Gulf States

Syrian President al-Sharaa positions country for regional role in Gulf, EU meetings

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the Gulf last week as part of his efforts to shore up support for Damascus across the Middle East and Europe amid rising regional tensions.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey, April 17, 2026.
Smoke rises from the direction of an energy installation in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on March 14.

Understanding Arab paradoxical positions in the Iran war - opinion

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi chairs an extraordinary meeting of Arab League foreign ministers day before the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Istanbul, Turkey, June 20, 2025

After Iran war, attack on Gulf States, will the GCC withdraw from Arab League - analysis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attend a press conference at joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, February 4, 2025; illustrative.

Turkey, Syria, Jordan unveil Gulf-Europe rail corridor as Ankara pushes alternative trade routes


Shipping firms seek clarifications before crossing Hormuz as tankers move towards Strait

A group of around 20 ships, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, was seen moving in the Gulf towards the exit via the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship tracking data.

Hapag-Lloyd sign on a container ship at the Valparaiso port, Chile, January 11, 2024.

US-Israel war with Iran reshapes global alliances, benefits Russia - opinion

If there are any winners during the war with Iran, one may be Vladimir Putin, the man Trump has frequently called his “good friend.”

US President Trump meets with Russian President Putin in Alaska, August 15, 2025

Ukraine downed Iranian drones in Middle East during Iran war, Zelensky claims

In recent years, Ukrainian drone-makers have unveiled and combat-tested several drone interceptors that can sometimes be 3D-printed and cost significantly less than traditional air defense systems.

Prior to Russia’s 2022 invasion, Ukraine hadn’t invested in drone technology, but now it is considered to be a master of drone warfare.

Tehran’s greatest blunder - opinion

The regional alliance Iran built against itself.

People gather after US President Donald Trump said that he had agreed to a two-week ceasefire with Iran, in Tehran, Iran, April 8, 2026.

Pakistan sending troops to Saudi Arabia could shift tide in war against Iran - opinion

On one hand, Pakistan’s involvement could increase pressure on Iran. On the other hand, it brings Saudi Arabia closer to a country that has expressed hostile positions toward Israel.

Army soldiers sit in a truck, as Pakistan prepares to host the US and Iran for peace talks, in Islamabad, Pakistan, April 10, 2026.

IMF warns Strait of Hormuz might never be back to normal

The IMF warned that the situation at Hormuz could be similar to the one in Bab-al-Mandeb, where shipping lanes haven’t yet recovered ever since the first Houthi attack.

A map showing the Strait of Hormuz is seen in this illustration taken June 22, 2025.

Israel – hegemon or partner? The Middle East is divided- opinion

Israel’s military successes so far are already generating waves across the Middle East regarding its place on the “day after.” 

 IRANIAN PRESIDENT Ebrahim Raisi delivers a speech marking the 45th anniversary of the Islamic Revolution, in Tehran, in February 2024.

After the war: A more coordinated, but still divided, Gulf - opinion

Iranian strikes, targeting not only military assets but also civilian infrastructure, have underscored vulnerabilities across the Gulf.

 A view of Burj Khalifa, after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026

Kuwait arrests 24 for financing terrorist entities, report claims former lawmakers among detained

Kuwait announced the disruption of multiple Hezbollah cells since the Islamic regime began attacking Gulf countries.

A man walks along the pavement next to a large banner depicting the flag of Kuwait.

Gulf states on edge as US-Iran talks in Islamabad end without deal - analysis

The Gulf is likely feeling that some of its concerns are being addressed and that many countries want to see the talks continue.

A Pakistani official stands during the arrival of the US Vice President JD Vance for talks with Iranian officials in Islamabad, Pakistan, Saturday, April 11, 2026.