Houthis seize Red Sea city, tighten grip near strategic Bab al-Mandeb: What to know Taking control of the towns bordering the Bab al-Mandeb Strait deals a significant blow to Saudi Arabia, which has relied heavily on the key waterway to keep its exports afloat. Yemen
Analysis How Saudi Arabia seeks to contain Yemen's Houthis without provoking Iran Riyadh is balancing pressure on the Houthis with efforts to keep Iran from widening the conflict, as attacks threaten Saudi energy exports through the Red Sea. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Iran's IRGC set to declare new ‘sanctions zone’ beyond Hormuz: What to know The latest Iranian effort to assert control over waterways in the region follows heavy US strikes targeting oil tankers. Iran
Turkey and Greece's intelligence chiefs hold rare talks: What to know The meeting comes after Turkey recently warned Greece over what it called an arms race in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Yacht carrying Russians, Egyptians goes missing off Yemen coast The yacht’s owner says the crew sent a distress call about a pirate attack. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
Turkey, Greece row reignited over 'Turkaegean' trademark dispute Turkey’s tourism campaign with the slogan “Turkaegean” reignites tensions in Athens, which considers it both cultural usurpation and a threat to Greek sovereignty in the Aegean. Turkey
Egypt’s FM to visit Turkey ahead of restoration of ties: Cavusoglu The Turkish government unleashed a fresh regional charm offensive ahead of the critical May 14 vote, as the top Turkish diplomat announced planned and potential meetings with his Egyptian and Syrian counterparts. Turkey
US Navy sends guided-missile submarine to Middle East amid Iran tensions US show of force comes as Pentagon extends aircraft carrier deployment following last month's lethal attack by Iran-backed militias on US personnel in Syria. Iran
Egypt's Sisi unlikely to reconcile with Erdogan before Turkey's election The Turkish military presence in Libya remains the key snag in Ankara’s efforts to mend fences with Egypt. Turkey
Turkey, Greece take strides in Ankara meeting as aid diplomacy continues A meeting of senior Turkish and Greek diplomats in Ankara is the latest diplomatic contact spurred by post-disaster diplomacy, and the fourth meeting of the “Positive Agenda” initiative. Turkey
Egypt signs $1.6 billion deals with China, EU companies to develop sea ports The Egyptian government wants its Red Sea and Mediterranean ports to help boost the economy amid rising inflation and declining foreign currency reserves. Egypt
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt rank among world’s top 10 arms importers: SIPRI Middle East countries made up more than a fourth of the top 40 global arms importers from 2018 to 2022, according to a new report. Legacy: Gulf
Western allies join US' experimental drone task force in Middle East Task Force 59 is now fully operationally capable, Fifth Fleet commander Vice Adm. Brad Cooper told an audience of Navy personnel in Washington on Tuesday. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt’s Sisi gets warm welcome at Pentagon as Cairo assumes naval role Egypt took charge of Combined Task Force 153 on Monday as the Pentagon seeks to economize its footprint in the Middle East. Egypt
Iran’s IRGC navy harassed US ships in Strait of Hormuz, US says An IRGC patrol boat harassed two US Navy ships just days after one of them was involved in the seizure of 50 tons of smuggled ammunition bound for Yemen. Legacy: Gulf
Erdogan-Sisi handshake sparks backlash from Turkey's Islamists President Erdogan’s about-face on Egypt sparked backlash from some Turkish Islamists ahead of critical June elections. Turkey
