The World Gulf states, caught in US-Israeli war with Iran, forced to stick with Western allies
Mar 10, 2026
Juanita Gobertus-Estrada, Human Rights Watch investigator into drone strikes and civilian harm. Andrea Ramirez-Varela, epidemiologist studying global physical activity policy. Orla Barry, Europe correspondent reporting on a Vienna espionage trial. Nazanin Noor, Iranian-American actor-activist on asylum and athlete risks. They discuss Gulf states caught between Iran and Western militaries, spying in Austria, lethal drone use in Haiti, and athlete defections and dangers.
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Gulf States Caught Between Iran And Their Western Protectors
- Gulf states insist "this is not our war" yet Iran targets Western bases inside their territories, making them de facto battlegrounds.
- Sherry Haddon reports Gulf monarchies host US/Western bases they hope are defensive, but Iran views any Western presence as legitimate targets.
Gulf Monarchies Still Depend On Western Security
- Gulf states feel betrayed and vulnerable after Iran struck targets inside their borders without prior warning.
- Analysts say tiny monarchies lack military depth and must rely on US and European security despite frustration with Washington.
Vienna's Neutrality Made It A Global Spy Hub
- Vienna's long neutrality and legal tolerance of foreign espionage created a dense intelligence ecosystem and attracted thousands of foreign operatives.
- Orla Barry reports Austria even once ruled spying between countries on Austrian soil is not its concern, complicating prosecutions like Augusto Ott's trial.