The Gulf’s Dilemma: Seeking De-escalation Amidst Iranian Aggression

Asher Fredman discusses how Gulf states like the UAE and Saudi Arabia balance their desire for a less threatening Iranian regime with the need to protect their vulnerable economic infrastructure from retaliatory strikes.

He also explores the varying levels of influence these nations have over U.S. military decisions, noting that while they have different diplomatic approaches, they generally prefer de-escalation to avoid regional instability.

The full interview took place on Channel I24, on August 3, 2026.

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