The Gulf's moment of truth - reshaping the Middle East

The Gulf's moment of truth - reshaping the Middle East

Author: The Times March 12, 2026 Duration: 28:31

As Iran continues to attack its Gulf neighbours could the strikes turn into a wider war? Who might be drawn in? And with Iran hitting friends as well as foes, how will this war reshape the Middle East and its relationship with the US?


Our listener survey is live - find it here.


This podcast was brought to you thanks to the support of readers of The Times and The Sunday Times. Subscribe today: http://thetimes.com/thestory


Guests: 

  • Michael Stephens, consultant and senior associate fellow at the Royal United Services Institute. 
  • Hofit Golan, influencer and content creator.

Host: Manveen Rana.

Producers: Olivia Case and Harry Stott.


We want to hear from you - email: thestory@thetimes.com

Read more: Iran latest: Trump says war could end soon as ‘nothing left to target’

Further listening: Iran has a new leader - how long will he last?

Clips: Al Jazeera. 

Photo: Getty Images.

This podcast was brought to you thanks to subscribers of The Times and The Sunday Times. To enjoy unlimited digital access to all our journalism subscribe here.


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.


Each morning, The Story arrives with a clear purpose: to move beyond the headlines and explore the forces and people shaping our world. Guided by the experienced reporting of Manveen Rana and Luke Jones, this daily podcast from The Times delves into the most significant political developments and news events with a level of depth and context that only their global network of journalists can provide. You’ll hear more than just summaries; you’ll get a nuanced understanding of why a story matters, who it impacts, and what might happen next. The analysis is sharp and the storytelling is compelling, designed to fit into your morning routine seven days a week. It’s a direct line to the frontline reporting and editorial expertise of one of the world’s most respected news organizations. This consistent, in-depth approach makes the podcast a reliable resource for anyone looking to truly comprehend the day’s events. Supported by readers of The Times and The Sunday Times, the production maintains a commitment to journalistic integrity and thorough exploration, ensuring every episode provides substance and clarity.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

The Story
Podcast Episodes
Is the American Dream dying? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:40
The American Dream is as old as the United States itself. But as the country marks its 250th anniversary, with economic uncertainty, political turbulence and social divisions all on the rise, do ordinary Americans still…
Is Lebanon the key to peace in the Middle East? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 28:58
The shaky ceasefire between Iran and the US has been extended. Whether it lasts much longer or fighting resumes depends partly on Lebanon, where another fragile truce has been struck between Israel and the Iranian proxy…
The State Of It: Starmer picks a fight with the wrong guy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:36
Sir Olly Robbins dropped bombshell after bombshell when he spoke to MPs. Robbins, who was sacked as the Foreign Office’s chief civil servant, has accused Downing Street of placing the department under constant pressure t…
Starmer strikes back over Mandelson vetting scandal [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 30:31
Yesterday evening Sir Keir Starmer defended himself in Parliament, stating ‘the facts are incredible,’ but ‘nobody’ in Number 10 knew that Peter Mandelson failed security vetting. Addressing MPs, the prime minister rejec…
My daughter was shot dead by her father. Why wasn’t he arrested? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 35:04
Jane Coates’ daughter Lucy was just 23 when she was shot and killed by her father, while visiting him in Texas. US authorities quickly ruled her death an accident and no charges were brought. But as The Sunday Times reve…
Can Britney ever truly be free? - The Sunday Story [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 21:18
A strict conservatorship, control of her finances, breakdowns, nonstop media pressure and divorce. It's been one hell of a journey for the Princess of Pop, but the latest news that Britney Spears has entered rehab leaves…
 Is the Iran war about to upend life in Britain? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:40
The economic ripples caused by the Iran war are beginning to have an impact across the globe, from fuel rationing across South-East Asia, to fuel protests in Ireland. The IMF’s recent report on the global economy makes f…