Hello everyone and welcome to Amampur. Here's what's coming up. The war in the Middle East is

escalating in scale and intensity as explosions rock countries across the Gulf and Israel and

Hezbollah trade blows. I ask former U.S. Deputy National Security Advisor John Feiner if the U.S. and Iran still

have a path to de-escalation.

Then, Iran vows revenge and says it will not negotiate with America.

Could it be time for Europe to resurrect its role as interlocutor between Washington and Tehran?

Elie Garna Maya from the European Council on Foreign Relations joins us.

Plus, the U.S. Joint Chiefs Chairman warns that America's mission will not be a single operation

and that more U.S. casualties should be expected.

Retired Air Force Colonel Cedric Clayton

breaks down what the next few days and weeks might hold.

And also ahead, Michelle Martin sits down with Stephen Fowler,

the NPR reporter whose investigation revealed the discrepancies

in the DOJ's handling of the Epstein files.

And welcome to the program, everyone.

I'm Paula Newton in New York, sitting in for Kristana Mampur.

War is spreading right across the Middle East as hour by hour more countries are feeling

the impact of a conflict launched by the U.S. and Israel against Iran.

Earlier, President Trump gave his first live remarks since the start of the U.S. and Israel against Iran. Earlier, President Trump gave his first live remarks

since the start of the war,

talking about why he chose to launch it and how long it may take.

This was our last best chance to strike what we're doing right now

...