Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

Is Donald Trump fit to be President and leader of the free world? With people increasingly questioning the Commander in Chief's mental acuity, Christiane and Jamie look at some of the wild swings in Trump’s recent statements about the Iran War and ask whether he is still of sound mind.Christiane also highlights how Trump’s war tactics have backfired and turned the Strait of Hormuz into an economic weapon that Iran is using as a chokehold on the global economy - and they discuss whether there is any prospect of the Trump administration striking a deal with Iran’s leaders, or if it's more likely that the current blockade in the Strait continues.Later, they both react to Viktor Orban being ousted as Hungary’s Prime Minister in the country’s recent elections. Christiane & Jamie unpick whether this result means the end of populism in Europe, and what impact it could have on the future of MAGA in the US.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie discuss whether Trump’s handling of Iran has created a dangerous new source of power for Tehran - one that could end with Iran implementing tolls to re-open the Strait of Hormuz.They also examine whether any diplomatic solution exists without direct US leadership, and whether Europe, the Gulf states and China are now being forced to shape a new balance of power in the region.Finally, they look at the broader political consequences of American retreat: what happens to NATO, Europe and democracy itself when the United States is no longer treated as a dependable leader?This episode was recorded on Monday 6 April.

What happens when Trump threatens to wipe out your civilisation?In this week’s episode, Christiane and Jamie discuss Trump’s ultimatum: re-open the Strait or he’ll target key infrastructure. If the Iranians don’t reach a deal, will Trump commit a war crime? And what does it mean for US military generals: will they follow unlawful orders or resign?They discuss the consequences of this and what could happen if this escalates to an energy war in the region, with the risk of the whole regional infrastructure being destroyed.Plus they discuss Pakistan’s bold peace proposal. The plan suggests strict limits on Iran’s nuclear programme and the re-opening of the Strait of Hormuz, but in return for what?Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie examine what the Iran war could mean for the Republican primary - and for two of its most prominent voices on foreign policy, Marco Rubio and JD Vance.They discuss the contradictions in Trump’s strategy, including the easing of sanctions on Russian and Iranian oil, and ask why Vladimir Putin appears to be benefiting while the US is drawn deeper into war.Plus they explore whether Trump has badly damaged America’s closest alliances, why countries like the UK and Australia are refusing to follow Washington’s lead, and what that says about US power, diplomacy and miscalculation.

Are the US and Iran engaged in real negotiations, or is this all just posturing?In this episode, Christiane and Jamie break down the current state of negotiations, and why Trump’s threats won’t work.They also look closely at the prospect of a US ground invasion: what it could involve, how realistic it is and what the consequences could be if the Iranian regime continues to resist.Jamie takes us inside the reality of diplomatic talks, revealing how negotiations unfold behind closed doors and what it would take to end the conflict.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked to examine whether Donald Trump’s apparent miscalculation on the potential for Iranian regime change could, in a more cynical reading, amount to a “win-win” - benefiting domestic oil interests, aligning with Putin’s goals, and even creating a pretext to distance the US from NATO.They also explore the escalating Israeli bombardment of Lebanon, raising the question of whether the conflict could spiral into a full-blown invasion.Finally, they unpack the seeming contradiction in Trump’s approach to NATO: why turn to the alliance for support while simultaneously antagonising key allies, rather than relying on his so-called “Board of Peace”?Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

Should we believe Trump when he claims the US has had 'productive' talks with Iran about ending the war? Christiane and Jamie unpick the President's recent statements and discuss whether he is now looking for a way to end the conflict, or if he could still escalate by attacking Iran's power plants later this week.Christiane explains how those strikes on civilian infrastructure could be considered war crimes if they do go ahead, and reveals what it's like to be in a warzone without power. She & Jamie also look at the impact another escalation would have on oil prices and the global economy more generally.Later, they explain why NATO countries have been so reluctant to support the US and Israel in this war, with Jamie highlighting how Trump's threats over Greenland earlier this year shattered the trust between America and its allies.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's Q&A, Christiane and Jamie tackle pressing questions about the Iran-U.S. tensions. They explore why President Trump is urging other nations to patrol the Strait of Hormuz despite the U.S. having the largest navy, and why NATO is involved instead of Gulf states.They're also asked about the mystery surrounding the new Ayatollah's absence from public view, addressing claims of possible injury or disfigurement. Additionally, Christiane discusses her personal connection to Iran, responding to whether she is officially banned from visiting the country after referring to herself as an 'exile.'Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week, Christiane is again joined by the legendary Tina Brown, author of the 'Fresh Hell' Substack, to dissect the countless mistakes and miscalculations made by Trump & Netanyahu in their Iran War so far.They discuss why the Trump administration appears to have been surprised by the conflict's impact on the global economy and whether the Iranian regime is any closer to falling than it was three weeks ago.Later, Christiane & Tina discuss Trump's other war: his continued assault on the free press, from giving daily micro-interviews to his notorious distraction techniques. And Tina explains why the Epstein Files are the one story that the President hasn't been able to make go away.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

