Following the further increase in tensions in the region, the Islamic Republic of Iran’s army announced that it carried out a drone attack on the Sheikh Isa base in Bahrain. At the same time, Saudi Arabia is hosting a meeting to review the formation of a multinational naval defense alliance supported by 14 countries, including Turkey, Pakistan, Egypt, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Jordan, and Yemen. Some analysts consider these developments to be part of the efforts by regional countries to prevent the Islamic Republic’s hegemony over the waters and passageways of the region.

Interview with Reza Goharzad, a journalist and political analyst, and Cambiz Tavaana, a member of the editorial board of Iran International.