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
Exclusive Senior Houthi official says Bab el Mandab closure an option if any Gulf states join war Houthi Deputy Information Minister Mohammed Mansour also said the strait could be closed “should the aggression against Iran and Lebanon escalate.” By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
On eve of talks, UAE's Gargash throws weight behind Iran-US deal Anwar Gargash, diplomatic adviser to the UAE president, spoke at a panel discussion at the World Governments Summit in Dubai, where he discussed the latest developments in Gaza, Iran, Sudan and Yemen. United Arab Emirates
Thousands rally for South Yemen independence amid Saudi diplomatic push Large protests called for southern independence in Yemen on Friday, reflecting persistent support for the separatists despite the Saudi-backed government’s efforts to quash the separatist movement. Yemen
Analysis US response muted as Gulf allies clash in Yemen By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
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
Saudi forces have killed hundreds of Ethiopian migrants at Yemen border: report Saudi Arabia's border security forces are accused of "widespread and systematic" killing of Ethiopian migrants crossing from Yemen in what Human Rights Watch says could constitute crimes against humanity. Legacy: Gulf
