Amanpour

U.S. President Donald Trump's decision to go to war with Iran has sucked up global attention and resources. Meanwhile, Ukraine's fight for survival against Russia is grinding on, with no end in sight. Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky tells Christiane Amanpour efforts toward a ceasefire with Russia are unlikely as the United States shifts its focus to the Middle East. Then, as the Iran conflict drags on,  former US negotiator Nate Swanson says time is on Tehran's side. Also, a daring escape from North Korea. We hear from a South Korean man who risked it all for a new life. Plus, united in grief, and in hope...Israeli Maoz Inon and Palestinian Aziz Abu Sarah join on their unlikely friendship, and their new book "The Future is Peace." And from the archives, the tourists determined to see Iran with their own eyes.

Air date: April 25, 2026

 

Guests:

Volodymyr Zelensky

     Nate SwansonMaoz Inon & Aziz Abu Sarah
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From Iran to Lebanon, to Israel and the occupied West Bank, the Middle East is truly in flames. In Lebanon, Israel continues to pound Hezbollah in the south, despite a so-called ceasefire and ongoing talks with the Lebanese government. Meantime, Israeli settlers are ramping up their violence against Palestinians in the Occupied West Bank, often with the security forces looking on, and even participating. Inside Israel, many Israelis support all this war, especially since October 7th. But not all, one key voice of resistance belongs to 86-year-old Colette Avital. She is a former Israeli diplomat, Knesset member and Holocaust survivor. She joins the show from Tel Aviv.  

Also on today's show: CNN Chief Climate Correspondent Bill Weir; author Rebecca Solnit; House Representatives Anna Paulina Luna (R-FL) and Teresa Leger (D-NM) 

 
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While President Trump argues the new Iranian regime is diminished, experts claim that a more hardline generation of leaders is now calling the shots. Nate Swanson served as the National Security Council's Iran director. Days before the US and Israel launched their war, he warned that Iran would respond exactly as it has done. He joins the show to discuss this all. 

Also on today's show: Ricardo Zúñiga, who led negotiations with the Cuban government during the second Obama administration; Jen Fifield, Reporter, ProPublica  

 
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After four years of virtual stalemate in Ukraine, both Kyiv and the Kremlin are trying to use the war in Iran to their own advantage. President Zelensky visited the Middle East, offering battle-tested expertise on fending off Iran's done attacks, while Russia reportedly backs Iran with critical intelligence and weapons support, and for now, gains from soaring global oil prices. Zelensky joined Christiane from Kyiv. 

Also on today's show: historian Timothy Snyder; Mercy Corps CEO Tjada D'Oyen McKenna 

 
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The clock is ticking on President Trump's Iran ceasefire deadline. Despite expectations that Vice President JD Vance would travel to Pakistan for round two of negotiations, he remains in Washington. Even if Vance heads to Islamabad, it's uncertain if Iran will turn up. CNN International Diplomatic Editor Nic Robertson joins the show from Islamabad. 

Also on today's show: Matt Smith, Director of Commodity Research, Kpler; Ukrainian journalist Olga Rudenko; former US Trade Representative Robert Lighthizer 

 
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