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
Houthis claim new strikes on Saudi Arabia after IRGC warning: What to know A senior Iranian commander said Saudi Arabia will be unable to the defeat the Yemeni group as the conflict intensifies. Yemen
UAE halts all trade ties with Iran after missile attack The incident follows the UAE blaming Iran for strikes on ADNOC vessels in the Strait of Hormuz. United Arab Emirates
Sultan of Oman meets UAE's MBZ as Iran-Hormuz talks advance The talks come as Oman is in the midst of negotiations with Iran over the Strait of Hormuz. Oman
As Saudi Arabia rallies against Yemen's Houthis, US stays focused on Iran By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Analysis Fidan heads to Egypt amid questions over Saudi Arabia-Turkey-Pakistan pact By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
From golf to the Gulf: Who is Trump’s new Middle East envoy, Steve Witkoff? Trump's long-time friend will face a tough job in trying to quell a regional war that has been raging since Oct. 7, 2023, between Israel, Lebanon and Hamas in the Gaza Strip. United States
Saudi PIF trims Nintendo stake from 7.5% to 6.3% in second cut of month A filing with Japan’s Finance Ministry said the move follows the sale of more than 17 million Nintendo shares, which concluded in October. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Beyond congratulations, Trump faces changed, eastward-looking Gulf Gulf states are familiar with Donald Trump and his transactional nature but have also managed to forge their own regional alliances over the last four years. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Saudi-Israel normalization 'off table' until Palestinian statehood, FM says Saudi Arabia's foreign minister has said that normalization with Israel will wait for progress on Palestinian rights. Saudi Arabia
What's significance of UAE's Sheikh Tahnoon third visit to Qatar in a year? Qatar and the UAE are strengthening ties with high-profile meetings and joint investments like the $20 billion Development Road Project. However, differing views on Gaza’s future could challenge their cooperation. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia pushes for Africa debt relief as private investments set to reach $25B Saudi Arabia is pushing for debt relief for African nations burdened with more than $1 trillion in liabilities. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Saudi naval ambitions get a boost after joint Greece, France exercise The kingdom is modernizing its navy under Vision 2030, replacing outdated vessels while seeking to diversify its military partnerships beyond traditional US reliance — but operational gaps remain. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Qatar to vote on ditching legislative council elections as Gulf states balk at representative rule Qatar's first legislative council election was held in October 2021, a year before it hosted the FIFA World Cup, but the Gulf state now looks poised to roll back citizens' involvement in the legislative process. Qatar
Qatari emir in Germany to boost economic ties According to the German chancellery, Scholz will host the emir at Meseberg Castle, with the meeting focusing on deepening energy, trade and regional security ties. Qatar
Russia's BRICS summit: Gulf states seek influence as Iran, UAE debut as members Saudi Arabia’s crown prince will not be in attendance but has sent his foreign minister. Expansion of the group and adoption of a new currency are on the three-day agenda. United Arab Emirates
WFP to send aid ship to feed displaced in Lebanon The UN food agency is raising the alarm over food insecurity and a harsh winter in the Levant as the conflicts in Gaza and Lebanon continue. Israel
As Iran, Israel lurch toward war, Saudi Arabia seeks rapprochement with Tehran Riyadh seeks assurances from Tehran that energy infrastructure in the region is spared amid talks of Israeli retaliation targeting Iranian oil and gas assets. Iran
