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February 17, 2026

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This photograph taken on Jan. 20, 2026, organized by the Saudi-backed Yemeni government, shows Saudi-backed Yemeni forces in the city of Mukalla in Yemen's coastal southern Hadhramaut province.

Saudi-UAE rift complicates Israel's counter-Iran efforts, normalization

Israel fears that the rivalry between the UAE and Saudi Arabia will further push Riyadh toward countries that espouse political Islam policies.

A handout photo made available by Iran's Supreme National Security Council office shows Secretary of the Supreme National Security Council Ali Larijani (C) arriving in Muscat, Oman, on Feb. 10, 2026.

Iran’s Larijani in Qatar, meets Hamas leadership: What to know

Qatar and Oman have played a vital role in mediating between Iran and the United States to avoid military confrontation that would spill over to the rest of the region.

Merz

Merz courts Gulf as Germany seeks energy alternatives to US, China

Berlin is seeking to capitalize on ties with Gulf energy giants as relations with the United States have cooled amid strains over transatlantic defense commitments, Washington’s pursuit of Greenland and tariffs.

Latest News

Syria to develop first offshore oil, gas field with US’s Chevron, Qatar’s UCC

Platform Edith, the largest of Chevron's USA's offshore production platforms, is seen off the southern California coast, on Oct. 6, 2021.

Gulf markets recover after gold rout, buoyed by Iran de-escalation hopes

A woman checks a window shop at a jewelry store in Dubai, on March 10, 2025.

United Arab Emirates

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

Karen Young

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy

Reve Chaaban

In Doha reporting on culture

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan arrives in Oman’s capital, Muscat, to pay an official visit at the invitation of Sultan Haitham bin Tariq Al Said of Oman on Oct. 22, 2025.

Analysis

Turkey strengthens defense, energy ties following Erdogan’s Gulf tour

The Turkish president’s Gulf tour saw the signing of over a dozen agreements to strengthen military ties, diversify energy sources and expand economic partnerships amid regional instability.

Barin Kayaoglu

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani

Turkey, Qatar sign defense deal as Ankara eyes Doha’s Eurofighters

The Turkish president’s visit to Qatar during his Gulf tour largely centered on defense ties and Qatar’s little-used Eurofighters, as Ankara moves to quickly rebuild its air power.

SAFIN HAMID/AFP via Getty Images

Erdogan heads to Gulf as Turkey looks to ease energy dependence on Russia

The Turkish president will visit Kuwait, Oman and Qatar to strengthen economic ties, boost regional diplomacy and sign a series of agreements.

SHARM EL-SHEIKH, EGYPT - OCTOBER 13: World leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pose for a family photo, at a world leaders' summit on October 13, 2025 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt. President Trump is in Egypt to meet with European and Middle Eastern leaders in what’s being billed as an international peace summit, following the start of a US-brokered ceasefire deal to end the war

Analysis

Netanyahu powerless as Trump advances Gaza plan with Arab, PA forces

The second phase of the agreement with Hamas will force Israel to accept an international force composed of Arab soldiers and the involvement of the Palestinian Authority in the administration of the Gaza Strip.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Two F-15 Strike Eagle's take part in an air display on the opening day of the Farnborough International Airshow 2024, south west of London, on July 22, 2024.

Pentagon says Qatari F-15 fighter jet pilots to train at US base in Idaho

The announcement comes as the Trump administration has moved to reward Qatar for facilitating talks to end the Gaza war.

The chief of the Lebanese Armed Forces, Gen. Rodolphe Haykal, meets with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani in Doha, Oct. 8, 2025.

Lebanon army chief visits Qatar amid push to disarm Hezbollah

Haykal has held meetings with the Qatari army chief, the country’s prime minister and its minister of state for defense affairs.

People celebrate at Hostages Square in Tel Aviv on Oct. 9, 2025, following the announcement of the new Gaza ceasefire deal.

Israel's cabinet convenes to ratify Trump Gaza deal, military readies for retreat

Israeli officials are preparing for the release of 20 living hostages held in Gaza either on Saturday or Sunday and for a possible visit by the US president on Sunday.

Saudi Investment Minister Khalid Al Falih with Moroccan Industry Minister Riad Mezzour

Saudi investment minister visits Morocco, Senegal on Africa trade drive

Saudi Arabia has pledged more than $41 billion in investment in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade.