Mossad, Shin Bet in UAE: What we know about Israel’s FlyDubai probe The National Security Council is probing foreign carrier security protocols, while police investigate two senior Transportation Ministry officials suspected of providing private services for aviation companies. Israel
Trump says Hormuz mine-free as Iran, Oman agree to clear them The US president again says Hormuz is clear of mines as Iran and Oman announce their plan to clear the strait. United States
Newsletter: Daily Briefing Syria, Israel hold US-mediated talks Pakistan’s Munir arrives in Tehran; major UAE economic delegation to visit Beirut; and more. By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Caught in the middle, Oman shrugs off Trump's latest Iran threat For the second time in months, President Donald Trump has threatened to strike the US partner as it holds talks with Iran. Oman
Newsletter: Gulf Gulf chokepoints bring Japan closer to Saudi Arabia, Oman By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
After Qaboos, who will be Oman's next sultan? Now that Saudi Arabia has seen its succession through, attention has moved to who will succeed Oman's Sultan Qaboos, who has been in Munich since the summer for unspecified health reasons. Saudi Arabia
Will oil price drop weaken Qaboos? It will be a challenge for the government to keep its commitments to Omanis while sliding oil prices hinder its ability to increase government services in times of unrest, a crucial lifeline for the monarchy since the Arab Spring. Oman
UAE tries to scuttle Qatar-Saudi reconciliation There are signs that ties between Qatar and Saudi Arabia are improving, but the United Arab Emirates is maintaining a hard-line position on Doha, threatening Gulf reconciliation. Saudi Arabia
US can help heal GCC rifts The United States is leading efforts to resolve the dispute between Saudi Arabia and Qatar, but uncertainty over the future of the Gulf Cooperation Council remains. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf states should form regional bloc with Iran Arab Gulf states can no longer ignore Iran’s vital role in bringing stability to the Gulf region, and should work on establishing a security and economic arrangement with Tehran. Legacy: Gulf
Al-Monitor launches Gulf Pulse With the launch of its Gulf Pulse, Al-Monitor is expanding its coverage of the region. Saudi Arabia
Saudi-Qatar tensions divide GCC The announcement by Saudi Arabia, Bahrain and the United Arab Emirates that they are withdrawing their ambassadors to Qatar is a further sign of the deterioration in Saudi-Qatar ties and the fragmentation of the Gulf Cooperation Council. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia moving ahead with Gulf union Opposition from Oman will not deter Saudi King Abdullah bin Abdulaziz Al Saud from seeking strength in GCC unity. Saudi Arabia
Omani rejection of GCC union adds insult to injury for Saudi Arabia The Omani stance may force the kingdom to pause in its regional policies. Saudi Arabia
Iran nuclear deal may be start of new era in Persian Gulf The Iran nuclear deal could be a breakthrough on regional ties. Legacy: Gulf
Correcting misconceptions of the Gulf’s modern art movement Contrary to what some may believe, a vibrant indigenous visual arts tradition does exist in the Gulf. United Arab Emirates
Sultan Qaboos, UN's Feltman Test Diplomacy with Iran Sultan Qaboos of Oman and UN Under Secretary-General for Political Affairs Jeffrey Feltman create diplomatic flurry in Tehran. Oman
