Sanchez Effect

‘Zelensky’s seeking a nuclear bomb was one of the reasons for the conflict’ – Vasily Prozorov

On today’s Sanchez Effect, Rick asks why Trump has been driving up tensions across the Middle East. Could it be because of Israel’s influence? Rick thinks all the evidence points in that direction.

The second major topic is corruption in Ukraine. Today, he discusses the issue with the ideal guest: Vasily Prozorov, who was a high-ranking officer in the Ukrainian security services before the 2014 Maidan coup. He says that since then, corruption has become one of the pillars of the nation’s political system, but it’s not just about Ukraine, according to Prozorov. European and US officials have made great efforts to corrupt the nation, so they can enrich themselves at the people’s expense. The former Ukrainian colonel says that this corruption has even had global consequences, with Ukrainian weapons ending up in the hands of Middle Eastern terrorists and Latin American cartels. All this and more on RT International.

Because Iran may have supplied weapons ages ago – something all nations do – we should bomb them now? – Rick Sanchez

In the latest episode of Sanchez Effect, we hear from Tom Norton, Chairman of America PAC and Michigan State Senate candidate, who firmly believes Iran played a role in 9/11, is on the brink of acquiring nuclear weapons, and is facing an exodus of its own people fleeing persecution. Opposing him is Tehran University professor Mohammed Marandi, who argues that even the most aggressive inspections by the IAEA found no evidence of Iranian nukes, and the US has admitted it lacks solid proof for its claims. He asserts that if anyone is fueling  terrorism in the region, it’s Washington, citing documented instances of US collaboration with ISIS and Al Qaeda to further its interests.

And as for the ‘migration’ from Iran – Rick tackles that point himself: there are people all over the world who want to leave their countries. It's a natural phenomenon – NOT a reason to bomb.

Rick also unpacks Trump’s State of the Union address and the latest revelations from the Russian intel services saying the British and French are trying to give Zelensky 'the cards' for negotiations – and those could be nuclear. Want to find out more? Tune in to the latest episode, only on RT.

Debates over Japan’s remilitarization intentions - Viktor Gao & Pascal Lottaz

‘PM Takaichi, I hope you listen to me, the moment Japan possesses a  nuclear weapon, it will be the moment of its own annihilation’  – Viktor Gao. ‘Such language will only make Japan think of arming itself more’ – Pascal Lottaz.

In this episode of RT’s Sanchez Effect, Rick engages in a debate over Japan’s remilitarization intentions. He is joined by Pascal Lottaz, an assistant professor at Kyoto’s Waseda Institute; and from China’s side, Viktor Gao, a lawyer and chair professor at Soochow University.

The reason for the debate – the recent statement by Japanese Prime Minister Sanae Takaichi that her country will activate its self-defense force if China attacks Taiwan. But the whole issue regarding the territory is a red line for Beijing. Viktor Gao and Pascal Lottaz both agree that the statement was a “stupid act” and a betrayal of all pledges Tokyo gave to Beijing after the Second World War. Lottaz says that it opens a Pandora’s box for China against Japan, but he believes Takaichi didn’t actually want to poke Beijing, she made a mistake and will find a way to apologize at some point. Viktor Gao says the Chinese don’t have anything against the Japanese and Beijing aims towards a policy of friendship, but any such move by Tokyo will make China respond militarily in accordance with the UN Charter. They also discussed recent reports that Iran is about to get supersonic anti-ship missiles from China amid the largest US military build-up in the region against Tehran. Is it true and what does it mean? Find out this and more here – on RT International.

EXCLUSIVE: Rick Sanchez’s one-on-one with Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi

A ‘Sanchez Effect’ flashback of Rick’s trip to Iran and his interview with the country’s most senior diplomat, Abbas Araghchi, amid ongoing talks between Iran and the US. For a long time, the main issue for the US towards Iran was over the enrichment of Uranium to a dangerous level, allowing Tehran to potentially possess a nuclear weapon. Araghchi tells Rick straight, ‘we are able to ensure there’s no nuclear weapon… we can GUARANTEE it’. But still for him and Iran, putting limits on the country’s peaceful nuclear program is off the table. When Tehran’s top diplomat told Rick that his country is able to attack US assets and facilities in the region in case of aggression, Mr Sanchez noticed Araghchi is not comfortable talking about it. ‘I am not a man of war, I am a man of diplomacy’ – the Foreign Minister answers. Watch the whole interview here, on RT International.

Transgender debate at Sanchez Effect – American streamer Destiny VS RT’s Chay Bowes

The promotion of transgender ideas: OK or dangerous for society? Sanchez Effect features a debate between Steven Bonnell ll, the streamer known as ‘Destiny’, and RT’s Chay Bowes!

Rick wonders if recent mass shootings by transgender people could be driven by the ideology itself. Steven Bonnell II calls this idea nonsense and says that recent violence has nothing to do with transgenderism or its aggressive promotion, claiming more shootings are carried out by conservative white people. The host of RT’s Moscow Mules Chay Bowes says many people have been left sad and depressed after being indoctrinated into changing their gender, leading some to radicalization.

Our guests cover many additional facets of this hotly debated topic, such as the exposure of children to transgenderism, its place in a democratic society and much more. Share your thoughts with Rick after watching the full episode here, on RT International.

‘Trump is desperate to make a deal. But Iranians are very hard negotiators’ – former US Army officer

In this episode of Sanchez Effect, we dive into the potential conflict map between Iran and the US, as Washington is basically camping out right at Iran’s front door with a huge fleet, and threats are flying around like confetti. They’re attempting to hash things out, but what if those talks go sideways? Trump keeps saying it’ll be a bad day for Tehran if things escalate, but will it really? According to our guest military expert, the answer is yes – but not just for Tehran.

Former US Army officer Stanislav Krapivnik points out that Russia and China are already sending signals by planning joint drills in Iran. For Russia, Iran is the gateway to the Caucasus and Central Asia; while for China, it opens the doors to Central Asia and beyond. They’re not about to let Iran crumble.

And remember last year’s 12-day war? Iran didn’t go all out then – it was hitting military bases, avoiding populated areas. But if this now escalates into full-blown war, it’s a very different story. Israel is tiny, and most people live in a few big cities, so missing a target would be nearly impossible. No matter where the bombs land, they’re ound to hit someone. What else could happen? We’re covering everything – weapons, ships, missiles and more – in this latest episode, only on RT.