Iran and the Gulf: Why Hedging Is No Longer Enough

Summary

The episode examines how Gulf states are moving beyond a hedging strategy toward Iran, recognizing that Iran’s internal turmoil now directly threatens their security and economic interests. It argues that reliance on crisis avoidance and U.S. guarantees is insufficient, and that Gulf nations must develop strategic autonomy by coordinating diplomatic, economic, and security tools to shape Iran’s trajectory. The discussion highlights the under‑used leverage Gulf states possess—trade, energy interdependence, and diplomatic mediation—and stresses the need for collective scenario planning and intra‑Gulf convergence. Ultimately, the guests contend that proactive regional engagement, rather than passive hedging, is essential for Gulf stability and a broader Gulf‑centric order.