Newscast Will Putin Benefit From The Iran War?
18 snips
Mar 14, 2026 
Steve Rosenberg, BBC Moscow correspondent covering Russian politics, gives a take on how eased oil sanctions affect Russia and its politics. Frank Gardner, BBC security correspondent reporting from Riyadh, describes attacks on Gulf oil infrastructure and regional security fallout. They discuss oil market moves, Iran’s widening targets, and how these shifts play into wider geopolitical calculations.
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On The Ground In Riyadh During Iftar
- Riyadh feels normal despite the war because it's inland from the Gulf and less directly hit.
- Frank Gardner reports visiting a British Army air defence unit protecting Saudi critical infrastructure during Iftar.
Iranian Retaliation Has Widened To Economic Targets
- Iran's attacks have expanded beyond US bases to economic and civilian targets across the Gulf, including Fujairah.
- Frank Gardner describes falling debris from an intercepted drone hitting Fujairah's oil storage facilities, showing geographic spread.
Gulf States' US Alliance Is Politically Fraught
- Gulf states rely on the US but worry its Israel alignment is a liability domestically.
- Gardner explains governments like UAE and Bahrain enjoy ties with Israel yet face popular anger over Gaza, complicating regional politics.