Welcome to The Times of Israel's Daily Briefing, your 20-minute audio update on what's happening in Israel, the Middle East and the Jewish world.

Mideast expert Ksenia Svetlova joins host Amanda Borschel-Dan for today's episode.

WATCH the full episode here:

https://youtu.be/7Ove9pjO0b0?si=scSvUXwQmNxtcMfq

Former MK Svetlova is the executive Director of ROPES (Regional Organization for Peace, Economics & Security) and a senior non-resident fellow at the Atlantic Council.

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are reportedly moving closer toward actively joining the fight against Iran, as the war in the Middle East threatens their economies. According to the Wall Street Journal on Tuesday, the Gulf states are “inching toward” a more active role, after Riyadh allowed US forces to use an air base within its borders.

In today's special episode, Svetlova gives context to the ongoing US and Israeli war with Iran, and sets the scene of the relationships between the Islamic Republic and the Gulf states it is currently hitting. We hear how Iran's proxy war -- a "ring of fire" -- was initiated against Israel, and also against Iran's neighboring Muslim states.

We explore what the goal of the 1979 Islamic Revolution was, and how -- when other Arab states failed to go along with it -- Iran has attempted to export the upheaval to the region.

And finally, drawing on Russian-language reporting, Svetlova assesses the status of Iran's regime and whether it is anywhere near being compromised.

Check out The Times of Israel's ongoing liveblog for more updates.

For further reading:

Saudi Arabia and UAE ‘inching toward’ joining fighting against Iran — report

A long road to the end: The death throes of Iran’s regime could last for years

Subscribe to The Times of Israel Daily Briefing on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, or wherever you get your podcasts. Ari Schlacht edited this episode.

IMAGE: A visitor walks past a U.S. Air Force A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft as it on display at the World Defense Show in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, February 8, 2026. (AP Photo/Baraa Anwer)