As the conflict in the Middle East escalates, Gulf nations are seeking new defence partnerships.
Saudi Arabia and Qatar has signed deals with Ukraine to gain access to its drone expertise.
Could other countries follow suit? And would it make a difference on the ground?

In this episode:

• Dania Thafer - Executive Director of the Gulf International Forum, a think-tank based in Washington DC
• Oleksiy Melnyk - Co-Director of the Foreign Relations and International Security programmes at the Razumkov Centre
• Pavel Felgenhauer - Defence and Russian foreign policy analyst

Host: Adrian Finighan

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The Iran war is hitting Gulf Arab nations hard, but with a wider impact in today's interlinked world.
As well as global oil and gas supplies, Gulf states play a critical role in many economies. So how are they connected — and what could be at risk?

In this episode:

• Nikolay Kozjharnov, Research Associate Professor in Energy Security at the Gulf Studies Center at Qatar University
• Cornelia Meyer, Macroeconomist and oil and gas specialist
• Torbjorn Soltvedt, Associate Director at global risk intelligence company Verisk Maplecroft

Host: James Bays

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Iran sets out its conditions for an end to the war — rejecting the U.S. list of 15 demands. Tehran says they don't reflect reality, while Donald Trump threatens to 'unleash hell' if his terms aren't met. What are the red lines for both sides?

In this episode:

• Abas Aslani, Senior Research Fellow at the Center for Middle East Strategic Studies
• Ellie Geranmayeh, Senior Policy Fellow at the European Council on Foreign Relations
• Thomas Warrick, Non-Resident Fellow at the Atlantic Council

Host: Folly Bah Thibault

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Iran has kept up attacks on neighbouring Gulf states and Israel, despite intense US and Israeli bombing, with senior Iranian figures assassinated. The Strait of Hormuz remains effectively closed, limiting the transit of vital energy supplies. So what's Iran's strategy - and what are its options?

In this episode:

• Foad Izadi, Professor at the Faculty of World Studies, University of Tehran
• Mehran Kamrava, Professor at Georgetown University in Qatar
• Elijah Magnier, military and political analyst

Host: Nick Clark

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Millions of Israelis forced to take shelter day and night, from repeated Iranian missile attacks. The economic shockwaves of the war Israel and the U.S. have launched against Iran are being felt across the world. How is it affecting Israel and its future?

In this episode:

• Gideon Levy, columnist at Haaretz Newspaper.
• Alex Coman, professor at Holon Institute of Technology
• Dan Perry, political analyst, former editor of the Associated Press in Europe, Middle East and Africa

Host: James Bays

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Schools and hospitals bombed. Strikes on apartment buildings. Energy facilities targeted. And attacks on neighbouring states. Have Israel, the US, and Iran broken international law in the war, or what legal justification might they claim?

In this episode:

• Geoffrey Nice, Human rights lawyer and former International Criminal Court prosecutor.
• Brian Finucane, Senior Adviser with the U.S. Program at International Crisis Group
• Nicholas Tsagourias, Professor of International Law at the University of Sheffield.

Host: James Bays

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Who's left running Iran? Much of the top leadership has been assassinated but the country is still fighting. How has it been able to withstand such blows? And can the Iranian government survive this war?

In this episode:

• Hamidreza Gholamzadeh, Director, House of Diplomacy.
• Ali Vaez, Director, Iran Project, International Crisis Group.
• Tim Ripley, Editor, Defence Eye.

Host: James Bays

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The Yemeni armed group says it's ready for any developments in the ongoing confrontation. Given their proximity to the Red Sea, what could the Houthis' involvement mean for this vital maritime route?

In this episode:

• Farea Al Muslimi - Research Fellow in the Middle East and North Africa Program at Chatham House

• Khaled Batarfi - Political analyst who specialises in Saudi foreign policy

• Rockford Weitz - Director of the Fletcher Maritime Studies Program at Tufts University

Host: James Bays

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