Even-more-maximum pressure: sanctions on Iran

<p>After much hullabaloo America announced its “Operation Economic Outcast”, a new tranche of sanctions. It is <a href="economist.com/middle-east-and-africa/2026/08/2…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">thin gruel</a>, and might in fact invite military reprisals from Iran. Call centres form a large part of the economy of the Philippines; surprisingly, AI is <a href="economist.com/asia/2026/08/06/the-philippines-…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">not stopping</a> the industry’s rise. And a data-led look at <a href="economist.com/graphic-detail/2026/07/21/where-…; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank">which cities</a> offer the best (relative) paycheques. </p><br><p>Guests and host:</p><ul><li>Fraser McIlwraith, foreign correspondent</li><li>Joshua Spencer, Asia news editor</li><li>Vishnu Padmanabhan, Asia correspondent</li><li>Rosie Blau, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li><li>Jason Palmer, co-host of “The Intelligence”</li></ul><p><br></p><p>Topics covered: </p><ul><li>Iran war, sanctions</li><li>AI, offshoring, the Philippines</li><li>world cities, pay, economic migration</li></ul><p><br></p><p><em>Listen to what matters most, from global politics and business to science and technology—</em><a href="subscribenow.economist.com/podcasts-plus"; rel="noopener noreferrer" target="_blank"><em>subscribe to The Economist</em></a><em>.</em></p><hr><p style='color:grey; font-size:0.75em;'> Hosted on Acast. See <a style='color:grey;' target='_blank' rel='noopener noreferrer' href='acast.com/privacy'>acast.com/privacy</a>; for more information.</p>