Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files

Does Putin want to start a war with NATO? 02.06.2026 38хв

After a Russian drone struck a building inside NATO member Romania, Christiane and Jamie ask the question on every western leader's mind: does Putin actually want a direct confrontation with the alliance? They examine whether the incident was a reckless accident or a calculated provocation, potentially a deliberate test of NATO and Europe's willingness to respond. What does it tell us about Russia's escalation strategy, and how should the West react?Later, they turn to US domestic politics and the growing debate within the Democratic Party over Israel. With criticism of Israeli military operations and settler violence intensifying, Christiane and Jamie discuss whether Democrats should adopt a significantly tougher stance, and what the political consequences of doing so might be.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor 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.socialExclusive INCOGNI Deal: To get our exclusive discount on your annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/theexfiles 🛡️

Q&A: The Pope’s AI warning, Iran at the World Cup & is Russia still meddling in US politics? 28.05.2026 30хв

This week, Christiane and Jamie discuss Pope Leo’s warning that AI could end up starting more wars, and ask whether the technology now poses a genuine threat to the future of humanity. They also look at the politics around this summer's FIFA World Cup - which will see Iran play matches in the US - as the war in the Middle East shows no sign of ending.Christiane & Jamie also revisit Russia’s interference in the 2016 US Presidential election and discuss whether Moscow is still meddling in American politics today, even while at war with Ukraine. They also unpack the long-running ambiguity of US policy on Taiwan, before turning to British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s current political troubles and whether a change in leadership could strengthen the UK on the world stage.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor 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.socialExclusive INCOGNI Deal: To get our exclusive discount on your annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/theexfiles 🛡️

Trump strikes Iran again: a sign of desperation? 26.05.2026 36хв

The Iran ceasefire hangs by a thread after the latest round of US strikes on Iranian military sites and IRGC boats. Is this a sign that Trump is about to restart the war? Or is it that the President is becoming increasingly desperate to end the conflict he probably regrets starting three months ago? Christiane & Jamie unpick how Trump has backed himself into such a tight corner, and whether it's now inevitable that the US emerges from this war in a weaker position than when it started.Later, Christiane delivers a powerful reaction to a recent report that the US & Israel originally planned to install the former Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as the new leader of Iran - and she explains why this proves that there was no proper strategy for this conflict. Christiane & Jamie also discuss why Bibi Netanyahu is putting so much pressure on Trump to keep fighting, and whether Trump still has the authority to tell Israel what to do.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor 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.socialExclusive INCOGNI Deal: To get our exclusive discount on your annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/theexfiles 🛡️

Q&A: Trump's mental health, Epstein files accountability & Israel's death penalty 21.05.2026 24хв

With growing numbers of doctors and experts publicly questioning the president's mental fitness, Christiane and Jamie tackle the most uncomfortable question in American politics: is Donald Trump losing it?Then, Christiane and Jamie are asked about the Epstein files and why justice for the women and children who were abused is yet to be served. They also examine Israel's controversial new death penalty law for Palestinians and debate whether the October 7th attacks can justify such a measure. And to mark their first podcast anniversary, Christiane and Jamie revisit a row from their marriage over Iraq sanctions.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Exclusive INCOGNI Deal: To get our exclusive discount on your annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/theexfiles 🛡️

Iran, Cuba, Greenland: does Trump have a plan, or just a list of places to conquer? 19.05.2026 37хв

After a bruising few months of war, and with his ratings at an all-time low, could Trump be about to target Cuba? Christiane & Jamie dissect the President's recent visit to China and explain why he was unable to make any progress on reopening the Strait of Hormuz, plus they reveal why he might be planning to indict the former Cuban President Raul Castro.They also look at Trump's ongoing struggle to end the Iran War, and unpick whether other world leaders are still paying any attention to his threats. Later, Christiane reacts to reports that the US is demanding a major role in running Greenland and explains why this has the potential to reignite long-running tensions with America's European allies.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor 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.socialExclusive INCOGNI Deal: To get our exclusive discount on your annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/theexfiles 🛡️

Q&A: MAGA’s trust in Trump, US-EU divorce & Iran's Lego fightback 14.05.2026 23хв

Christiane and Jamie tackle the question of why so many MAGA supporters still trust President Trump despite rising costs, broken promises and foreign wars. They also address whether Americans truly understand how much damage has been done to the country's standing in Europe.Plus, Christiane and Jamie break down Iran's surprisingly effective Lego-style propaganda videos, explaining why humour has become the Islamic Republic's most potent weapon against the Trump administration. They also tackle a question close to Christiane's heart - why devastating humanitarian crises, such as those in Sudan and Ethiopia, continue to be ignored by the world's media - and reflect on the most important stories they've covered as The Ex Files turns one!Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Exclusive INCOGNI Deal: To get our exclusive discount on your annual Incogni plan, go to https://incogni.com/theexfiles 🛡️

Is Putin losing his nerve...and the war? 12.05.2026 42хв

What's been happening in Ukraine while the world has been watching the Iran War? Something has shifted - and not in Putin's favour. This week, Christiane and Jamie examine why Putin suddenly pushed for a ceasefire ahead of Russia's Victory Day celebrations. Was it a diplomatic gesture, or a sign of fear? They explore growing reports that Putin has become paranoid about his own security, and make the case that Ukraine may be doing far better on the battlefield than the world realises.Christiane and Jamie also discuss the latest developments in the Iran War, and look ahead to Trump's imminent visit to China. Can President Xi help to reopen the Strait of Hormuz? What would he want in return?And finally, they pay tribute to the late Ted Turner, the man who founded CNN and who changed the way the world consumed news. Christiane and Jamie explain the influence he had on them both and the legacy he leaves.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor 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

