The Inside Story Podcast

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What would it take for Iran to reopen the Strait of Hormuz? Apr 03, 2026

Show notes

Several countries say they will take action against Iran's near-total closure of the Strait of Hormuz. But with no end in sight to the war, what would make Tehran open the waterway? And is using force an option?

In this episode:

Hassan Ahmadian, Associate Professor at the University of Tehran
Rockford Weitz, Maritime Studies Program Director at Tufts University's Fletcher School
Craig Murray, Maritime specialist and former Maritime Section head of the UK's Foreign Office

Host: Rishaad Salamat

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As support for war fades, what is Israel seeking in Iran? Apr 02, 2026

Show notes

Israel and the US continue to bomb Iran. But Israeli opinion polls suggest support for the war is dropping, while Iranian missiles still force millions into shelters there. So, what does Israel now seek from attacking Iran, and what could end its onslaught?

In this episode:

Daniel Levy, President of the U.S. / Middle East Project and a former Israeli negotiator during the Oslo Accords
Gordon Gray, Kuwait Professor of Gulf and Arabian Peninsula Affairs at Georgetown University and a former U.S. Ambassador to Tunisia
Yossi Mekelberg, Senior Consulting Fellow at Chatham House

Host: James Bays

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What is Israel's controversial death penalty law? Apr 01, 2026

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As Israel's parliament approves the death penalty to hang Palestinians convicted of lethal attacks, far-right ministers celebrate with champagne. The UN, Europe, and rights groups have condemned the law, but not the US. What are the implications?

In this episode:

Mustafa Barghouti, General Secretary of the Palestinian National Initiative political party
Ofer Cassif, member of the Israeli parliament, the Knesset
William Schabas, Professor of International Law at Middlesex University and author of the book 'The Abolition of the Death Penalty in International Law'

Host: James Bays

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What's the significance of Kharg Island? Mar 31, 2026

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US President Donald Trump is threatening to take over or destroy Iran's main oil export hub at Kharg Island. Trump admits such a move would require boots on the ground. But, given the nature of this conflict, will he take that chance? And why does Kharg Island matter so much?

In this episode:

Negar Mortazavi, Senior Non-Resident Fellow at the Center for International Policy
Matthew Kroenig, Vice President at the Atlantic Council
Alexandre Vautravers, Defence Policy Specialist and Editor-in-Chief of Swiss Military Review

Host: James Bays

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Can Pakistan broker peace between the US and Iran? Mar 30, 2026

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Pakistan says it's ready to host talks on ending the war in Iran. That came after a meeting of regional foreign ministers in Islamabad. But what leverage do these players have to reach a ceasefire? And with fighting escalating, is a peaceful settlement possible?

In this episode:

Munir Akram, A former Permanent Representative of Pakistan to the United Nations
Ali Vaez, Director of the Iran Project at the International Crisis Group
Bozkurt Aran, Director at The Economic Policy Research Foundation of Turkiye and a former Turkish Ambassador to Pakistan and Iran

Host: James Bays

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What difference will the Houthis' involvement in the Iran war make? Mar 29, 2026

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What difference will the Houthis' involvement in the war make? They have launched missiles at Israel in support of Iran and threatened more attacks. What are the consequences of opening a new front? And given the Yemeni group's proximity to the Red Sea, what could it mean for global shipping?

In this episode:

Hisham Al-Omeisy, Senior Yemen Advisor, European Institute of Peace.
H A Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow, Defence and Security Studies, Royal United Services Institute.
Michael Mulroy, Former US Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense, Middle East.

Host: James Bays

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Why are Gulf countries signing deals with Ukraine? Mar 28, 2026

Show notes

As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Gulf nations are seeking new defence partnerships.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar has signed deals with Ukraine to gain access to its drone expertise.
Could other countries follow suit? And would it make a difference on the ground?

In this episode:

Dania Thafer - Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum, a think-tank based in Washington DC
Oleksiy Melnyk - Co-Director of the Foreign Relations and International Security programmes at the Razumkov Centre
Pavel Felgenhauer - Defence and Russian foreign policy analyst

Host: Adrian Finighan

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How are the Gulf state economies connected? Mar 27, 2026

Show notes

The Iran war is hitting Gulf Arab nations hard, but with a wider impact in today's interlinked world.
As well as global oil and gas supplies, Gulf states play a critical role in many economies. So how are they connected — and what could be at risk?

In this episode:

Nikolay Kozjharnov, Research Associate Professor in Energy Security at the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University
Cornelia Meyer, Macroeconomist and oil and gas specialist
Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at global risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft

Host: James Bays

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What are the red lines for both the US and Iran? Mar 26, 2026

Show notes

Iran sets out its conditions for an end to the war — rejecting the US list of 15 demands. Tehran says they don't reflect reality, while Donald Trump threatens to 'unleash hell' if his terms aren't met. What are the red lines for both sides?

In this episode:

Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies
Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations
Thomas Warrick, Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council

Host: Folly Bah Thibault

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What strategy is Iran playing in the Gulf states and beyond? Mar 25, 2026

Show notes

Iran has kept up attacks on neighbouring Gulf states and Israel, despite intense US and Israeli bombing, with senior Iranian figures assassinated. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, limiting the transit of vital energy supplies. So what's Iran's strategy - and what are its options?

In this episode: