Qatar PM in Beirut as Lebanon seeks economic relief: What to know Qatar’s Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman al-Thani’s visit to Beirut coincides with the Lebanese authorities’ ongoing efforts to curb Hezbollah’s influence in the country. Lebanon
Iraq’s Zaidi, Saudi crown prince discuss security as Houthi attacks escalate Iraq has moved to improve ties with Saudi Arabia after Iran-backed militias struck the kingdom and amid the conflict with the Houthis in Yemen. Iraq
Who is Abdulrahman Alfozan, Saudi national charged in bugging OpenAI meetings? The Saudi national who was arrested for allegedly planting a covert listening device at OpenAI’s offices has extensive experience working at leading technology companies in the US and serves as a venture partner at a Saudi venture capital firm. Saudi Arabia
Iran offers Saudi-Yemen dialogue as fighting, Houthi attacks escalate The Saudi-backed government in Yemen passed a draft law designating the Iran-backed Houthis as a terror group, as the US considers further action against the group over its attacks against Saudi Arabia. Yemen
Analysis Who are Yemen's Southern Giants Brigades leading the fight against the Houthis? By Giorgio Cafiero
US, Saudi Arabia wrap up drone drill after Iran’s top security chief visits Riyadh The US military framed the drill, which was held amid tensions following Israel's strike on Hamas leaders in Doha, as a response to drone attacks by Iran and its proxies. United States
UAE’s MBZ meets Azerbaijan's Aliyev as Abu Dhabi expands South Caucasus footprint In July, Azerbaijan and the UAE signed an economic partnership agreement and Abu Dhabi hosted peace talks between Azerbaijan and Armenia. United Arab Emirates
Arab, Islamic leaders urge 'review' of Israel ties at emergency summit after Doha strikes The meeting comes less than a week after Israel launched airstrikes targeting Hamas’ leadership in Doha, a move Gulf states say poses a serious threat to regional security. Qatar
Analysis UAE bets big on Pakistan: Abu Dhabi’s infrastructure drive for Asia influence Abu Dhabi is making multi-pronged investments in a broad push into Pakistan’s transport and trade sectors. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Damage control: Can US calm Gulf security concerns after Israel strikes? Unprecedented Israeli air raids targeting Hamas negotiators in Doha have sown doubt among Gulf allies about Washington’s commitment to guaranteeing the oil-rich region's security. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Qatari emir attends Hamas members’ funeral in Doha after Israeli strikes The funeral for the Hamas members and the Qatari corporal killed in the Israeli strikes was held at a prominent mosque in Doha. Qatar
UAE president visits Qatar, bans Israel from Dubai Airshow after Doha strikes UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan threw his country’s support behind Qatar, saying the Israeli strikes on Qatari territory violated international laws. Qatar
Iran FM, Qatar emir meet as Doha holds talks with IAEA over Iran sanctions The visit is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s first to Qatar since Iran attacked US forces at the Al Udeid base. Iran
UAE president meets Saudi crown prince ahead of UN Palestine conference The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation since the Gaza war began in 2023, though their rivalry over regional influence and economic leadership remains. United Arab Emirates
Iran-GCC clash over islands, nuclear talks underscores Tehran’s growing isolation The Gulf Cooperation Council's renewed territorial claims on three Iran-controlled Persian Gulf islands come as Tehran is struggling under mounting international pressure and scrambling to rise from the ashes of its recent war with Israel. Iran
Somalia, UAE hold talks as tensions simmer over Puntland, Somaliland The visit occurred on the same day that Somalia's president met with Sudan’s intelligence chief. United Arab Emirates
US Army trains new Saudi anti-missile THAAD crew as Gulf air defense lags Despite damage from Israel’s June air campaign, Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal continues to threaten Arab states and has in the past limited US military access to regional bases, testing the Pentagon’s ability to manage its global resources. United States
