Strait into Trouble: The war in Iran continues as the Gulf gets dragged in deeper

Strait into Trouble: The war in Iran continues as the Gulf gets dragged in deeper

Author: The New Arab March 20, 2026 Duration: 37:01

The US and Israel continue to launch daily airstrikes against Iran. 

As a new Supreme Leader was elected, the country's leadership continues to be targeted and killed. 

And as Israeli and US planes drop bomb, Iran is flinging missiles across the region, targeting Israel and the Gulf. 

This week on The New Arab Voice podcast, we look at if the US objectives and reasoning for the war, what they are targeting in Iran, and what successes they been having, and what they have not been hitting. Also, we look at the Gulf, who have been on the dangerous end of Iranian missiles. Why is Iran targeting the Gulf? How does the Gulf feel about being dragged into this war? What impact do the attack in the Strait of Hormuz have on the Gulf? And what does the Gulf what from this war. 

To discuss the US and Israeli strike, we speak with Annika Ganzeveld, Middle East Portfolio Manager at the Critical Threats Project (@criticalthreats). And to explain what's happening with the Gulf, we speak with Dr. Andreas Krieg (@andreas_krieg), Associate Professor at King's College London (@KingsCollegeLon), at the School of Security Studies.

This podcast is written and produced by Hugo Goodridge (@hugogoodridge).

Theme music by Omar al-Fil with additional music from Audio Network.

To get in touch with the producers, follow then tweet us at @TNAPodcasts or email podcast@newarab.com


From a London newsroom, The New Arab Voice reaches across continents, offering a distinct perspective on events and ideas shaping communities from the Middle East and North Africa to Asia and global diasporas. This isn't just a headlines recap. Each episode weaves together rigorous news analysis, cultural insight, and historical context, treating complex political shifts and societal transformations with the depth they deserve. You'll hear from people living the stories-artists, analysts, and everyday voices-providing a nuanced understanding that moves beyond simplistic narratives. The podcast reflects the rich tapestry of the regions it covers, finding the connections between past and present, policy and personal experience. For listeners seeking to move past soundbites and explore the interplay of power, identity, and heritage, The New Arab Voice provides essential listening. It’s where current affairs meet deep storytelling, all grounded in the extensive journalistic tradition of The New Arab. Tune in for conversations that challenge assumptions and illuminate the underreported, fostering a more informed and engaged perspective on a dynamic part of the world.
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