Airlines gradually restore Middle East flights, Gulf still heavily grounded More than 43,000 of the 78,500 scheduled flights in and out of the Middle East have been canceled since the war began Feb. 28, according to flight data firm Cirium. United Arab Emirates
G7 readies strategic reserves after oil nears $120 amid Iran war It is the first time oil prices have passed $100 in nearly four years as the key producers in the energy-rich Middle East curb output amid the conflict. Iran
Airlines cancel flights amid fears of US military action in Iran: What to know Arrivals at Tehran's airport this week mainly indicated Iranian and Middle Eastern airlines were flying to the Persian country amid heightened tensions with Washington. Iran
Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
Analysis UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis As Carrefour retreats in Mideast, can new Gulf superstore brand advance? Amid rising competition and consumer boycotts of Western companies, UAE-based Majid Al Futtaim has begun pulling French retailer Carrefour from Middle East markets and rebranding outlets under a new name: HyperMax. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Bahraini protesters clash with police over new Israeli ambassador: What to know Bahrain normalized ties with Israel in 2020 and has sought to balance friendly relations and maintaining calm among its pro-Palestinian population amid the Gaza war. Bahrain
Egypt secures $220M from domestic, Gulf, Chinese investors for solar project Foreign investment from three countries comes at a pivotal time in Egypt’s recovery from its worst financial crisis in over six decades. Egypt
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
What Bahrain’s election to UN Security Council means for Mideast diplomacy The election of new members to the UN Security Council comes ahead of a vote on a resolution calling for a ceasefire in Gaza. Bahrain
Bahrain to bid for UN Security Council seat: What to know If its candidacy is successful, it would allow the Arab world's smallest nation to have a significant say in critical decisions impacting the Middle East, particularly the ongoing conflict in Gaza. Bahrain
Analysis Wary of Houthis, Gulf states fear blowback of US escalation in Yemen The Houthis' identification with the Gaza conflict has also made it complicated for Gulf states to participate in operations against the group. By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf The ongoing conflict in Gaza, big international investment deals, low oil revenue and increased curtailing of democratic rights dominated Gulf politics and economy in 2024 By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Gulf states reach out to new Syrian leaders ahead of Jordan talks: What we know Bahrain's King Hamad sent a letter to HTS leader Ahmed al-Sharaa, while the UAE has held direct contact with opposition groups. Qatar is set to reopen embassy in Damascus soon. Syria
Bahrain announces UK inclusion in key security pact with US Bahrain signed the Comprehensive Security Integration and Prosperity Agreement with the Biden administration in September 2023; Manama plans to turn it into a multilateral agreement with more members amid regional threats. Bahrain
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
Analysis US lawmakers act to boost Israel-Arab military coordination to counter Iran Legislation to promote information sharing between senior Arab and Israeli military officials is on its way to becoming law. By Megan Mineiro In Washington, DC, reporting on US Congress