The Take

Iran has named Mojtaba Khamenei as the Islamic Republic’s new supreme leader after his father was killed in US-Israeli strikes. Little-known publicly but influential behind the scenes, he takes power during a rapidly escalating regional war. Who is Mojtaba Khamenei, and what could his leadership mean for the country and the conflict ahead?
In this episode:
Ali Hashem (@alihashem), Al Jazeera Senior Correspondent
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Sarí el-Khalili with Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Tuleen Barakat, David Enders and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.
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As missiles strike across Israel and Iran, what are we really allowed to see?
With strict censorship and limited access, journalists and the public are seeing only part of the story: Who decides what information gets out, and what does that mean for truth in a war affecting millions?
In this episode:
Diana Buttu (@dianabuttu), Human Rights Lawyer and Analyst
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Marcos Bartolomé and Sarí el-Khalili with Spencer Cline, Chloe K. Li, Tuleen Barakat, Catherine Nouhan, and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.
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The price of oil has soared over $100 a barrel globally as a result of the US-Israeli war on Iran. Iran has effectively shut down shipping lanes in the Strait of Hormuz, while Israel has attacked critical Iranian oil depots. Despite public pressure and outrage, all parties seem prepared to continue the war. What will it mean for the global economy and the people caught in the crossfire?
Listen to more about the Strait of Hormuz here.
In this episode:
Zein Basravi (@virtualzein), Al Jazeera Senior Correspondent
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Chloe K. Li, with Sarí el-Khalili, Catherine Nouhan, Tuleen Barakat, Spencer Cline and our host, Malika Bilal. It was edited by Alexandra Locke.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhem. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.
Special thanks to Sheila H.

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Israel’s latest attacks on Lebanon come after decades of conflict with Hezbollah. Wars, assassinations and pressure have failed to break the group, which continues to launch rockets and fight Israeli forces. Why has Hezbollah endured, and what does the latest escalation reveal about the long war between Israel and Hezbollah?
In this episode:
Hala Jaber (@HalaJaber), Journalist
Episode credits:
This episode was produced by Noor Wazwaz and Tuleen Barakat with Sarí el-Khalili, Monah Hamade, Gerard Baldadad, Adhil Veetil, Shreshtha Sanghvi, and our guest host, David Enders. It was edited by Noor Wazwaz.
Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our video editors are Hisham Abu Salah and Mohannad al-Melhemm. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.
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This week: 158 days into a ceasefire, Israel has killed at least 640 Palestinians in Gaza. Israel and US continue to strike in Iran, Israel closes all Gaza crossings. Lebanon’s central Beirut bombed by Israel.
Israel has killed more than 72,123 Palestinians in Gaza since October 7th, 2023.
In this episode:
Mohamed Vall, Al Jazeera Journalist
Zeina Khodr, (@ZeinakhodrAljaz) Al Jazeera Correspondent
Hind Al Khoudary, (@Hind_Gaza) Al Jazeera Correspondent
Zein Basravi, @virtualzein) Al Jazeera Senior Correspondent
Episode credits:
This episode was produced and mixed by Marthe van der Wolf. Our sound designer is Alex Roldan. Our lead of audience development and engagement is Andrew Greiner and Munera AlDosari is our engagement producer. Alexandra Locke is The Take’s executive producer.
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