Q&A: Trump's plunging ratings, Vance vs Rubio & Israel without Bibi? 07.05.2026 28хв

Christiane and Jamie answer your questions on the global fallout from the conflict in the Middle East - is anyone paying attention to the millions in sub-Saharan Africa facing displacement as a direct consequence of the Iran War? And will China or major European nations ever apply enough pressure on Trump to end it once and for all?Plus, with millions of Americans having voted for Trump, will the attitudes that put him in power will simply produce more candidates like him? Christiane and Jamie also assess the emerging competition between JD Vance and Marco Rubio for the next Republican Presidential nomination.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media: @amanpourpod

US-Iran War: what is going on? With Tina Brown 05.05.2026 39хв

Are the US & Iran really getting closer to a peace deal, as Trump claims? With the American blockade in the Strait of Hormuz now suspended, and talks between the two sides apparently imminent, Christiane and special guest Tina Brown unpick whether Trump finally has an exit plan, or whether this could be yet another false dawn in negotiations.Christiane & Tina also discuss the challenges and the risks of holding power - and particularly President Trump - to account in the modern age of social media and disinformation. Later, they explain the impact of King Charles's recent state visit on the Special Relationship, plus they talk Putin, The Devil Wears Prada 2, and Tina reveals what's coming up at her annual Truth Tellers' Summit.You can read Tina's Substack 'Fresh Hell' here.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpodFor 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

Q&A: US-Iran stalemate, can Trump be forced out & journalists under fire 30.04.2026 28хв

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked how much chaos President Trump could yet cause for the US, what it would take for him to be removed from office and why a country that so often intervenes abroad struggles to keep its own leaders in check.On the war in the Middle East, they unpack the rigid stalemate between the US and Iran, suggesting what a resolution might realistically look like. They also look at the dangers facing journalists in Gaza and Lebanon and whether the countless reporter casualties could prompt a shift in the media - will the killing of Lebanese journalist Amal Khalil could become a watershed moment? Finally, they’re asked whether authoritarian leaders like Putin may already be fostering relationships with JD Vance in anticipation of a post-Trump world.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.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

Trump assassination attempt, Putin's threat to NATO & Iran Latest 28.04.2026 38хв

The suspect might now be in custody, but after the latest assassination attempt against President Trump, Christiane & Jamie look at why there seems to be so much anger in America right now, and discuss how people can channel their anger more effectively rather than turn to violence. They also share their own experiences of attending the White House Correspondents' Dinner, and Christiane explains why she felt moved by Erika Kirk's reaction to the incident.Christiane & Jamie also talk about whether King Charles's visit to the US can help to repair relations between Trump and the UK, and later they explain the latest on the Iran War and whether we're likely to see negotiations over a peace deal restart anytime soon.Christiane also reveals what the Czech President Petr Pavel has told her about the possibility of Putin invading a NATO state - and why Trump's anti-NATO rhetoric is music to the Russian leader's ears.Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files is a Global production, available every Tuesday and Thursday on Global Player, YouTube or wherever you get your shows. Make sure you subscribe so you never miss an episode.Follow us on social media @amanpourpod

Q&A: Is Iran's pain threshold higher than Trump's? Plus Hormuz blockade & Virginia redistricting 24.04.2026 24хв

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane & Jamie are asked whether Donald Trump’s confrontational “Art of the Deal” approach with Iran follows the same pattern seen in his tariff battles - and why world leaders continue to engage with these tactics. They also debate whether America's long-term energy blockades against Cuba should be judged by the same standards as attacks on Iran’s civilian power plants, and if all blockades should be considered a declaration of war.Plus, they discuss NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s friendly stance towards Washington, and whether keeping the US President onside comes at the expense of the alliance’s wider interests. And finally, they turn to Virginia, with Christiane & Jamie giving their verdict on the controversial vote in favour of redistricting in the State: is this just the Democrats playing by the same rules as the Republicans, or a genuine threat to democratic norms?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

Are world leaders no longer afraid of Trump? 21.04.2026 33хв

With so much uncertainty over negotiations and the future of the conflict between the US & Iran, Christiane reveals that people she's speaking to believe there could be a return to war at some point very soon. Meanwhile, Jamie explains why he thinks Trump missed a key opportunity to de-escalate when he continued the US naval blockade of the Strait of Hormuz, even after Iran agreed to reopen the waterway.Christiane also highlights the significance of the Pope's recent interventions on the war, and Jamie looks at whether other world leaders will start taking a tougher stance towards the US President if his erratic behaviour continues.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

Q&A: Could Trump be charged with war crimes? 16.04.2026 28хв

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane and Jamie are asked whether Donald Trump was drawn into conflict with Iran by Benjamin Netanyahu, what impact decreasing global support for Israel could have on US–Israel relations, and whether President Trump could face war crimes charges.They also discuss Iran’s wartime economy, the future of US–EU ties and Democratic hopes of winning back the White House.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

Is Trump losing his marbles? 14.04.2026 39хв

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

Q&A: Iran’s leverage, Hormuz tolls & will Trump leave NATO? 09.04.2026 25хв

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.

Can Trump and Iran reach a lasting deal? 07.04.2026 39хв

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

Q&A: Trump’s Iran strategy, Putin’s gain and why allies are turning away 02.04.2026 25хв

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.

Is Trump about to invade Iran? 31.03.2026 41хв

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

Q&A: Trump’s Iran "miscalculation", the bombardment of Lebanon & where’s the “Board of Peace”? 26.03.2026 22хв

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