Intrigue is building around whether BRICS will take a stronger stance against U.S. unilateralism and the dominance of the dollar-based global financial system.

Speaking to RT India, economist Santosh Mehrotra said there is a growing need to challenge the dominance of the petrodollar, especially as sanctions and economic pressure continue to shape global politics. He argued that India’s BRICS presidency could help move forward discussions on BRICS trade, Global South cooperation, and alternatives to dollar dependency.

The upcoming BRICS summit in Delhi may become a key moment for central banks to work through the technical steps needed to expand intra-BRICS trade and reduce reliance on the petrodollar.

Iraq has selected businessman Ali al-Zaidi as prime minister-designate, ending months of political paralysis. Veteran Middle East reporter Tanya Goudsouzian explains why Iraqi factions finally moved toward compromise, how domestic pressure shaped the decision, and what role U.S. and Iranian influence may still play in Baghdad’s leadership choices.

The discussion explores al-Zaidi’s profile as a relatively unknown consensus candidate, his political relationships, concerns in Washington, and what his nomination suggests about Iraqi sovereignty and external influence.

Pentagon chief Pete Hegseth faced tough questioning from lawmakers over the war on Iran, with Congress pressing him on what the conflict has achieved after billions in taxpayer spending.

Diane Sare, candidate for the 2028 U.S. presidential election, joins the program to discuss the hearing, the Trump administration’s justification for the war, Iran’s position, the risk of escalation, and why she believes Congress could end the conflict by cutting funding.

In the latest episode of India, Russia and the World, strategic affairs expert Zorawar Daulet Singh notes NATO’s hesitation to back the U.S. in the Iran war, saying that if Washington had succeeded early, “they would have all joined like vultures into that conflict.”

He also adds that Russia, India, China, and even Iran are emerging as key players in a new Eurasian balance that could act as stabilizing forces shaping the next century.

Former Pentagon senior security policy analyst Michael Maloof joins us live from the US Capitol to discuss the latest Trump-Putin phone call, the war in Ukraine, and the role of European leaders in shaping the conflict.

German author and war correspondent Thomas Roeper joins the programme to discuss the latest phone call between Vladimir Putin and Donald Trump.

Khaled Batarfi speaks to RT about speculation surrounding a potential UAE exit from OPEC and what it means for global energy markets.

Setareh Sadeqi speaks to RT about escalating tensions between Iran and the United States and the ongoing standoff over the Strait of Hormuz.

In this episode of Lumumba's Africa, the Professor looks at the history and tribulations of the island of the Madagascar and the Malaga people that inhabit it to this day. A unique biosphere with a colonial history, the newly independent republic is looking for its ways of the future.

Saudi geopolitical analyst Salman al-Ansari joins the program to discuss the UAE’s reported move away from OPEC, its timing, and what it means for global energy markets.
He argues that the decision should not be overstated, saying OPEC’s real weight remains with Saudi Arabia, Russia, and other major producers. Al-Ansari also frames the move as political rather than economic, discusses Saudi Arabia’s role in stabilizing energy markets, and explains how regional tensions with Iran may shape Gulf priorities.