for The Times and The Sunday Times, reports on Frida Kahlo’s legacy and the commercialization of her image. She traces Kahlo’s distinctive self-portraits, life-shaping injuries and politics. Blanca explores the family split, trademark battles, pop culture ubiquity and controversies like the Frida Barbie and corporate branding.

A personal account of how Iran’s political conflict has split families across generations. Family rituals, wartime memories and competing loyalties collide with fears after recent bombings. A coming-out story intersects with faith and dissent. Everyday control, protests and shifting support for the regime are all explored through one family’s experience.

Discussion centers on Trump’s strikes on Iran and how they clash with his ‘no new wars’ promise. Conversation explores mixed White House messaging and split Republican reactions. Analysis highlights influential MAGA critics and what might push the base away. The political and economic stakes, including midterm risks, are also examined.

Anthony Loyd, experienced war correspondent for The Times, returns with new leads into the disappearance of John Cantlie. He recounts Cantlie’s transformation in captivity, theories about whether conversion was survival strategy, and the case for a drone strike in Mosul. A new lead from an NHS doctor-turned-fighter points to Nero Sarajeva and a planned prison interview.

Louise Callaghan, Americas correspondent for The Sunday Times reporting from Mexico, describes Guadalajara after the takedown of a cartel boss. She recounts immediate cartel retaliation, visible violence and public fear. She explains the Jalisco cartel’s franchise model, control through terror and corruption, and the human cost seen in disappearances and mass-grave searches.