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
Iran suspends US talks over Israel’s Lebanon escalation, state media reports: What to know Iran’s Tasnim News Agency also said Tehran could "activate other fronts," including closure of the Bab el-Mandeb Strait. Iran
Analysis A draft maritime law and strategic rivalry: Why Greece is watching Turkey closely Turkey’s core maritime positions are not expected to change with the proposed new law, but the legislation has grabbed attention in Greece, where sensitivities over Aegean boundaries remain high. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
White House calls Iranian report on Hormuz, MOU 'complete fabrication' Iranian state TV says the US would agree to pull military forces away from Iran's borders in exchange for the opening of the Strait of Hormuz, but the White House called it a "complete fabrication." By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Oil tumbles as Iran signals Hormuz could open within 30 days Traders continue to bet that a resolution to end the US-Israel-Iran war is near. Iran
US-Iran tit-for-tat strikes over Hormuz expose risks of prolonged standoff If the Trump administration does not reach an agreement with Iran soon, the specter of long-term, low-grade conflict over the strait may set in. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iran’s Hormuz authority declares control over ports in UAE, Oman: What to know The Persian Gulf Strait Authority released a map showing its “areas of oversight” extending to the United Arab Emirates’ ports, eliciting a rebuke from a senior Emirati official. Iran
Ethiopia accuses Egypt of obstructing Red Sea access bid: What to know The remark came days after a new maritime cooperation agreement between Cairo and Asmara. Egypt
Turkey’s NATO pipeline bid fuels rivalry with Greece: What to know Ankara says the project would be faster and cheaper than alternatives, but rival routes could sharpen competition with Greece over eastern flank logistics. Turkey
Analysis Pakistan’s six corridors offer Iran a trade lifeline, could outlast Hormuz crisis By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
UAE unveils $5B India investment push during Modi visit: What to know India and the UAE signed deals related to energy supplies and maritime security, further strengthening ties amid the war in the region. United Arab Emirates
Uptick in Chinese tankers transiting Hormuz amid Trump-Xi summit President Donald Trump met Chinese President Xi Jinping in Beijing on Thursday, a meeting closely watched in Iran. United Arab Emirates
New Turkey maritime draft bill fuels EastMed tensions with Greece, Cyprus Turkey’s draft maritime bill seeks to formalize Ankara’s claims in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black seas, raising tensions with Greece and Cyprus over contested maritime boundaries and offshore energy rights. Turkey
