On Point with Meghna Chakrabarti

Sal Mercogliano, a maritime historian and captain who navigates modern shipping, and Rudy Matei, a historian of early modern Iran, explore the Strait of Hormuz’s history, its strategic control shifts, and why so much oil moves through this narrow waterway. They discuss navigation challenges, naval tactics, mines, and the economic and insurance ripples tied to transit disruptions.

Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director at the International Crisis Group and former facilitator in the 2015 nuclear talks, explains diplomatic mechanics and technical barriers. He compares 2015’s rigorous, multilateral process to recent ad‑hoc meetings. He outlines Iran’s enrichment capacity, breakout timelines, and why missing technical teams and mistrust have derailed serious negotiations.

Tom Nichols, professor emeritus and Atlantic staff writer who wrote The Death of Expertise, discusses the erosion of expert trust and its risks to democracy. He analyzes presidential impulsiveness in war decisions. He critiques a weak, underqualified cabinet and warns how sidelining experts harms public safety and institutions.

Jack Beatty, a longtime news analyst who ties history, literature and politics to today, unpacks Trump's connections to Jeffrey Epstein and possible Russian links. He discusses reports of Russia aiding Iranian attacks, legal and moral questions about presidential statements, and how Epstein documents and investigations might intersect with geopolitical influence.

Billy Martin, drummer/composer from Medeski Martin & Wood, talks about groove and embodied percussion. Jerry Leake, world percussionist and educator, demonstrates African drumming and ensemble practice. Susan Rogers, neuroscience and psychoacoustics professor, explains how the brain locks to tempo and why certain beats move us. They explore rhythm in movement, culture, and everyday life.

Ricardo Zuniga, former U.S. diplomat who helped negotiate with Cuba, offers diplomatic perspective. Michael Bustamante, historian and chair of Cuban studies, traces the long arc of U.S.-Cuba ties. Patrick Oppmann, CNN Havana bureau chief, reports on blackouts, fuel shortages, and daily life. They discuss Trump’s rhetoric about “taking” Cuba, the humanitarian fallout of blockades, and what Washington might seek in talks.

Sir Lawrence Friedman, emeritus war studies professor and author, offers long-term strategic perspective. Teng Zhao, Carnegie senior fellow, explains Chinese and regional reactions. David Sanger, NYT national security correspondent, analyzes U.S. policy choices. They discuss coalition shortfalls, Tehran’s nuclear calculations, China’s energy and diplomatic responses, and the broader geopolitical fallout.

Qasra Arabi, director of the IRGC Research Group at United Against Nuclear Iran, specializes in Iranian military and Shia extremism. She traces Mojtaba Khamenei’s radicalization, seminary training, and ties to the IRGC. Discussions cover apocalyptic Mahdiism, the IRGC’s role as an ideological force, succession engineering, and what his rise means for power dynamics and prospects for de‑escalation.

Daniel Kurtzer, former U.S. ambassador and Princeton Middle East scholar; Ori Goldberg, independent Israeli analyst critical of policy; Lazer Berman, Times of Israel diplomatic correspondent. They dissect Israel’s strategic aims in the campaign against Iran. Short takes on Netanyahu’s objectives, limits of air strikes, proxy threats and where U.S. and Israeli goals may diverge.

Terry Tempest Williams, an author and environmental advocate who writes about wilderness, religion, grief, and place. She tells stories of small, luminous moments like an ant with a blossom and a canyon born from floods. Conversations touch on grief, community rituals, indigenous continuities, and finding beauty and attention amid climate chaos.