Amanpour

Gary Sick, former NSC Iran adviser who served under Ford, Carter and Reagan, and John Kirby, retired Navy admiral and longtime Pentagon communications official. They discuss the lack of a clear U.S. endgame, risks of sidelining the Iranian people in messaging, military options short of ground invasion, and how shifting U.S. focus affects allies and global security.

McKay Coppins, Atlantic writer who lived a year as a sports bettor, Adrien Brody, Academy Award-winning actor starring in The Fear of 13, and Gary Sick, former National Security Council Iran aide, join the conversation. They discuss U.S.-Iran historical tensions and diplomacy. They also cover the rise and psychology of legalized sports betting and a stage retelling of a wrongful conviction story.

Edward Wong, New York Times diplomatic correspondent, offers global diplomatic context. Vali Nasr, Iran scholar and former State Department adviser, explains Iranian politics and messaging. John Kirby, former Navy rear admiral and national security communications official, analyzes military strategy and regional security. They discuss Trump's rhetoric, military aims, diplomacy with Iran, China’s role and risks to Gulf security.

President Donald Trump says the Iranian president is asking for a ceasefire and he claims the nuclear threat from Iran has been dealt with. He is also telling allies its up to them to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and he suggested to a British newspaper that he is considering leaving NATO. Former State Department official Jon Alterman joins the show from DC to discuss what happens next.  Also on today's show: Dmytro Kuleba, Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister; Brian Goldstone, Author, "There Is No Place For Us"; Hoda Sobhani, Director, "That Night"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

European countries struggling with the energy crisis caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran are getting zero sympathy from Donald Trump. This morning, the US president vented his frustration, posting on Truth Social, "You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us." Julianne Smith, who served as Ambassador to NATO under President Biden, joins Bianna to discuss.  Also on today’s show: Lynn Harfoush, Executive Committee member, Lebanese National Bloc; Nicholas Lemann, Author, “Return­ing”    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

More mixed messages on the Iran war, as President Trump hints at diplomatic progress, while thousands of US troops gather in the region. Trump claims Iran agreed to "most of" America's 15-point plan to end the war; Iran contradicts him, saying the plan contains "excessive" and "unreasonable" demands. So, is continued escalation inevitable? Or could there be a negotiated settlement? Former Defense Secretary Leon Panetta joins to discuss.  Also on today's show: Jon Lee Anderson, staff writer, The New Yorker; Susan MacManus, Professor Emerita, University of South Florida    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

One month into America and Israel’s war on Iran, the global economic fallout is deepening with civilians killed, displaced, and caught in the crossfire. Christiane speaks with U.N. relief chief Tom Fletcher about the human toll of the conflict and what help is reaching those most in need. Then, transatlantic fractures emerge as Europe pushes back against President Trump’s war. What are the consequences for the alliance? Christiane asks Norway’s Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide. And Asia bearing the brunt, as the energy crisis hits poorer countries hardest. Christiane speaks with Philippine Foreign Secretary Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro about declaring an energy emergency and how the country is managing soaring prices and dwindling supply. Plus, is this the moment to accelerate the shift to renewable energy? Renowned environmentalist Bill McKibben makes his case. And from the archives, how Iran’s Islamic Revolution used education as a tool of indoctrination from the very start. Air date: March 28, 2026 Guests: UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs, Tom Fletcher Norway Foreign Minister, Espen Barth Eide Philippine Foreign Secretary, Ma. Theresa P. Lazaro Environmentalist and author, Bill McKibben Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

As the Iran war triggers a global energy crisis, the climate consequences are already mounting. The International Energy Agency warns this crisis could surpass the oil shocks of the 1970s. Yet, even as some countries accelerate the shift to renewables, the Trump administration is doubling down on fossil fuels, scrapping wind projects and expanding drilling. Bill McKibben is a leading environmentalist who argues this war underscores the urgent need to transition away from oil, and he joins the program from Vermont.  Also on today's show: Hamidreza Mohammadi, brother of imprisoned Nobel Peace Prize laureate Narges Mohammadi; cultural critic Chuck Klosterman, author of "Football"    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The economic fallout of the war with Iran is hitting countries all around the world. This week, the Philippines became the first country to declare a state of national energy emergency, and a Filipino refinery received a shipment of Russian oil today after the US waived sanctions allowing purchase of crude. Maria Theresa Lazaro is the Philippine Secretary of Foreign Affairs, and she joined the show from Manila.  Also on today's show: Tom Fletcher, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs; US House Democrat Yassamin Ansari; author Kim Ghattas    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Donald Trump took the United States to war, and now he's trying to find a way out of it. That leaves Europe in a quandary, wanting to support its most powerful ally while keeping out of a war they reject. While NATO's secretary general says Trump is acting to keep the world safe, Spain's prime minister is speaking out loudly against the war, and Germany and Norway also have grave concerns. Norwegian Foreign Minister Espen Barth Eide joins from Oslo.  Also on today's show: Husam Zomlot, Palestinian Ambassador to the UK; Robert Pape, Political Science Professor, University of Chicago    Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices