Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
US approves $1.4B in military sales to Saudi Arabia, Bahrain: What to know An estimated $1 billion in foreign military sales will go to Saudi Arabia, and $445 million will go to Bahrain. United States
Malaysia's AirAsia bets Bahrain can fuel Mideast growth, challenging Gulf hubs The Malaysian carrier signed a preliminary pact with Bahrain to explore establishing the kingdom as its Middle East hub, with plans for dozens of daily flights by 2030. Bahrain
Analysis UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links A new charm offensive at Saudi Arabia's flagship investment conference has fueled optimism that a UK-GCC trade pact, under negotiation since 2022, could soon be completed. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
As Qatar-Bahrain rift widens, economic costs emerge Qatar’s economic and geopolitical separation from Bahrain and other GCC states will come with economic costs. Bahrain
Iran’s role in Qatar’s new foreign policy Rather than forcing Qatar to sever ties with Tehran, the Saudi-led boycott on Qatar has instead pushed the emirate closer to Iran. Saudi Arabia
Iranian return to hajj could help end Saudi deadlock The resumption of Iranian participation in the annual hajj pilgrimage may help pave the way for an end to the diplomatic deadlock between Riyadh and Tehran. Saudi Arabia
Trump administration presses Middle East on religious freedom Secretary of State Rex Tillerson committed the United States to fighting for religious liberty around the world with the release of the annual International Religious Freedom Report. Legacy: Gulf
Tillerson calls on Saudi bloc to lift blockade on Qatar The US secretary of state, after meeting Omani Foreign Minister Yusuf bin Alawi today in Washington, called for the lifting of the blockade on Qatar as a sign of good faith. Legacy: Gulf
Qatar becoming another diplomatic debacle for Turkey Experts question the logic behind Ankara’s decision to station troops in Qatar and anger key Arab powers, just as matters are coming to a head in Syria and Iraq. Saudi Arabia
Moscow carefully assessing international energy scene Russia’s long-term energy plan relies heavily on gas sectors in the Middle East and Eurasia as it struggles with low prices and sanctions. Saudi Arabia
Stakes high for Kuwait as mediator in Qatar crisis Kuwait has established its neutrality in the Qatari crisis, but it has a lot at stake. Legacy: Gulf
Tunisia can only afford neutrality in Qatar crisis Tunisia has officially remained neutral in the Qatari-Gulf crisis given its economic relations with the two main parties involved. Legacy: Gulf
Iraq’s PM concludes tightrope regional tour Iraqi Prime Minister Haider al-Abadi's tour — which spanned Saudi Arabia, Iran and Kuwait — aimed to maintain regional balances amid discussions on post-IS preparations and regional aid to Iraq. Saudi Arabia
Gulf-Qatar crisis leaves its mark on sports Amid the ongoing diplomatic crisis between Qatar and a number of major Arab nations, the Qatari sports channel beIN has been banned in several countries. Legacy: Gulf
Qatar crisis opens gates of anti-Trumpism in Turkey Pro-government Turks who support Qatar have been hesitant to directly blame Saudi Arabia for the recent intra-GCC rift, preferring instead to scapegoat US intelligence services and President Donald Trump. Saudi Arabia
