How to mediate between Iran and the United States when one side wants revenge for the killing of its leader and the other’s erratic messaging seems ratings driven?Donald Trump’s unilateral ceasefire declaration bringing neither side back to the bargaining table, what with more ships seized in Strait of Hormuz and lockdown mode relaxed in Pakistan’s capital, this for talks that may or may not resume. We’ll ask about US demands that can change course inside the same presidential tweet…and an unclear chain of command on both sides: why was the US president flanked by Trump confidantes Jared Kushner and Steve Witkoff last time? Does it actually matter that none of those three are trained diplomats or Iran specialists?

François Picard is pleased to welcome Tutu Alicante, international human rights lawyer.and anti-corruption activist. According to Mr. Alicante, the Pope's visit to Equatorial Guinea presents a paradox: it offers a rare opportunity to spotlight injustice, yet risks being appropriated by the regime for its own validation. Could the "global moral authority" inadvertently lend credence to the authoritarian regime? Equatorial Guinea's resources have failed to lift up society and translate into human dignity. Governance remains defined by exclusion, repression, and the erosion of accountability.

François Picard is pleased to welcome Hannah Neumann, German MEP, Greens/EFA and Chair of EU Parliament's Delegation for Iran. She offers analysis on the growing geopolitical instability surrounding Iran, energy security, and the EU’s strategic position in an increasingly fragmented global order. According to Ms. Neumann, the central issue is not merely the volatility of negotiations, but their lack of clarity and coherence. From her vantage point, "the main problem is that they don't even have a clear focus on what they are negotiating about".