# Q&A: Is Iran's pain threshold higher than Trump's? Plus Hormuz blockade & Virginia redistricting

An episode of [Christiane Amanpour Presents: The Ex Files](https://invisiblenetwork.ai/podcast/1807787260), 24 Apr 2026, 24 min.

Audio: https://episodes.captivate.fm/episode/036dabb1-5946-4a57-b64f-a236d522bd06.mp3?aw_0_1st.showid=fbbc0fd6-7f5d-4503-91ab-00eef2763889&aw_0_1st.episodeid=036dabb1-5946-4a57-b64f-a236d522bd06

In this week’s Q&A, Christiane & Jamie are asked whether Donald Trump’s confrontational “Art of the Deal” approach with Iran follows the same pattern seen in his tariff battles - and why world leaders continue to engage with these tactics. They also debate whether America's long-term energy blockades against Cuba should be judged by the same standards as attacks on Iran’s civilian power plants, and if all blockades should be considered a declaration of war. Plus, they discuss NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte’s friendly stance towards Washington, and whether keeping the US President onside comes at the expense of the alliance’s wider interests. And finally, they turn to Virginia, with Christiane & Jamie giving their verdict on the controversial vote in favour of redistricting in the State: is this just the Democrats playing by the same rules as the Republicans, or a genuine threat to democratic norms? Watch us: https://www.youtube.com/@AmanpourPod Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/amanpourpod X: https://x.com/AmanpourPod Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/Christiane-Amanpour-Presents BlueSky: https://bsky.app/profile/amanpourpod.bsky.social

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