The Fourcast

Gabriel Elefteriu, a space power policy expert, and Libby Jackson, a human spaceflight and public engagement specialist, unpack Artemis II. They discuss lunar bases, resource prospects, China’s steady rise, commercial firms reshaping space power, legal limits of the Outer Space Treaty, and the risks of militarisation and debris. Short, strategic, and forward-looking takes on who will control orbit.

General Sir Patrick Sanders, retired former Chief of the General Staff and defence commentator, offers sharp analysis on modern conflict and military strategy. He debates US troop moves to the Gulf and the risks of seizing Kharg Island. He warns of NATO strains, Britain’s vulnerability without US access, gaps in air and cyber defence, and how AI and autonomous systems are reshaping warfare.

Holly Mead, money journalist who covers household budgets and cost‑of‑living hits. Robin Mills, CEO of Qamar Energy and oil and gas market analyst. They discuss the scale of the current energy shock, the difference between price moves and physical fuel shortages, risks to jet fuel and air travel, why disruptions keep prices high, and what governments and households might do next.

Mark Urban, defence and intelligence analyst and author, offers concise military and geopolitical perspective. He discusses control of the Strait of Hormuz and Iran’s oil shadow markets. He explains logistics challenges of assaults like Kharg Island and the limits of US troop deployments. He examines the 440kg enriched uranium question and how domestic politics and markets shape strategic choices.

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.