On this week’s Q&A, the war in Iran takes centre stage once again. Christiane and Jamie are asked whether Iran has ever really been an existential threat to US national security, or if the regime’s threats of “Death to America” ring hollow.Then, looking to the other major conflict of our times, they’re asked whether the continued erosion of international norms around conflicts affects Ukraine, particularly given Donald Trump and Vladimir Putin’s dynamic. Will Ukraine be pressured to concede territory, or even to step aside?Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this week's episode, Christiane and Jamie look at the unintended consequences of Trump's Iran War, and the damage the conflict is doing to the world order and global economy. Christiane questions whether Trump and his team had any understanding of the nature of the Iranian regime before starting this war - and whether the President has any clear plan for how it will end.They discuss the knock-on effect the war is having on countries like Russia & China, and explain why the ongoing conflict is a 'mixed bag' for the likes of Presidents Putin & Xi. Christiane also has an update on the airstrike which killed over 100 Iranian schoolgirls at the start of the war, and gives her personal reaction to the ongoing destruction & violence in Iran.Plus Christiane reveals what she's been told about the new Supreme Leader, Mojtaba Khamenei, and she and Jamie discuss whether he will be any more open to dealing with Trump than his father was.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week's Q&A episode is a special all about the ongoing war in the Middle East: Christiane & Jamie tackle your questions on everything from who is likely to succeed the late Ayatollah Khamenei as the leader of Iran, to whether Trump might have started this conflict to distract from his domestic struggles and scandals.Later, Christiane explains whether there is more support for regime change among the older or younger generations inside Iran, and why Trump has misjudged his approach towards the exiled Crown Prince Reza Pahlavi.Meanwhile, Jamie breaks down why Hamas' October 7th attacks on Israel were the turning point that led to this war breaking out.Have a question for a future Q&A episode? Send it by email to amanpourpod@global.comFollow us on social media: @amanpourpod

In this special episode, Christiane gives her personal reaction to the killing of Ayatollah Khamanei and the dramatic events of the past few days, as she and Jamie try to make sense of America and Israel's war on Iran.How long will the airstrikes last? Can this military intervention actually lead to regime change? And how many other countries might get involved before the conflict ends? These are some of the questions they try to answer as the world waits to see what happens next.Christiane also asks whether Trump's actions might encourage Putin to attempt a similar strike on Zelensky, and reveals what she's hearing from sources inside Iran about who might be involved if America does try to implement regime change.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

On this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked what the killing of ‘El Mencho’ - who was the boss of Mexico’s powerful Jalisco New Generation Cartel and the country’s most wanted man - means for US–Mexico security cooperation and the future of joint anti-cartel strategy.They also unpack Donald Trump’s latest U-turn on the Chagos Islands deal and are asked who’s got the stronger case - Trump, or UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer?Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week, Christiane questions why there have been so few legal consequences in America for those who are implicated in the Epstein Files, and she & Jamie look at whether we are ever likely to see more people go to jail over their connections to Jeffrey Epstein. They also discuss Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor's recent arrest on suspicion of Misconduct in Public Office, plus Christiane reveals why her name appears in the Files...They also react to the Supreme Court's decision to rule many of Trump's tariffs illegal and explain what the consequences of that landmark decision could be for the global economy.Later, Christiane has the latest on potential US strikes on Iran and shares her thoughts on Steve Witkoff's claim that Trump is surprised the Iranian regime hasn't already 'capitulated' in the face of a major military build-up in the Middle East.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

This week, Christiane and Jamie are asked whether they agree with Hillary Clinton that there is an Epstein files “cover up” by the Trump administration and whether the files are being unlawfully drip-fed to the public.They’re also questioned on the controversial treatment of immigrants in America today and whether the US could face repercussions - or even international sanctions - because of it.Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

As officials from Trump's top team and the Iranian regime prepare for another round of talks, Christiane reveals the warnings she was given by key diplomats at the Munich Security Conference about the chances of Trump launching another round of strikes against Iran.Christiane also explains how she sought out Reza Pahlavi - Iran's exiled Crown Prince and one of the people who could take over if the Ayatollah's regime is toppled - at the same Conference to hear at length about his plans for a potential transition of power. She and Jamie discuss whether a return to a monarchy would be in Iran's best interests, and Christiane explains why she feels there's now support among many ordinary Iranians for the prospect of a US military intervention.Christiane & Jamie also reflect on Marco Rubio's speech to European allies in Munich: was it a Valentine's Day embrace, or another warning that America no longer has Europe's back?Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

The Q&A has returned! This week, Christiane and Jamie are asked whether America's allies would involve themselves in potential US military strikes on Iran, and if not, what that reluctance might mean.They’re then questioned on the rationale behind deploying ICE agents at the Winter Olympics, as opposed to the secret service, and why, in comparison to UK's Prime Minister Keir Starmer, Donald Trump appears to have faced far less scrutiny over the Epstein files.For more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

As the crackdown on dissidents and protesters continues in Iran, Christiane and Jamie discuss what it would actually take for the Ayatollah's Islamic regime to be overthrown - and whether there is any chance that Trump will still follow through with his threat of a military intervention, given talks have now started between the US & Iran. Christiane also calls out Jamie and all recent US administrations for being too focused on Iran's missiles and nuclear threat, and for not doing more to support the human rights of Iranian people.An impassioned Christiane also reacts to the recent sentencing of Hong Kong's media tycoon Jimmy Lai - and warns that press freedom is also being curtailed in the US and the West. She and Jamie discuss the consequences of major cutbacks at the Washington Post, and how Trump has used fear to silence many journalists who have been critical of his Presidency.Christiane and Jamie also react to the crisis facing UK Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, and discuss whether there was ever any justification for appointing Peter Mandelson as US Ambassador, given his known links to Jeffrey Epstein.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

In this episode from Australia, Christiane reacts to the announcement of an imminent summit between the US and Iran in Istanbul, and gives her view on whether those talks are likely to achieve a meaningful breakthrough, and can help to avert a regional war in the Middle East. Christiane also reflects on Trump's suggestion of Republicans 'nationalising' elections, and speculates as to whether the upcoming Midterms will be free from Presidential interference.Later, she speaks to the Pulitzer Prize-winning author and former foreign correspondent, Geraldine Brooks, about whether Trump is using ICE as a private militia, and what the US can learn from Australia, which is where Christiane is recording from this week.Contact us at: amanpourpod@global.comFor more content, please follow us:Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpodX: https://x.com/AmanpourPodFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-PresentsBlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social