Gulf

Saudi-UAE split fractures anti-Houthi coalition as Iran-US tension threaten Red Sea - analysis

The coalition architecture that once united Gulf powers against Iranian proxies is now divided, leaving the Houthis facing less coordinated pressure.

Supporters of Yemen's Huthi rebels attend a gathering to mark annual Quds (Jerusalem) Day commemorations in Sanaa on March 28, 2025.
 An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean August 10, 2024

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln en route to Middle East as US mulls over Iran strike options

A flag of the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) flutters on a military patrol truck, at the site of a rally by STC supporters in Aden, Yemen, January 1, 2026.

Quiet after gunfire targeting unidentified drones heard near Yemen's presidential palace

Etswani flagged vessel.

Iran seizes foreign oil tanker near Gulf, saying it was carrying millions of smuggled fuel liters


The Gulf is getting the air defense it needs - analysis

The news comes the same day that reports said the US Army had recently tested Iron Dome at White Sands.

 US air defense system with components from Israel's Iron Dome.

Rising cost of living forces expats to leave Gulf countries

Lower-paid foreigners have been largely unaffected by the surging cost of living.

People walk outside The Dubai Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 12, 2020.

Bethlehem's Palestinians expect nothing from Biden, say it's humiliating

In Bethlehem, two shopkeepers, a member of the Palestinian National Security Forces, a local Fatah activist and a cab driver express a range of hope, cynicism and disappointment in Biden's visit.

A Palestinian at Manger Square, Bethlehem on July 13, 2022

Israel Independence Day observed in Bahrain for first time

Event marks the first public observance of Israel Independence Day in the Persian Gulf.

 Tsahi Halevi

Does Iran take Israel-Gulf air defense cooperation seriously? - analysis

Iran has already been striking the US in the region in dozens of rocket and drone attacks over the past year. 

 An Iranian missile is displayed during a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran April 29, 2022.

Who benefits from recent reports on Israel-US-Gulf ties? - analysis

According to reports, Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia, along with Egypt and Gulf countries took part in the meetings that were initiated by the US.

 Representatives of the UAE, US, Israel, Bahrain Morocco and Egypt at the Steering Committee of the Negev Forum, June 27, 2022.

Iran expects confiscated oil cargo to be returned in full - envoy

The confiscation of the cargo prompted an angry response from Iran, with Iranian forces last month seizing two Greek tankers in the Gulf.

The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Ice Energy transfers crude oil from the Iranian-flagged oil tanker Lana (former Pegas), off the shore of Karystos, on the Island of Evia, Greece, May 26, 2022.

Voices from the Arab press: Iran’s new challenges: birth decline, aging society

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 AN ELDERLY man gets some fresh air in Tehran.

Iran shows off underground drone base, but not its location - state media

Iranian state TV said 100 drones were being kept in the heart of the Zagros mountains in what seemed to be an attempt to showcase its military might.

 A drone is seen at an underground site at an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on May 28, 2022.

Iran Guards say they seized two Greek tankers in Gulf

Greek authorities last month impounded the Iranian-flagged Pegas, with 19 Russian crew members on board, near the coast of the southern island of Evia due to EU sanctions.

 An oil tanker passes through the Bosphorus to the Black Sea in Istanbul July 20, 2012.