The Rachman Review

Is it possible to negotiate with Iran?

What is it like to negotiate with Iran and what are the key issues that need to be resolved if the war is to end? Has the war permanently reshaped the relationship between the US and Europe? Gideon talks to Baroness Catherine Ashton, who was the EU’s high representative for foreign policy from 2009 until 2014 and played a leading role in negotiations with Iran.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanMore on this topic:Armageddon is off . . . for nowUS and Iran agree 2-week ceasefire that will open Strait of Hormuz Has Trump officially united Europe Trump’s threats to pull out of Nato leave alliance exposed Subscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Nisha Patel. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Trump says the Iran war may be ending soon: mission accomplished?

Donald Trump has said the US military action against Iran may be coming to an end. If so, what would it have achieved and where does this leave the key question of safe passage for shipping through the Strait of Hormuz? Gideon discusses the consequences of the war for the US and its allies with Philip Gordon of the Brookings Institution. Clip: NBC NewsFree links to read more on this topic:Trump threatened to stop weapons for Ukraine unless Europe joined Hormuz coalitionShutting Hormuz is a template for China in TaiwanIran could emerge from the war stronger and more dangerousUK to host coalition talks on securing Strait of HormuzOne battle after another: Netanyahu’s new security doctrinePresented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Hungary’s pivotal election

Viktor Orbán has been a thorn in the side of the EU and a favourite of Donald Trump. But his party is now behind in the polls ahead of next month’s Hungarian elections. So could this mark the end of the Orbán era? Gideon discusses this with Zsuzsanna Végh, an analyst at the German Marshall Fund. They also discuss Orbán's close relationship with Russia and hostility to Ukraine. Clip: APTFree links to read more on this topic: ECB warns Hungary’s seizure of Ukraine cash risks euro credibilityHungarian opposition groups quit to make way for Orbán challengerKremlin backs covert campaign to keep Viktor Orbán in powerThe riches of Viktor Orbán’s home villageHow Viktor Orbán’s oligarchs reaped billions in public contractsSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The heavy cost of the war on Iran

Gideon discusses the Iran war with defence analyst Jack Watling, author of Statecraft - The New Rules of Power in a Divided World. Why did the US fail to foresee the need to protect the vital Strait of Hormuz shipping route? What options are there to bring the war to a close?Clip: NYTFree links to read more on this topic:Iran vows retaliation against energy sites across Gulf after largest gasfield hitTrump ally warns US economy not strong enough to cope with Iran warIran still seen capable of escalating attacks on Gulf’s energyIsrael says it has killed Iran’s top security official Top US counterterrorism official resigns over war against IranSubscribe to The Rachman Review wherever you get your podcasts - please listen, rate and subscribe.Presented by Gideon Rachman. Produced by Fiona Symon. Sound design is by Sean McGarrity.Follow Gideon on Bluesky or X @gideonrachman.bsky.social, @gideonrachmanRead a transcript of this episode on FT.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Introducing Untold: Opus Dei

Introducing Opus Dei, a new season of Untold from the Financial Times. Host Antonia Cundy uncovers the cultural and political influence of a controversial Catholic organisation in America. Opus Dei exists to help people get closer to God, but some members say they found other agendas – and unexpected harm – entangled in that spiritual mission. The first episode of Untold: Opus Dei launches March 25. Listen on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Pocket Casts or wherever you get your podcasts. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.