The EI Podcast The Gulf’s Iran dilemma
Mar 12, 2026
Shiraz Maher, Reader in non-state actors at King’s College London and Middle East analyst, unpacks Gulf anxiety over US‑Iran fallout. He compares the Gulf city‑states, traces post‑1979 regional shifts, and examines Iran’s proxies, the China‑brokered Saudi–Iran thaw, and how crises threaten investment and reform plans.
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Swarm Drones Create New Economic Vulnerabilities
- Iran's swarm drone and missile tactics have shocked Gulf states and disrupted hubs like Dubai airport.
- Maher highlights drones' low cost, runway‑independence, and the unprecedented airport shutdown since COVID as economic risks.
Iran's Covert Operations Erode Gulf Trust
- Gulf states see Iran's cross‑border intelligence operations as breaches of sovereignty, reducing goodwill for détente.
- Maher recounts Iranian kidnappings and renditions in Turkey, Iraq and the UAE that ended in executions, fueling regional mistrust.
Iranian Proxy Network Is Under Strain
- Iran's proxies are weakened: Hezbollah is hit and Syria no longer facilitates Iran's air bridge, reducing Tehran's ability to nourish allies.
- Maher notes Syrian government deployments to guard borders and choke smuggling routes as part of the squeeze.