The Globalist US-Iran talks begin in Oman. Can common ground be found?
16 snips
Feb 6, 2026 
Benoit Foucault, WSJ Middle East correspondent reporting from Muscat, explores the start of US‑Iran talks and regional security ramifications. Titinen Pong Sudarak, Thai political scientist, breaks down Thailand’s high‑stakes election dynamics. Julia Jen, Monocle writer, covers Ukraine updates and tech supply pressures. Andrew Muller, Monocle commentator, delivers a sardonic weekly roundup of cultural and political oddities.
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Domestic Unrest Alters Iran's Calculus
- Iran's domestic unrest and the crackdown change Tehran's calculus and could push it toward concessions or risky militarized responses.
- Foucault notes violence at home might make leadership view war as a way to consolidate power, a dangerous prospect.
Regional Actors Have Divergent Priorities
- Regional monarchies want de-escalation to avoid spillover and protect energy and economic stability.
- Israel, by contrast, favors diminishing Iran's capabilities and may even prefer an attack depending on timing.
Vote Big To Limit Post‑Election Manipulation
- Voters should view results skeptically because Thailand's institutions can reshape outcomes after elections.
- Titinen Pong Sudarak urges strong turnout to make manipulation harder and express public anger if parties are dissolved.