Sanctions—not full-scale war—are at the centre of Washington’s pressure strategy. Speaking on France 24, EISMENA Director Dr Adel Bakawan explains how the United States is seeking to strike Iran’s informal “resistance economy,” while both sides avoid actions that could trigger a wider military escalation.
What Does the Gulf Want From France in Return for Its Energy?
October 22, 2026
Speaking on France 24 on 19 October 2026, EISMENA Director Adel Bakawan explains the Gulf states’ demand for reciprocity: Europe may seek their oil and gas, but it must help secure the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb. He argues that France and the EU possess significant diplomatic and economic leverage—yet have failed to translate it into concrete action.