Analysis
View AllOperation Epic Fury and the U.S. Drone Posture in the Gulf
In the conflict with Iran, the United States has used one-way attack drones for the first time, marking a shift in U.S. military drone architecture.
China’s Sidelining in the Iran Conflict
The Iran conflict reinforces China’s short-term position as one of managing and mitigating risks rather than shaping outcomes that expand Chinese influence in the Middle East.
Why Saudi Arabia and the UAE Are Urging Trump to Continue a War They Did Not Want
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi urged President Trump not to attack Iran, but now that the war is into its second month, leaving the current situation in place would be an unthinkable fiasco for them.
Not All Oil Is Created Equal
The conflict with Iran has curtailed the supply of oil from the Gulf, pushing up the price of the medium and heavier grades it usually exports relative to lighter grades.
Mar 31, 2026
Iran: From Defense to Offense
The March 31 edition of the Iran Media Review analyzes Iranian reports that Iran is about to enter an “offensive phase” as well as warnings against a U.S. ground invasion.
Mar 27, 2026
Iran to Gulf States: Keep Your Distance – or Risk Being Drawn In
The March 27 edition of the Iran Media Review highlights Iranian officials’ threats to Gulf states not to get more involved in the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran.
Mar 24, 2026
Iran: Resilience, Defiance, and Willingness to Talk
The March 24 edition of the Iran Media Review considers Iranian messaging projecting a mix of defiance and a possible willingness to negotiate with the United States.
Mar 13, 2026
Quds Day in Iran
The March 13 edition of the Iran Media Review examines Iranian media reports of regime defiance at Quds Day rallies as the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran continues.
The Saudi Fiscal Deficit in 2025 Was Larger Than Expected
The 2025 budget deficit was larger than expected. The 2026 deficit is also likely to exceed the budget target, but higher oil prices may help contain any overrun.
Putting the 2026 Saudi Budget Under the Microscope
The Saudi government projects that the budget deficit will narrow during 2026-28, but this will depend on a rebound in oil prices and tight control of spending.
Nov 19, 2025
The Saudi Trade and Investment Commitment to the United States in Perspective
The $1 trillion Saudi trade and investment commitment to the United States will be extremely difficult to achieve given the size of the Saudi economy and its current financial situation.
Jul 1, 2025
The IMF Comments on the Saudi Economy and Policy Framework
The International Monetary Fund continues to endorse the direction of economic reform in Saudi Arabia but notes that risks from oil price uncertainty and strong credit growth will need to be carefully managed to keep the economy on a strong growth trajectory.
Ammar Alsabban: Superman With a Saudi Accent
With passions as diverse as puppetry, podcasting, and superheroes, Ammar Alsabban is redefining the creative limits of Saudi identity.
Rahina: A Jeweler’s Ode to Dhofari Heritage
Through Rahina, Fatma al-Najjar is exploring her Dhofari heritage and tapping into ancestral memories, one piece of jewelry at a time.
10 min read
Independent Researchers Are Advancing UAE History on Social Media
Independent researchers and informal collaboratives have been connecting through social media to fill in gaps in popular knowledge of the United Arab Emirates’ pre-state era.
Manama Story: Preserving the Soul of the City
The Manama Story project seeks to preserve the history of the Bahraini city, one archive at a time.
A New Gulf Partnership
In May, President Donald J. Trump embarked on a trip to the Gulf that signals a new era in U.S.-Gulf relations. AGSI's A New Gulf Partnership series explores the ways U.S. strategic relations with these countries are evolving and offers policy recommendations for the U.S. administration to maximize political and economic influence.
Nov 13, 2024
Energy and Climate Initiative
AGSIW’s Energy and Climate Initiative explores Gulf energy and climate policies, technological advances, and pressing political, social, and environmental issues ahead of COP28.
Nov 5, 2024
U.S. Presidential Election
AGSIW’s U.S. Presidential Election series explores Gulf perspectives on the 2024 election and considers how the election results may shape the future of U.S. engagement in the Gulf region.
Sep 6, 2024
Trees of the Gulf
This series looks at the vital role certain trees play in the region's collective memory, survival, and plans for the future.
All Analysis
Operation Epic Fury and the U.S. Drone Posture in the Gulf
In the conflict with Iran, the United States has used one-way attack drones for the first time, marking a shift in U.S. military drone architecture.
China’s Sidelining in the Iran Conflict
The Iran conflict reinforces China’s short-term position as one of managing and mitigating risks rather than shaping outcomes that expand Chinese influence in the Middle East.
Why Saudi Arabia and the UAE Are Urging Trump to Continue a War They Did Not Want
Riyadh and Abu Dhabi urged President Trump not to attack Iran, but now that the war is into its second month, leaving the current situation in place would be an unthinkable fiasco for them.
Not All Oil Is Created Equal
The conflict with Iran has curtailed the supply of oil from the Gulf, pushing up the price of the medium and heavier grades it usually exports relative to lighter grades.
The Economic Impact of the Iran Conflict on the Gulf
The Gulf is being significantly affected by the conflict with Iran, but the size of the economic hit varies among countries.
Ukraine’s Counterdrone Assistance to the Gulf States
Ukrainian help dealing with Iranian drone attacks could lead Gulf Arab states to rethink their neutrality in the Ukraine-Russia war.
