Commercial vessels under attack.The blockades by the US and Iran in the Strait of Hormuz are disrupting global trade.The crisis highlights the danger conflicts and territorial disputes pose to shipping. Why are maritime laws failing to secure the seas?

In this episode:

• Rockford Weiz - Director of Fletcher Maritime Studies program at Tufts University
• George Theocharidis - Professor of Maritime Law and Policy at the World Maritime University
• Stavros Karamperidis - Associate Professor in Maritime Economics at Plymouth University's Business School

Host: James Bays

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Pakistan opens land trade routes to Iran, allowing the transit of goods. It's a much-needed reprieve for both economies. But does it undercut Washington's pressure campaign on Tehran? And how will it impact the Islamabad-mediated talks to end the war?

In this episode:

• Mushahid Hussain Syed, Pakistani defence and foreign policy specialist
• Setareh Sadeqi, Assistant Professor at the University of Tehran, specialising in U.S.-Iran relations
• Ross Harrison, Senior Fellow at the Middle East Institute in Washington DC

Host: James Bays

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Widespread destruction by Israel of houses and civilian facilities in Lebanon, leaving a fifth of the population out of their homes. Israel's defence minister says tactics used in Gaza are being replicated in Lebanon. So, what are the similarities?

In this episode:

• Ramzi Kaiss, Lebanon Researcher at Human Rights Watch.
• Elijah Magnier, Specialist in Middle East wars and regional military dynamics
• Nicholas Noe, Editor-in-Chief of Mideastwire.com, a Beirut-based news service
• Yasmine Chawaf, Global Protection Advocacy Coordinator at Oxfam in Beirut

Host: James Bays

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The United Arab Emirates quits OPEC. The oil-producing bloc is losing one of its most important members. It comes during the worst global energy crisis of modern times, caused by the Iran war, which has hit the UAE hard. So why now - and what's the impact?

In this episode:

• Chris Weafer, Chief Executive Officer at Macro-Advisory strategic consultancy
• Cornelia Meyer, CEO of Meyer Resources and an oil and gas Specialist
• Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at the global risk intelligence company, Verisk Maplecroft

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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The UN Secretary General has given a dire warning about the waning influence of the Nuclear Non-Proliferation Treaty (NPT). It's being reviewed in the shadow of a tense ceasefire between the US and Iran. Will the agreement survive? And is it enough to prevent a nuclear disaster?

In this episode:

• Tariq Rauf, Former Head of Verification and Security Policy Coordination at the International Atomic Energy Agency
• Kelsey Davenport, Director for Nonproliferation Policy at the US Arms Control Association
• Seyed Hossein Mousavian, former Iranian nuclear negotiator

Host: Mohammed Jamjoom

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Palestinians exercising their democratic right to vote. But the municipal elections alienated most factions. The Palestinian Authority's party, Fatah, and its affiliates claimed victory. Will the elections make a difference to the people under Israeli occupation?

In this episode:

• Ahmed Fattouh, Fatah spokesperson
• Jalal Abukhater, Policy Manager at 7amleh - The Arab Center for the Advancement of Social Media
• Xavier Abu Eid, Political analyst and former PLO Communications Director

Host: Imran Khan

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Former enemies in Mali, including an Al-Qaeda-linked group, join forces to target military sites. The defence minister has been killed. Russian mercenaries backing the government have come under attack. What are the implications of this unrest?

In this episode:

• Oluwole Ojewale, Regional Co-ordinator for West and Central Africa, Institute for Security Studies.
• Nicolas Normand, Former French Ambassador to Mali.
• Ovigwe Eguegu, Policy Analyst, Development Reimagined.

Host: Imran Khan

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Divisions widen within NATO. US president Donald Trump is furious after a refusal by European member states to join the Iran war. Reports say he's considering measures against the UK and Spain. So, how serious is the rift for the future of the military alliance?

In this episode:

• Carne Ross - former British Diplomat and founder of the non-profit advisory group, Independent Diplomat.
• Eli Bremer - Retired Major in the US Air Force and a Republican Strategist
• Pablo Calderon Martinez - Head of Politics and International Relations at Northeastern University London and a specialist in European affairs.

Host: James Bays

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