Maritime strategy

A commercial vessel passes through an international shipping lane off Yemen's Hanish Island in the Red Sea on July 27, 2026.

Explainer

Tankers keep sailing Red Sea despite Houthi threats as Saudi oil lifeline faces strains

Roughly a dozen oil tankers were sailing in the vicinity of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait as of Tuesday evening, following an uptick in traffic the day before as shippers bet on new US-Iran diplomacy.

Sailors from the navy of Yemen's Aden-based internationally recognized government stand at machine-gun positions aboard a vessel patrolling a shipping lane off Hanish Island in the Red Sea on July 27, 2026.

Aramco turns to Egypt as Houthis disrupt Saudi oil exports: What to know

Riyadh is now looking to use the Mediterranean route more extensively after the Houthis on July 20 threatened to target oil exports passing through the Bab el-Mandeb Strait.

David's Sling.

Explainer

As Turkey rivalry heats up, Greece to acquire $4B Israeli air defense system

The Greek defense minister said that the air defense system will be operational within 35 months.

Turkey's servicemen stand at attention on a Turkish submarine as they participate in the live-fire phase of the Blue Homeland 2026 tactical military exercises in the eastern Mediterranean Sea, in Antalya on April 9, 2026.

Turkey to begin surveys for planned northern Cyprus gas pipeline

The planned 63-mile link is intended to supply gas for electricity generation but has drawn condemnation from the Republic of Cyprus amid rising rivalries in the eastern Mediterranean.

Latest News

Iran war to cost US $37.5B by end of September, Hegseth tells Senate

Hegset

Analysis

As Turkey eyes US naval revival, here is why big warship deals are unlikely

Recep Tayyip Erdogan, president of Turkey, greets Donald Trump, president of United States, during a welcome ceremony of allied heads of state and government, on July 8, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

As US ties fray, top Oman official visits China: What to know

China Oman mtg

Joyce Karam

By Joyce Karam , Rosaleen Carroll

Interview

Why Strait of Hormuz no longer rattles oil markets as much: IMF

A ship sails off the coast of Ajman on July 10, 2026.

Jihad Azour

Jihad Azour

Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund

President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received at Ittihadia Palace the head of the Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council, President Rashad Al-Alimi, on June 11, 2022.

Egypt fears for Red Sea security as Yemen cease-fire teeters

Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi as part of his first foreign tour since his inauguration, amid efforts to consolidate the cease-fire and reach a solution that ends the crisis in the war-torn country.

A military vessel of the United Nations peacekeeping force in Lebanon (UNIFIL) is pictured off the coast of the southern Lebanese town of Naqura, on the border with Israel, where delegations from the two countries were meeting, Nov. 11, 2020.

Maritime dispute with Lebanon threatens Israeli natural gas drilling

Israel hopes that a solution can be found to the maritime border dispute with Lebanon so Energean can start drilling in the Karish field in the third quarter of 2022.

tanker

Iran seizes two Greek tankers after US, Greece seize Iranian fuel

The tanker wars between the US and Iran appear to be heating up once again as Vienna talks remain on the rocks.

Pro-Russian supporters wave flags as they welcome missile cruiser Moskva.

How Russia losing its Black Sea flagship Moskva could reverberate in Syria

Navy Persian Gulf

US Navy adds new task force to patrol Red Sea

Task Force 153 will patrol the Red Sea and waters around Yemen, as Iran shows no sign of relinquishing support for the Houthis.

Osama Rabie, chairman of Egypt's Suez Canal Authority.

Suez Canal Authority remains neutral in Russian-Ukrainian war

The Suez Canal Authority proclaimed neutrality in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and announced that it will not ban Russian and Ukrainian vessels from traversing the canal.

Cargo ships are moored along a dock at the port of Haifa, Israel, June 24, 2021.

Analysis

Turkish company disqualified from tender to operate Israel’s Haifa port

Israeli intelligence agencies fear that a French-Lebanese company, associated with Turkish company Yilport, which is interested in operating the Haifa port, could be affiliated with Hezbollah.

Danny Zaken

In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel

JACK GUEZ/AFP via Getty Images

Bad news for Netanyahu as inquiry peers into submarine affair

Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried hard to prevent a commission of inquiry into the submarine scandal that has plagued him, but its time has come.

Yemenis inspect a crater following a reported airstrike by the Saudi-led coalition at al-Sabeen square in Sanaa, on Dec. 23, 2021.

Saudi coalition demands Houthis release UAE vessel seized in Red Sea

The Houthis claimed the ship was carrying military equipment and conducting "hostile activities" in Yemen's territorial waters.

A file picture dated Nov. 24, 2008, shows an Egyptian patrol ship navigating the Suez Canal.

Suez Canal to establish sovereign wealth fund

The Suez Canal Authority has unveiled a plan to establish a sovereign wealth fund to shield the canal from fluctuations in global trade and crises like COVID-19.

A cargo ship cruises towards the Strait of Hormuz off the shores of Khasab in Oman on Jan. 15, 2011.

Oman invests in ports with eye to becoming Gulf gateway

Oman is betting on strategically located ports and container terminals to expand its logistics sector, hoping to serve as a prime gateway to Gulf markets.

Greek Foreign Minister Nikos Dendias and Omani Foreign Minister Sayyid Badr Hamad Al Busaidi (R), in Muscat, Oct. 20, 2021.

Greek foreign minister visits Oman

Nikos Dendias will also head to Libya this week and recently participated in a summit with allies Cyprus and Egypt.