As Donald Trump rejects Iran’s rejection of his peace terms, diplomatic efforts to end the war are back where they started. David Blair explains how this leaves Donald Trump with little choice to restart the war - but with little appetite to do so.

And with time running out before the US president heads to China for a high-stake summit with Xi Jinping. Memphis Barker explains how Xi Jinping could help Donald Trump to end the war, why he is unlikely to be terribly helpful, and why some fear the US might sell out Taiwan in exchange for Chinese help.

Highlights

• Netanyahu preparing to reengage militarily
• Can Xi Jinping help Donald Trump find an off-ramp from the Iran war?

CONTRIBUTORS:

Roland Oliphant, co-host and chief foreign affairs analyst @RolandOliphant

David Blair, chief foreign affairs commentator, @davidblairdt

Memphis Barker, senior foreign correspondent, @memphisbarker

CONTENT REFERENCED:

‘Double-dealing’ Pakistan plots windfall from Iran peacemaker role

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/world-news/2026/05/03/pakistan-takes-centre-stage-in-iran-negotiations/

Trump now has three options. They are all bad

https://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/2026/05/06/trump-three-options-all-bad/

Producer: Peter Shevlin

Executive Producers: Venetia Rainey & Louisa Wells

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