UAE's deputy PM holds first call with Ghalibaf amid push to extend US-Iran ceasefire The Emirati vice president and Iran’s parliament speaker talked de-escalation on the phone in the first such contact since the Iran war began. United Arab Emirates
Bahrain, Saudi Arabia summon Iraqi diplomats over militia attacks: What to know The United States and Kuwait have likewise criticized Iraq over actions tied to Iran-backed armed groups in the country. Iraq
China signals bigger Gulf role as UAE crown prince visits Beijing China, which maintains close ties with both Iran and Gulf states, is hosting one of the UAE's top officials this week as a fragile ceasefire in the region holds. China
UAE says no more 'niceties' with Iran, seeks clarity on fragile truce terms The UAE said Iran must pay “compensation” for damages incurred during the conflict. United Arab Emirates
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
Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market. Saudi Arabia
US to sell $500 million HIMARS rocket system to Bahrain The short-range artillery system will not alter the basic balance of power in the Gulf region, Pentagon says. Bahrain
Starlink targets Saudi skies as Musk’s Middle East push rolls on The satellite internet service operated by SpaceX had been on an expansion spree in the Middle East in 2025, most recently launching in Israel as it also targets a deal with Saudi Arabia's national airline. Saudi Arabia
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
UAE, Azerbaijan sign trade deal as officials meet in Abu Dhabi for Armenia peace talks The deal is expected to contribute around $680 million to the UAE’s gross domestic product by 2031, according to UAE Minister of Foreign Trade Thani bin Ahmed Al Zeyoudi. United Arab Emirates
Iran FM visits Saudi Arabia as kingdom makes push for regional diplomacy The meeting in Mecca comes as Saudi Arabia steps up its diplomatic engagement with key global powers with the aim of managing regional tensions. Saudi Arabia
UAE ranks second globally as digital nomad destination: What to know The Gulf country was rated highly for its internet quality, public safety, low tax environment, comprehensive health-care system and overall infrastructure. United Arab Emirates
