Gulf States Under Fire, With Mina Al-Oraibi

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

Host:

James M. Lindsay (cfr.org/experts/james-m-lindsay), Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Mina Al-Oraibi (thenationalnews.com/topics/Author/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 (2009-2017.state.gov/documents/organization/245…), July 14, 2015

Vibhu Mishra, "Security Council Adopts Gulf-Backed Resolution Condemning Iran Attacks; Russia Bid Fails (news.un.org/en/story/2026/03/1167119)," United Nations News

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

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.