Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Israel’s Herzog holds rare meeting with Bahraini FM in Azerbaijan In the framework of an international summit, Israeli President Isaac Herzog met with the Foreign minister of Bahrain Abdullatif bin Rashid Al-Zayani. Israel
Explainer IMF projects Gulf rebound in 2027. Can energy production keep pace? Restoring shipping access in the Strait of Hormuz is only part of the recovery, as Gulf producers also need to repair damaged infrastructure to avoid further disruption to production and exports. Saudi Arabia
What does Amazon war damage mean for Gulf cloud expansion? Amazon’s cloud computing unit said the damage was sustained to its facilities in Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates, casting doubt over multibillion-dollar investments in the region. Bahrain
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Why Iran, US are drifting back to conflict By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Trump says Iran deal is ‘over’ By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
'Fake news' sparks real crisis in the Gulf Controversial statements reported by Qatar's state news agency and later attributed to a hack have revealed deep tension among members of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia
Trump budget slashes Middle East aid The State Department is seeking deep cuts to military and economic assistance for Arab states. Bahrain
Bahrain’s ongoing political crisis threatens stability The Bahraini government is taking a strong stand against the militant Shiite opposition factions that have become more radical in the past few years. Saudi Arabia
Will Bahrain use military trials against Shiite leader's supporters? Bahrain recently amended its constitution to expand military courts' jurisdiction, perhaps in anticipation of fiery protests once a verdict is announced in the trial of Sheikh Isa Qassim. Bahrain
How will Trump’s anti-Muslim Brotherhood inner circle view Qatar? While Qatar’s support for groups such as Hamas has caused tense ties with the United States in the past, Donald Trump’s presidency could create even more challenges for Qatar. Saudi Arabia
Bahrain shifts foreign policy with eye on Turkey Bahraini officials want to deepen their ties with Turkey as regional politics become more unstable. Legacy: Gulf
Democratic lawmakers slam Trump over Bahrain reception Manama critics on Capitol Hill assail decision to host independence celebration at president-elect's Washington hotel. Bahrain
Who in the GCC wants a union? Gulf Cooperation Council states consider transforming into a union to arm themselves against Iran’s increasing dominance and the growing instability in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Tensions flare between Hezbollah, Gulf states Analysts say Hezbollah has made a sharp pivot toward confrontation with Gulf states, in part as a result of its alliance with Iran. Legacy: Gulf
Will warming ties with Iran impact Morocco’s relationship with Saudi Arabia? Morocco announced the appointment of an ambassador to Tehran, ending a seven-year break in diplomatic ties. But concerns are emerging about the reaction of Saudi Arabia, an ally to the kingdom and enemy of Iran. Saudi Arabia
Meet the likely successor of Islamic State’s Baghdadi After IS spokesman and second-in-command Abu Mohamed al-Adnani was killed in an airstrike last month, there are indications that Bahraini citizen Turki al-Binali may replace him. Saudi Arabia
