Radio National Breakfast Gulf states balance US security ties with Iran diplomatic ties
Mar 22, 2026
Dania Thafer, Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum and Gulf security expert. She discusses Gulf fears of Iranian retaliation and threats to critical infrastructure. She covers missile-defence performance and Iran’s long-range strike reach. She explains Gulf reliance on US and other partners and how third-party powers complicate regional calculations.
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Gulf Fear Of Infrastructure Retaliation
- Gulf states fear Iran will target critical infrastructure after reciprocal strikes have already damaged regional energy facilities.
- Dania Thafer cites Iran's retaliation that disrupted 17% of Qatar's gas production and needed up to five years to repair.
High Interception Rates Face New Iranian Tactics
- Gulf missile defenses have very high interception rates but may be stressed by Iran's evolving tactics to overwhelm interceptors.
- Dania Thafer notes Qatar saw more than 95% interception and days at 100%, yet worries remain about advanced or massed missiles.
Diego Garcia Strike Signals Long-Range Reach
- Iran's strike attempt on Diego Garcia signals its capacity to threaten distant bases and global actors beyond the Gulf.
- Thafer interprets the strike as a message that Iran can retaliate against targets up to 4,000 km away.