The Fourcast

Vivianne Schiller, former Twitter news partnerships lead, brings platform policy insight. Chris Stokel-Walker, tech journalist and author, adds analysis on design and liability. They unpack a landmark verdict on addictive product design. They debate whether this signals a Big Tobacco-style shift. They explore legal strategy, internal documents, and possible regulatory and industry ripple effects.

Dr Siavush Randjbar-Daemi, a modern Middle East historian, and Mark Montgomery, a retired U.S. Rear Admiral and naval strategist, break down high-stakes diplomacy and military choices. They tackle Trump’s claimed talks and Tehran’s denials. They assess threats to the Strait of Hormuz, options to reopen shipping lanes, and what Iran might demand from any negotiations.

Helia Ebrahimi, economics editor analyzing market shocks and energy price swings. Renat Mansour, Chatham House Middle East expert on Iran’s geography and regional leverage. Jennifer Gavito, former U.S. diplomat on diplomacy and policy options. They discuss Trump’s apparent pause, Iran’s tactical gains, the strategic power of the Strait of Hormuz, and fast-moving global market reactions.

Ronen Bergman, Tel Aviv investigative journalist on Israeli security; Nate Swanson, former US Iran policy official. They discuss reports of thousands of Marines, the prospect of seizing Kharg Island, US and Israeli alignment and differing aims. They debate timing, political motives, Iran’s nuclear posture, and risks of escalation and long-term regional consequences.

Helia Ebrahimi, Channel 4 News economics editor, explains energy markets, inflation and consumer impacts. Shashank Joshi, The Economist defence editor, analyzes military strategy, regional tactics and wider security risks. They discuss Gulf strikes on energy infrastructure, market reactions and oil-price ripple effects. They also cover naval protection plans, possible Gulf involvement and longer-term supply and geopolitical consequences.

Muhanad Saloum, Doha-based scholar of Gulf politics and Iran’s networks, and Emile Hokayem, regional security analyst at IISS, discuss who is gaining advantage after weeks of strikes. They debate Iran’s strategic leverage, the impact of targeted leadership attacks, threats to the Strait of Hormuz, limits to Iran’s power projection, Gulf states’ responses, and prospects for a regional deal.

Arthur Holland-Michel, journalist and AI researcher on AI in modern warfare, and Emelia Probasco, former Navy officer and security policy expert, discuss AI’s growing role across conflicts. They cover AI use in Iran following Gaza, military adoption of LLMs and MAVENSmart, limits of AI against simple tactics, accountability around AI-assisted targeting, and risks of machine-speed autonomous systems.

Omid Djalili, British‑Iranian comedian and cultural commentator, speaks passionately about Iran’s uprising and humanitarian toll. He frames the crisis through responsibility to protect and explains why many Iranians support painful change. He discusses censorship, propaganda, leadership succession and the risks and consequences of removing the regime.

Bernard Haykel, Near Eastern Studies professor advising on Gulf politics; Guy Laron, historian of oil and author of Oil Wars. They discuss Saudi neutrality and Gulf fears of Iranian revisionism. They explore why oil infrastructure has largely been spared and whether the US aims to control Iran’s energy chokepoints. They weigh risks to the Strait of Hormuz and how rising prices shape strategic choices.

Fred Fleitz, former National Security Council official and America First Policy Institute vice-chair, offers U.S. strategic views. Chimène Keitner, international law expert and ex-State Department legal adviser, examines legality of force. General Sir Richard Shirreff, retired NATO deputy commander, gives military and strategic analysis. They debate escalation risks, legal justification, civilian harm, wider geopolitical fallout, and post-conflict options.