Gulf

Russia's Putin offers to mediate with Iran, calls US-Israeli strikes 'unprovoked aggression'

In a series of calls with the leaders of the UAE, Bahrain and Qatar, Putin criticized the US-Israeli strikes on Iran, which the Kremlin described as "unprovoked aggression."

Russian President Vladimir Putin attends a meeting with Amur Region Governor Vasily Orlov in Moscow, Russia March 2, 2026
A cargo ship is pictured at a port in Keelung, Taiwan, January 7, 2022.

Marine insurers cancel war risk cover for ships due to conflict in Iran, Middle East

In this picture obtained from Iran's ISNA news agency, yellow tap is rolled out to secure the site where a missile hit a neighborhood, in Tehran on February 28, 2026.

UAE thwarts Iranian missiles: Residents receive safety alerts, reassured of safety

 A boat approaches the St Kitt's and Nevis-flagged container ship Marsa Victory while crusing in the waters of the Strait of Hormuz off the coast of Khasab in Oman's northern Musandam peninsula on June 25, 2025.

Iran temporarily closes Strait of Hormuz due to 'security precautions,' shipping safety


Reuters sees map of UAE plans for Gaza housing complex on Israeli side of Gaza's Yellow Line

The planning map shows where the "UAE Temporary Emirates Housing Complex" would be constructed near Rafah.

Gaza City, November 25, 2025.

'Still lethal': As Tehran tests US resolve, Iranian drones pose a deadly threat, experts say

Iran's drones are slow, but present a significant threat due to their numbers as part of Iran's attempts to oversaturate Western air defense systems.

Iranian Army drone fleet parades on the occasion of National Army Day on April 18, 2025 in Tehran, Iran.

US seeks to prevent further Iranian harrasment of ships in Gulf - analysis

Iranian harassment of US ships prompts military reaction, increasing already-strained tensions between the two countries.

An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean August 10, 2024.

US inaction would ‘embolden’ Iran after denial of airspace access, Saudi defense minister warns

“At this point, if this doesn’t happen, it will only embolden the regime,” said Saudi Defense Minister Prince Khalid bin Salman.

Chief of Iranian Armed Forces, Mohammad Bagheri, welcomes Saudi Defence Minister, Prince Khalid bin Salman, in Tehran, Iran, April 17, 2025.

Saudi-UAE split fractures anti-Houthi coalition as Iran-US tension threaten Red Sea - analysis

The coalition architecture that once united Gulf powers against Iranian proxies is now divided, leaving the Houthis facing less coordinated pressure.

Supporters of Yemen's Huthi rebels attend a gathering to mark annual Quds (Jerusalem) Day commemorations in Sanaa on March 28, 2025.

Aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln en route to Middle East as US mulls over Iran strike options

The moves, reported since late Friday, came as US officials and regional militaries coordinated on contingency planning for possible Iranian retaliation.

 An F/A-18F Super Hornet, assigned to Strike Fighter Squadron (VFA) 41, prepares to make an arrested landing on the flight deck of the US Navy Nimitz-class aircraft carrier USS Abraham Lincoln in the Pacific Ocean August 10, 2024

Quiet after gunfire targeting unidentified drones heard near Yemen's presidential palace

Aden and adjacent areas are currently controlled by the separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC). The leader of the STC had been residing in the palace, but his current whereabouts are unknown.

A flag of the UAE-backed separatist Southern Transitional Council (STC) flutters on a military patrol truck, at the site of a rally by STC supporters in Aden, Yemen, January 1, 2026.

Iran seizes foreign oil tanker near Gulf, saying it was carrying millions of smuggled fuel liters

Iran said last week it had seized another foreign tanker carrying 6 million litres of what it described as smuggled diesel in the Gulf of Oman.

Etswani flagged vessel.

Gulf turns to Israel for security as Washington pivots inwards - opinion

The Gulf states must decide who protects their security interests as the US steps back.

 Representatives of the UAE, US, Israel, Bahrain Morocco and Egypt at the Steering Committee of the Negev Forum, June 27, 2022.

Doha Forum draws world leaders, but Gaza war puts negative spotlight on Qatar - analysis

This year, the Forum featured several key speakers, including Syria’s new president, Ahmed al-Shara’a, who has already stolen the show at other international forums, such as the UN.

Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al-Thani (C) presents the Doha Forum Award to Alex Thier (L) and Saad Mohseni, honouring their contributions to supporting children's education in Palestine and Afghanistan, in partnership with the Education Above All Foundation, December 7, 2025