MBS hosts Sheikh Mansour as Saudi-UAE ties thaw: What to know The renewed outreach comes as Saudi Arabia faces mounting attacks from the Iran-backed Houthis. United Arab Emirates
New US aircraft carrier heads to Middle East as Iran war stretches on The USS Theodore Roosevelt is expected to be the fifth US Navy carrier to participate in the now seven-month war against Iran. Iran
Turkey's FM in UAE to discuss Yemen war, Hormuz closure: What to know The top Turkish diplomat was set to stress Ankara's support for a peaceful and “united Yemen” amid renewed Houthi advances. Turkey
Oil rises amid Hormuz impasse, Trump attack threat Oil rose after weekend reports suggested talks to reopen the Strait of Hormuz had stalled. Iran
Analysis Why Turkey is drawing the line at defense in its support for Saudi Arabia By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
How risky is US-Houthi escalation after Navy thwarts tanker hijacking? The Iran-backed rebels are risking new levels of escalation as they jockey for clout in talks with Saudi Arabia as Israel's war in the Gaza Strip grinds on. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis Yemen’s peace process imperiled as Houthis target Israel Experts say the attacks are designed to increase the Houthis’ standing domestically, and to potentially increase their leverage in talks with Saudi Arabia. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
How Houthis' hijacking of Israel-linked ship tests limits of US deterrence The US is consulting with allies after Iran-backed Yemeni fighters fast-roped onto the deck and hijacked an Israeli-linked cargo ship amid Israel's war against Palestinian militants in Gaza. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi defense chief concludes US trip, seeks security assurances as Gaza rages Prince Khalid bin Salman’s preplanned trip included meetings with top US officials. Saudi Arabia is concerned that the war between Israel and Hamas could hurt its interests. Legacy: Gulf
Blasts in Egypt near Israeli border as Gaza war rages on The Israeli military blamed two explosions in Egypt, resulted in injuries, on an “aerial threat” from the Red Sea, a possible reference to the Iran-backed Houthis in Yemen, but some details are unclear. Egypt
US sells Oman $70 million worth of TOW antitank missiles The Biden administration advanced the sale proposal even as Yemen's Houthis have engaged in peace talks in Saudi Arabia last month. Legacy: Gulf
Culture Saudi-Iran soccer match canceled over Qasem Soleimani statue row Iran and Saudi Arabia resumed diplomatic relations in March. Soleimani, who was killed in a US airstrike in 2020, is a polarizing figure in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Houthi attack on Bahrain's soldiers tests Yemen's fragile cease-fire, US defense pact An alleged Houthi drone strike that killed three Bahraini soldiers in Saudi Arabia this week has underscored the limits of Washington's commitment to Gulf states' defense. Legacy: Gulf
Blinken defends Iran prisoner swap at meeting with Gulf counterparts The US secretary of state also touted the India-Middle East-Europe Economic Corridor, seen as competition to China’s Belt and Road Initiative, ahead of the discussion with Gulf Cooperation Council member states. Legacy: Gulf
UN mulls green Islamic bonds to fund climate change refugee projects The United Nations is reportedly interested in issuing Islamic bonds to help those displaced by climate change. Legacy: Gulf
Can US-Iran prisoner deal build trust for broader talks? Experts say the release of five Americans held in Iran could lay the groundwork for a resumption of nuclear talks between the longtime adversaries. Iran
US urges Houthis to negotiate with Yemen’s government US Special Envoy for Yemen Tim Lenderking called on the Iran-backed rebels to "seize this unprecedented opportunity" to sit down with the Yemeni government. Yemen
