This episode unpacks the U.S.-Iran ceasefire talks in Islamabad and the prospect of a U.S. blockade of the Strait of Hormuz.

Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Elliott Abrams, Senior Fellow for Middle Eastern Studies, CFR

We Discuss:

• What transpired during the U.S.-Iran talks in Islamabad.
• Whether both sides abandoned their own preconditions before talks began.
• How unusually senior and small the negotiating delegations were.
• What the logic and mechanics of the U.S. naval blockade are.
• Why other countries have not joined the blockade and may resist it.
• What the Arab Gulf states are privately urging Washington to do.
• Whether Israel and the U.S. share the same goals regarding the Iranian regime.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Vice President JD Vance Delivers Remarks in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 11, 2026

Harry Sekulich and Kate Whannel, "Starmer Says UK Will Not Join Trump's Blockade of Iran's Ports," BBC

Defense Technical Information Agency, "Iran: Nuclear Intentions and Capabilities," October 1, 2007

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/what-comes-next-after-failed-us-iran-talks

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

This episode unpacks the opportunities and risks Moscow is facing amid the U.S. and Israeli war with Iran.

Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Thomas Graham, Distinguished Fellow, CFR

We Discuss:

• Whether Russia and Iran are true allies, or simply friends of convenience.
• How decades of rivalry and recent convergence shaped the current Moscow-Tehran relationship.
• Why Russia's strategic partnership with Iran excludes a mutual defense obligation.
• What role Russian intelligence sharing may be playing on the Middle East battlefield.
• How rising oil prices help Russia in the short term but carry serious long-term economic risks.
• Whether keeping the Strait of Hormuz closed serves Moscow's interest.
• How Operation Epic Fury has stalled peace negotiations in the Russia-Ukraine war, and complicated weapons supply to Kyiv.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, July 14, 2015

Russia-Iran Comprehensive Strategic Partnership Treaty, January 17, 2025

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/russias-stakes-in-the-iran-war

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.

This episode unpacks how the war with Iran will affect the future of the Gulf countries’ security and economic prosperity.

Host:

James M. Lindsay, Mary and David Boies Distinguished Senior Fellow in U.S. Foreign Policy, CFR

Guest:

Mina Al-Oraibi, Editor-in-Chief, The National

We Discuss:

• Whether Gulf states supported or opposed the war with Iran and their role in the intensive diplomatic efforts to avoid conflict before it began.
• How Iran’s retaliation expanded the war into the Gulf, targeting civilian infrastructure, energy hubs, and global transit points.
• The scale of drone and missile attacks across the region, and what they reveal about modern asymmetric warfare.
• Who is actually in charge in Iran, and how the IRGC is shaping decision-making and escalation.
• Why regime change in Iran remains unlikely, despite internal unrest and external pressure.
• Why Gulf leaders don’t want a simple ceasefire, but rather a long-term security reset that addresses Iran’s missile and drone programs.
• How the war is stress-testing Gulf economies and their long-term bets on stability, globalization, and diversification.

Mentioned on the Episode:

Joint Comprehensive Plan of Action, July 14, 2015

Vibhu Mishra, "Security Council Adopts Gulf-Backed Resolution Condemning Iran Attacks; Russia Bid Fails," United Nations News

For an episode transcript and show notes, visit The President’s Inbox at: https://www.cfr.org/podcasts/presidents-inbox/gulf-states-under-fire

Opinions expressed on The President’s Inbox are solely those of the host or guests, not of CFR, which takes no institutional positions on matters of policy.