President Trump’s latest remarks on Iran and the sudden shift in U.S. messaging have once again placed West Asia on edge. Reports suggest key Gulf allies, including Qatar, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE, played a role in pushing for diplomacy over immediate military escalation. But is this a temporary pause or the beginning of a larger geopolitical confrontation?
Guest: Stanly Johny, International Affairs Editor, The Hindu
Host: Smriti Sudesh
Edited and produced by Sharmada Venkatasubramanian
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Published – May 19, 2026 06:03 pm IST
