Amanpour

President Trump has posted that the US and Iran have had talks regarding a "complete and total resolution of our hostilities in the Middle East" and is postponing military action against Iran's energy facilities for the next five days. Tehran denies any dialogue with Washington, dismissing Trump's claims as an attempt to lower energy prices. Marc Short served as Director of Legislative Affairs at the White House during Trump's first term and he joins the show to make sense of the US strategy in this war. 

Also on today's show: Wolfgang Ischinger, Former German Ambassador to the US / Chairman, Munich Security Conference; Keeanga-Yamahtta Taylor, Author & Professor, Princeton University 

 
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As the war rages on, the question is - what does victory look like for everyone involved? We begin with the Iranian view with former nuclear negotiator and diplomat Seyed Hossein Mousavian. Then, from the U.S., the Pentagon senior advisor turned whistleblower who is warning of a dangerous disregard for civilian casualties in Iran. Correspondent Jomana Karadsheh then takes us to the people on the ground, to hear from the Iranians caught between foreign bombs and a repressive regime. Then, Christiane speaks to former Israeli Prime Minister Naftali Bennett about Israel's endgame in a war boosting Benjamin Netanyahu's popularity. From the archives, recalling the time Saddam Hussein miscalculated Iran's reaction to invasion and how the war forged the strategic mindset of the Islamic Republic. And finally, Iranians around the world mark Nowruz as war casts a dark shadow over celebrations.

Air date: March 21, 2026

Guests:

Seyed Hossein Mousavian

Wes Bryant

Naftali Bennett

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"Not our war" is the message from America's top allies this week, after President Trump asked them to help secure the Strait of Hormuz. Many NATO allies view his war on Iran as illegal, and, coming from a President who just two months ago was threatening Greenland, the request fell on deaf ears. Meanwhile, America's enemies may see a the situation as an opportunity. As US Ambassador to China, Nicholas Burns witnessed Beijing's push for power up close, and he understands the complexity of America's diplomatic relations all too well. He was also US Ambassador to NATO, and he joined Christiane in London. 

Also on today's show: former Pentagon analyst Wes J. Bryant; Michael Lynton & Joshua Steiner, authors of "From Mistakes to Meaning" 

 
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Arab and Islamic states are calling on Iran to cease attacks, while affirming their right to defend themselves under international law. This comes as the war in the Middle East becomes a war on energy, precipitated by Israel's attack on Iran's South Pars gas field on Wednesday, which is a crucial supply for the country. Oman's Foreign Minister, who brokered the recent nuclear talks, called this an "unlawful war" and the Trump administration's "greatest miscalculation," while US Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth says they're "on plan." Chuck Hagel was a Republican senator who served as US Defense Secretary under President Obama, and is also a decorated army veteran who fought in the Vietnam War. He joins the show from Washington.  

Also on today's show: Ali Vaez, Iran Project Director, International Crisis Group; Sam Adler-Bell, Contributor, New York Magazine  

 
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Iran has vowed revenge for the killing of top security official Ali Larijani, who was taken out in an Israeli airstrike. Tehran has been ramping up attacks on Israel, with two pensioners killed in strikes on central Israel and almost 200 people hospitalized in 24 hours. Naftali Bennett served as Israel's Prime Minister until 2022 and joins the show to discuss what Israel's long term goal is. 

Also on today’s show: Seyed Hossein Mousavian, Former Iranian diplomat/ Former Iranian nuclear negotiator; Edward Fishman, Author, “Chokepoints: American Power in the Age of Economic Warfare” 

 
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