April 01, 2026

Gulf States Under Fire, With Mina Al-Oraibi

Listen Later

38 minutes

This episode unpacks how the war with Iran will affect the future of the Gulf countries’ security and economic prosperity.

Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief, The National

We Discuss:

Whether Gulf states supported or opposed the war with Iran and their role in the intensive diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict before it began.

How Iran’s retaliation expanded the war into the Gulf, targeting civilian infrastructure, energy hubs, and global transit points.

The scale of drone and missile attacks across the region, and what they reveal about modern asymmetric warfare.

Who is actually in charge in Iran, and how the IRGC is shaping decision-making and escalation.

Why regime change in Iran remains unlikely, despite internal unrest and external pressure.

Why Gulf leaders don’t want a simple ceasefire, but rather a long-term security reset that addresses Iran’s missile and drone programs.

How the war is stress-testing Gulf economies and their long-term bets on stability, globalization, and diversification.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, July 14, 2015

Vibhu Mishra, "Security Council Adopts Gulf-Backed Resolution Condemning Iran Attacks; Russia Bid Fails," United Nations News

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/gulf-states-under-fire

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

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The President’s Inbox

By Council on Foreign Relations

4.4

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April 01, 2026

Gulf States Under Fire, With Mina Al-Oraibi

Listen Later

38 minutes

This episode unpacks how the war with Iran will affect the future of the Gulf countries’ security and economic prosperity.

Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief, The National

We Discuss:

Whether Gulf states supported or opposed the war with Iran and their role in the intensive diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict before it began.

How Iran’s retaliation expanded the war into the Gulf, targeting civilian infrastructure, energy hubs, and global transit points.

The scale of drone and missile attacks across the region, and what they reveal about modern asymmetric warfare.

Who is actually in charge in Iran, and how the IRGC is shaping decision-making and escalation.

Why regime change in Iran remains unlikely, despite internal unrest and external pressure.

Why Gulf leaders don’t want a simple ceasefire, but rather a long-term security reset that addresses Iran’s missile and drone programs.

How the war is stress-testing Gulf economies and their long-term bets on stability, globalization, and diversification.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, July 14, 2015

Vibhu Mishra, "Security Council Adopts Gulf-Backed Resolution Condemning Iran Attacks; Russia Bid Fails," United Nations News

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/gulf-states-under-fire

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

...more