What’s shaping the Middle East’s evolving landscape? In this episode of Facing Coming Storms, we’re joined by Hayat Alvi, Ph.D., a professor at the US Naval War College, to explore the factors driving change in the region. We discuss how Iran’s regional strategies are adapting to new challenges and what their measured responses might indicate, drawing on Hayat’s expertise in international relations.

We also examine shifting global dynamics, including the US’s growing focus on Asia, Europe’s efforts to navigate its role, and the broader impact of ongoing conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon.

Key moments

3:05 - Middle East Dynamics

5:31 - The Israeli-Iranian Conflict Unfolds

8:19 - Complex Interests of Regional Players

10:38 - Media Narratives and Public Sentiment

12:53 - U.S. Military Strategy and Iran

16:42 - The Trump Doctrine in the Middle East

22:16 - Challenges of Conflict Resolution

24:04 - The U.S. Position in the Region

25:41 - Unmanned Systems and Future Warfare

29:36 - Turkey's Evolving Role and Interests

34:38 - Israel's Strikes and Syrian Dynamics

38:58 - Regional Power Plays and Expansion

Facing Coming Storms is brought to you by the British Army’s Centre for Historical Analysis and Conflict Research, in partnership with the Project for the Study of the 21st Century, and produced by Urban Podcasts.