Episode S6 · Ep 177 March 18, 2026 29 min 37s

The New Gulf Reality: Iran, America & What Comes Next | Prof. Bernard Haykel 177

In our first-ever virtual episode, Professor Bernard Haykel, Director of Near Eastern Studies at Princeton University, breaks down the powerful forces reshaping the Middle East today. From Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 transformation to the decline of ideological movements across the region, Prof. Haykel offers sharp insight into where things are headed—and why it matters.We dive into rising tensions involving Iran and the United States, the future of Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) security, and the ongoing crisis in Palestine.Finally, we explore what could define the region’s future, from greater regional unity to why human capital may be the Gulf’s most important long-term advantage.

0:00 What’s Really Happening in the Middle East?

1:27 The Biggest Shifts Reshaping the Middle East Right Now

3:20 The Deep Divides Defining the Region

5:10 What Sparked the Rising Tensions with Iran?

7:18 How the Gulf Cooperation Council Is Being Impacted

8:46 Saudi Arabia’s Balancing Act: Stability vs Transformation

11:28 Inside Saudi Arabia’s Massive Economic & Social Overhaul

12:51 The Surprising Rise of Women and Social Change

14:02 A New Book That Explains Saudi Arabia’s Transformation

17:42 Inside the Vision of Mohammed bin Salman

21:09 Will a Palestinian State Ever Become Reality?

23:10 Why the Gulf Must Unite on Defense Now