The end of the ceasefire in Iran...or not?

The end of the ceasefire in Iran...or not?

Author: The Times May 6, 2026 Duration: 29:51

This episode was recorded before the latest announcement from President Trump pausing 'Project Freedom'.


Earlier this week President Trump launched his latest move in the Iran war... 'Project Freedom' was designed to get ships through the Strait of Hormuz under US military escort. But Iran said the plan meant the US was breaking the ceasefire and the two countries began trading missiles again. The UAE’s been hit too, at a time when it's increasingly turning to Israel for help. So how will the new allegiances being formed in fire reshape the region? Where are negotiations up to? And is there any hope of peace?


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guest: Michael Stephens, consultant and senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute and fellow at RAND Europe. 

Host: Manveen Rana. 

Producers: Olivia Case and Sophie McNulty.


We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: Iran war latest: Hegseth says ceasefire holds but US ‘locked and loaded’

Further listening: Is political violence America’s new normal?

Clips: Fox, Hugh Hewitt / YouTube.    

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 108

The Story
Podcast Episodes
The real reason Trump hates Zelensky [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:09
When Zelensky was elected president, Trump said he'd do a 'great job' then called him 'brave' for staying after the Russians invaded. But he's now termed his Ukrainian counterpart a 'dictator' and a 'moderately successfu…
The fall of Kanye West [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:54
In recent weeks, Kanye West, now known as ‘Ye’, has pulled off a number of bizarre stunts, including antisemitic rants and an inexplicable Super Bowl advert. Just a few years ago, the controversial rapper was a billionai…
Why Gisèle Pelicot’s rapists are getting out of prison [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:31
Last year, 50 men were convicting of raping or sexually assaulting Gisèle Pelicot, including her husband who’d orchestrated the attacks. There was worldwide uproar and calls for changes to French rape laws. But with no i…
How to deal with banking nightmares [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 24:31
Holly and Lucy are joined by Kat Denham, champion champion for The Times and The Sunday Times, as they navigate the tricky world of bank accounts mishaps. From Frozen accounts, lost payments & dormant savings, Kat shares…
The Labour politician who inspired JD Vance [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:40
Lord Maurice Glasman was the only Labour politician to be invited to Trump’s inauguration after striking up a friendship with JD Vance. So who is he and why is his 'Blue Labour' movement seen by Starmer's inner circle as…
What the Salman Rushdie trial means for free speech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:59
The British-Indian novelist Sir Salman Rushdie has faced his alleged attacker in court, after he was stabbed multiple times in 2022 during a public lecture in New York state. Hadi Matar, accused of assault and attempted…
How the US signalled a new world order in 5 days [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:09
As the United States and Russia seem to be hurtling towards a bilateral peace negotiation over Ukraine, European leaders gathered in Paris in an attempt to come up with their own response. With both Ukraine and Europe ed…
Can you live without a smartphone? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:06
A year ago Times columnist James Marriott ditched his smartphone to escape the endless notifications from his apps. How has he managed without a device many of us feel is indispensable? And could it be a more desirable f…