Amanpour

Iranian state media says a possible agreement is under discussion with the US that could end the war. Regardless if and when a deal is reached, the monumental mistrust between America and the Mideast that's been growing for decades won't abate anytime soon. Our first guest knows all about that. Ben Rhodes is a former Deputy National Security Adviser who cowrote President Obama's landmark 2009 Cairo speech. He's just written a new book, "All We Say: The Battle for American Identity."  

Also on today's show: Oliver McTernan, Director, Forward Thinking; Ethar El-Katatney, Editor-in-Chief, "Documented" 
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The fragile ceasefire between Iran and the United States is facing a new test. Iran's revolutionary guard is warning it has a "legitimate" right to respond, after US forces carried out what they called self-defense strikes on Iranian missile launch sites and boats around the Strait of Hormuz. And the regional situation is growing even more volatile. Israel has launched fresh strikes in Lebanon, signaling a more aggressive posture against Hezbollah, as the Trump administration indicates continued support. Beth Sanner, a former US Deputy Director of National Intelligence, joins Bianna Golodryga to discuss. 

Also on today's show: Dr. Nahid Bhadelia, Boston University Center on Emerging Infectious Diseases; Heather Kerr, DRC Country Director, International Rescue Committee; Maya MacGuineas, President, Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget 

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As old alliances are tested and new powers emerge, diplomacy is being reshaped across a divided world. Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares discusses recent tensions between the U.S. and Europe. Then, we turn to the sports world, as former professional tennis player Rafael Nadal reflects on his new documentary and opens up about his struggles with anxiety and injury. CNN Chief International Security Correspondent Nick Paton Walsh walks down a deadly road near Ukraine’s frontlines, where modern warfare is rapidly changing. Then, Christiane speaks to Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdelatty about his country’s role as a mediator in the conflict with Iran. After The New York Times revealed that the U.S. and Israel may have considered former President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad as part of a regime change strategy, we revisit Christiane’s 2005 interview with the hardliner. And finally, as Americans honor the troops who gave their lives this Memorial Day, we return to Christiane’s conversation with WWII veteran Jake Larson, who explained why he joined the fight against fascism more than 80 years ago.

Air date: May 23, 2026

Guests:

José Manuel Albares

Rafael Nadal

Badr Abdelatty

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As the war in the Middle East grinds on, grave repercussions are hitting the world's most vulnerable. What makes it all so much worse is the total evisceration of foreign-aid funding, led by the United States dismantling USAID. Somalia has been plagued by violence and famine for decades, and now this vulnerable country is headed towards the same disaster again. New York Times reporter Peter Goodman has just returned, and he joins the show from New York.  

Also on today's show: journalist Kelli María Korducki 

 
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NATO Foreign Ministers are gathering in Sweden today, as the alliance faces mounting strains. President Trump has repeatedly criticized NATO, threatened action over Greenland and now the Pentagon says thousands of US troops will be pulled from Europe. One country that has been especially outspoken is Spain, openly challenging Washington over its war on Iran and sharply criticizing Israel's Palestine policy. Ahead of that key NATO meeting, the Spanish Foreign Minister José Manuel Albares joined Christiane. 

Also on today's show: tennis star Rafael Nadal; NYT reporter Mike Isaac 

 
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