Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
MBS hosts Sudan's Burhan in Jeddah as $1.5B Saudi-backed arms deal stalls Sudan’s army chief Abdel Fattah al-Burhan traveled to Jeddah Monday for a visit that could be aimed at salvaging a $1.5 billion Pakistani arms deal Riyadh has reportedly blocked. Sudan
UAE's deputy PM holds first call with Ghalibaf amid push to extend US-Iran ceasefire The Emirati vice president and Iran’s parliament speaker talked de-escalation on the phone in the first such contact since the Iran war began. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Damage control: Can US calm Gulf security concerns after Israel strikes? Unprecedented Israeli air raids targeting Hamas negotiators in Doha have sown doubt among Gulf allies about Washington’s commitment to guaranteeing the oil-rich region's security. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Qatari emir attends Hamas members’ funeral in Doha after Israeli strikes The funeral for the Hamas members and the Qatari corporal killed in the Israeli strikes was held at a prominent mosque in Doha. Qatar
UAE president visits Qatar, bans Israel from Dubai Airshow after Doha strikes UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan threw his country’s support behind Qatar, saying the Israeli strikes on Qatari territory violated international laws. Qatar
Iran FM, Qatar emir meet as Doha holds talks with IAEA over Iran sanctions The visit is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s first to Qatar since Iran attacked US forces at the Al Udeid base. Iran
UAE president meets Saudi crown prince ahead of UN Palestine conference The UAE and Saudi Arabia have strengthened cooperation since the Gaza war began in 2023, though their rivalry over regional influence and economic leadership remains. United Arab Emirates
Iran-GCC clash over islands, nuclear talks underscores Tehran’s growing isolation The Gulf Cooperation Council's renewed territorial claims on three Iran-controlled Persian Gulf islands come as Tehran is struggling under mounting international pressure and scrambling to rise from the ashes of its recent war with Israel. Iran
Somalia, UAE hold talks as tensions simmer over Puntland, Somaliland The visit occurred on the same day that Somalia's president met with Sudan’s intelligence chief. United Arab Emirates
US Army trains new Saudi anti-missile THAAD crew as Gulf air defense lags Despite damage from Israel’s June air campaign, Iran’s ballistic missile arsenal continues to threaten Arab states and has in the past limited US military access to regional bases, testing the Pentagon’s ability to manage its global resources. United States
Saudi Arabia licenses charter operator VistaJet as first foreign airline for domestic flights The Dubai-based private airline group looks to capitalize on the kingdom's growing super-rich luxury travel market. Saudi Arabia
US to sell $500 million HIMARS rocket system to Bahrain The short-range artillery system will not alter the basic balance of power in the Gulf region, Pentagon says. Bahrain
Starlink targets Saudi skies as Musk’s Middle East push rolls on The satellite internet service operated by SpaceX had been on an expansion spree in the Middle East in 2025, most recently launching in Israel as it also targets a deal with Saudi Arabia's national airline. Saudi Arabia
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
