EP-394 | “IRGC Has Gone Rogue”: What Happens to Gulf Security Now? | Defence Expert Swasti Rao

EP-394 | “IRGC Has Gone Rogue”: What Happens to Gulf Security Now? | Defence Expert Swasti Rao

Author: Asian News International (ANI) March 5, 2026 Duration: 1:21:23

Dr. Swasti Rao is a geopolitics and defence expert, commentator, and author. She is currently an Associate Professor at the Jindal School of International Studies and a Consulting Editor for Strategic and International Affairs at ThePrint. She explains key geopolitical and security issues from an Indian perspective.


In this edition of the ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash, she discusses what could happen to Iran after Ayatollah Khamenei’s death and how the security structure of Gulf nations might change. She describes Donald Trump as the only U.S. President to have gone this far in supporting Israel, and explains what another war could mean for the Middle East. She also talks about the impact on global oil supplies and what is at stake for India.


00:00 – Introduction

02:05 – The Middle East War

03:51 – Gulf Nations Under Attack

09:09 – Israel’s Objectives in Iran

12:24 – US–Israel Targeting Strategy

16:12 – Did U.S. Abandon GCC Bases?

24:01 – IRGC’s Command Structure

29:48 – Iran’s War Mindset

35:27 – Impact of Khamenei’s Death

37:22 – GCC in Shock After Attacks?

41:57 – What Do Saudi Arabia & Israel Want?

44:41 – Iran–Turkey Ties: What’s Next?

46:29 – Pakistan’s Role

55:33 – The Modi–Netanyahu Meeting

59:00 – Evacuation Plans & Economic Impact on India

1:07:53 – The Roles of China and Russia

1:18:57 – How Long Could This War Last?


Conversations that shape our world often happen behind closed doors or in the quiet moments after the headlines fade. ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash pulls up a chair to those discussions, offering a direct line to the minds of influential figures. Hosted by veteran journalist Smita Prakash, this series moves beyond the soundbite, creating a space where politicians, athletes, artists, and thinkers can explore the nuances of the issues that define contemporary India and global affairs. The dialogue here is driven by curiosity and a commitment to depth, allowing guests to elaborate on their perspectives, their decisions, and the personal experiences that inform their public lives. You will hear candid reflections on current events, policy debates, and cultural shifts, all through the lens of those at the center of the story. Produced by Asian News International, the podcast leverages a legacy of journalistic access and integrity, ensuring every conversation is both insightful and substantive. It’s more than an interview; it’s an opportunity to understand the motivations and narratives driving today’s news. For anyone looking to move past the surface and engage with the substance of politics, society, and human endeavor, this podcast provides a consistently thoughtful and compelling listen.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 100

ANI Podcast with Smita Prakash
Podcast Episodes