Claude AI used for missile, influence projects in UAE, Iran, Yemen: Anthropic Military and government actors across the Middle East — from Iran to Yemen to the United Arab Emirates — have used Anthropic's Claude AI model for war planning and influence campaigns. Yemen
Saudi Arabia’s oil production slumps to lowest in 36 years as war bites The kingdom reported to OPEC that crude output fell by 1.9 million to 6.238 million barrels per day in August. Saudi Arabia
Brent crude sails past $100 as Middle East war intensifies The Iran war escalated this week as Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthi rebels attacked four southern Saudi Arabian cities and oil facilities. Saudi Arabia
Iran to announce new Gulf restricted zone, Hormuz route: What we know Mohsen Rezaei, secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council, said the restricted zone would begin at the point where the US blockade of Iranian ports starts and extend into the Gulf. Iran
Analysis Iran war tests Gulf's theme park ambitions By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Israel energy minister says gas flowing to Egypt, Jordan despite shutdown reports Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Al-Monitor that despite security concerns and partial shut down of marine gas platforms, Israel continues to supply gas to Egypt, Jordan and Israeli consumers. Israel
Turkey in talks with Iran to clear 11 ships stuck in Hormuz: What to know Turkey's transport minister says that 11 vessels await passage from Hormuz pending talks with Iran. Turkey
UAE accuses Iran of 'extortion' in Strait of Hormuz: What to know The accusation comes as Iran continues to launch drone and missile attacks in the Gulf. United Arab Emirates
Analysis How the Iran war is giving Turkey's Erdogan a big boost Opinion polls show Turks turning to Erdogan as a steady hand during the war, even as the country's finances remain fragile. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Who is Handala, the hacktivist group US ties to Iranian intelligence? Handala Hack Team portrays itself as a pro-Palestinian group but is widely believed to be linked to Iranian intelligence. Iran
Jet fuel squeeze exposes Europe’s reliance on Middle East supply Lawmakers on the continent have been told to make "timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially prolonged disruption" in energy flows from the region. Iran
Iran names US tech, finance firms in new Middle East threat list Firms listed as potential targets included Oracle, Microsoft, Apple, Google, Meta, IBM, Palantir and Nvidia, while banking giant JPMorgan and UAE-based AI firm G42 were also listed. Iran
China, Pakistan announce 5-point plan to end Iran war: What to know The call came during Pakistani Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar’s visit to Beijing, which comes as part of Islamabad’s diplomatic outreach to mediate an end to the US-Israel-Iran war. Iran
Analysis Israel urges US escalation against Iran, possible ground invasion Israel has made clear it will not deploy ground forces to Iran, but would strongly support US military action if the Trump administration chooses to proceed. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Hegseth slams allies for reluctance to join Iran war, says coming days 'decisive' The comments come as Washington questions NATO support after allies restrict aircraft access in the US-Israeli war with Iran. United States
Saudi Arabia, Jordan, Qatar to deepen security ties amid Iran war: What to know Gulf states and Jordan are aligning more closely as Iranian attacks persist. Saudi Arabia
Egypt closes stores early, Jordan bans AC as Iran war takes toll Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan announced Monday that the use of air conditioning and heating equipment in ministries, government departments and public institutions will now be prohibited. Egypt
