Amanpour

Five weeks into the U.S.-Israel war with Iran, U.S. President Donald Trump's first address to the nation left lots of questioned unanswered, including how the U.S. plans to end the conflict. Retired Admiral John Kirby held top communications roles at the Pentagon, National SecurityCouncil and White House and he joins the show to discuss where the war goes next. Meantime, Russia's war on Ukraine grinds on, amid mounting fears that weapons Ukraine badly needs are being diverted to the Middle East. Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister Dmytro Kuleba speaks to Christiane about the impact of that, and of President Trump's falling out with NATO powers. Then, the energy crisis in Cuba is growing more severe with every passing day, as the country struggles under the Trump administration's oil blockade. CNN's Patrick Oppmann speaks exclusively with the grandson of the late Cuban dictator Fidel Castro, who believes Havana needs to make a deal with Trump. Plus, Christiane's conversation with former White House Iran aide Gary Sick, who served in the U.S. National Security Council under Presidents Ford, Carter and Reagan. He tells Christiane why he sees Trump as a deal maker, not a history maker. And from the archive, a look back at the long fight for change in Iran. An excerpt from Christiane’s report from Tehran in 2000, when the reform phase was at its height. And finally, a sneak peek at Christiane's conversation with award-winning actor Adrien Brody. He joins Christiane alongside playwright Lindsey Ferrentino to discuss their new Broadway play "The Fear of 13."

Air date: April 04,  2026

Guests:

John Kirby

Dmytro Kuleba

Gary Sick
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For our first story today, Christiane speaks to former presidential advisor Gary Sick for a historical perspective on the hostilities between the US and Iran and where he sees this current conflict heading.  

Also on today's show: Actor Adrien Brody and playwright Lindsey Florentino discuss "The Fear of 13"; Atlantic staff writer McKay Coppins on his story, "Sucker: My Year as a Degenerate Gambler" 

 
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“We're going to hit them extremely hard over the next two to three weeks. We're going to bring them back to the Stone Ages where they belong.” That quote is courtesy of Donald Trump, who shared it during last night’s national address on the war against Iran. Oil traders were clearly hoping for a plan for reopening the Strait of Hormuz. They didn't get one. John Kirby is a former US Navy Rear Admiral and has served as Pentagon spokesperson, State Department spokesperson and National Security Communications Advisor. He joins the show from Chicago. 

Also on today’s show: Vali Nasr, Former U.S. State Department Adviser; Edward Wong, Diplomatic Correspondent, New York Times 
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President Donald Trump says the Iranian president is asking for a ceasefire and he claims the nuclear threat from Iran has been dealt with. He is also telling allies its up to them to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and he suggested to a British newspaper that he is considering leaving NATO. Former State Department official Jon Alterman joins the show from DC to discuss what happens next. 

Also on today's show: Dmytro Kuleba, Former Ukrainian Foreign Minister; Brian Goldstone, Author, "There Is No Place For Us"; Hoda Sobhani, Director, "That Night" 

 
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European countries struggling with the energy crisis caused by the US-Israeli war against Iran are getting zero sympathy from Donald Trump. This morning, the US president vented his frustration, posting on Truth Social, "You’ll have to start learning how to fight for yourself, the U.S.A. won’t be there to help you anymore, just like you weren’t there for us." Julianne Smith, who served as Ambassador to NATO under President Biden, joins Bianna to discuss. 

Also on today’s show: Lynn Harfoush, Executive Committee member, Lebanese National Bloc; Nicholas Lemann, Author, “Return­ing” 

 
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