Freddy Gray

Spectator World columnist – and Heritage Foundation fellow – Daniel McCarthy joins Freddy Gray to explain how Trump's war with Iran could mark the end of an era, that of neoconservatism. For Daniel, there is no contradiction between Trump's 'America First' policy and its overseas interventions: Trump is pursuing a version of hegemony that will reduce the need for future interventions. If all goes to plan, this could mark an ideological watershed that stretches back to the first Gulf War in the early 1990s – but it's a big 'if'. What if the conflict spirals out of control? To what extent was this driven by Trump, or by Netanyahu? And what are the dynamics at play between the leadership figures in Maga? Produced by Patrick Gibbons.

Today NATO forces intercepted an Iranian missile headed for Turkey. Whilst it remains unclear where that missile was intended to land, questions have emerged over whether President Erdogan can continue his strategy of geopolitical pragmatism. So far the Turkish leader has managed to appeal to China, Russia, Europe and the US. But will he be forced to pick a side? Freddy Gray discusses this with Spectator writer Owen Matthews and the recent reemergence of Kurdish forces being funded by Israel and the US to attack the Iranian regime.

Freddy is joined by historian and former diplomat, Charlie Gammell. They discuss the situation in Iran, whether the US is heading for a decisive confrontation, and examine the regional consequences: proxy warfare, Gulf energy security, Pakistan’s delicate position, and migration pressures on Europe.

Donald Trump has urged Iranians to ‘take over’ their government after the United States and Israel struck targets across the country. A multitude of Iranian military and government targets were hit by missiles in what is turning out to be a joint operation far more comprehensive than the 12-day air campaign last June. Freddy Gray and Jacob Heilbrunn join to discuss why now, how this attack is fraught with risk for Trump's presidency, and how Trump's administration was hijacked by the neoconservatives.

Will Donald Trump strike Iran? After General Dan Caine reportedly cautioned the President that a lack of munitions and support from allies could mean greater danger for U.S, speculation is mounting in Washington over whether Trump will proceed with a military attack on Iran. Freddy Gray is joined by Professor John Mearsheimer of the University of Chicago to assess what Trump is really planning – and what options he actually has. They discuss Iran’s advancing nuclear programme, its ballistic missile capabilities, why Trump may be getting cold feet, and the extent of past American involvement in efforts at regime change in Tehran.

Freddy Gray is joined by Tina Brown, former editor of several publications including Vanity Fair, Tatler, The New Yorker, founding editor-and-chief of the Daily Beast and now writes her own Substack FRESH HELL. They discuss the staff massacre which has unfolded at the Washington Post, why Jeff Bezos is wrong to be led by views over journalism, and how the sordid nature of the Epstein files continues to haut UK and US news.