One Decision

After weeks of buildup, the United States and Israel have attacked Iran, killing long-time leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei. How will the downfall of his regime reverberate throughout the Middle East and beyond? 

Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and journalist Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio) dive into the questions around the decision to strike Iran, what the death of Khamenei means for Iran’s future, and whether Iranian proxies in the region like Hezbollah have the strength to aid in retaliation.

Plus: Does China have a reason to step in and help Iran? Should Russian President Vladimir Putin be concerned that he’s lost an ally, or emboldened because of the United States’ split attention? What will the UK’s involvement be in supporting the US and Israel in this conflict?

In this episode:


01:37 - The decision behind killing Khamenei


03:43 - Ramifications of turning Khamenei into a martyr


06:32 - Why a popular uprising in Iran is unlikely


08:50 - Starlink and the information war


10:25 - How the Ayatollah’s downfall may be the death knell for Iran’s regional proxies


12:28 - Who backs Iran now?


13:51 - Will China be a mediator?


15:48 - Putin’s lost an ally


19:18 - Consequences of Starmer’s hesitancy


22:36 - The lethal combination of Israeli HUMINT and the CIA’s advanced surveillance

Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and journalist Kate McCann (Political Editor at Times Radio).
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When a former CIA officer and the ex-Chief of MI6 agree something is coming — pay attention. This week, Sir Richard Dearlove, former Chief of MI6, and guest co-host Baroness Ayesha Hazarika are joined by Mike Baker, a former CIA covert operations officer with nearly two decades running intelligence operations in the world's most hostile environments.

Together, they give an unvarnished assessment of the three crises dominating global affairs right now: whether US military action against Iran is imminent and what it would actually target; why Putin has little incentive to end the war in Ukraine and what could change his calculus; and why Cuba, just 90 miles from Florida, may be closer to collapse than anyone is reporting.

Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Baroness Ayesha Hazarika (House of Lords).
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The U.S. Supreme Court just struck down President Trump's reciprocal tariffs — so what happens next? Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove and Baroness Ayesha Hazarika break down Trump's options to reimpose his tariff regime, what it means for trade negotiators worldwide, and why international leaders who flew to Washington may have wasted their time.

Plus: Will US intel lead the front of the war against Mexican drug cartels? What role will the Board of Peace play on the global stage beyond Gaza? Is the United Nations still an important force in geopolitics?

In this episode:


What’s next for President Trump’s tariffs after the U.S. Supreme Court’s sweeping decision 


Knock-on effects to watch for following the killing of Mexican cartel leader Nemesio Oseguera, aka “El Mencho”


The role President Trump’s Board of Peace may play in the rebuilding of Gaza


The diminished relevance of the United Nations in world affairs

Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and Baroness Ayesha Hazarika (Member of the House of Lords).
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Former Prince Andrew Mountbatten-Windsor was arrested on suspicion of misconduct in public life, and not for his alleged behavior toward women. He is the first member of the British royal family to be detained since King Charles I was taken prisoner in 1647. Former MI6 Chief Sir Richard Dearlove details the level of classified information Andrew may have allegedly shared for personal gain.

In this special bonus episode:


Why Prince Andrew was arrested for misconduct in public office


The state of the UK justice system and the future of the monarchy


The fallout from the Epstein files: why the UK is acting while the US remains silent


Peter Mandelson’s vulnerability to similar charges


Andrew’s history as “Randy Andy” and “Air Miles Andy”

Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and co-host Kate McCann (Political Editor, The Times). 
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Is 2026 China's window to “reunite” Taiwan? With Trump’s muted position on Taiwan and focus on the Western Hemisphere, China experts see a "perfect storm" of opportunity. Yun Sun, Ph.D., Director of the China Program at the Stimson Center, explains why Beijing believes this may be a now-or-never moment.  Dr. Sun unpacks her arguments and warnings from her recent Foreign Affairs essay.

In this episode:


The People's Liberation Army’s military readiness 


If the United States won’t intervene, would Japan or South Korea? 


Decoding the signals from the purge of PLA generals


Xi Jinping's legacy ambitions


Warning signs to watch in 2026

Show Notes: 


A Perfect Storm for Taiwan in 2026? | Foreign Affairs  


Yun Sun | Stimson Center


Yun Sun | Brookings 

Hosted by Sir Richard Dearlove (former MI6 Chief) and guest co-host Rosanna Lockwood (international journalist).
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