Gulf States

Understanding Arab paradoxical positions in the Iran war - opinion

Arab states avoid direct war with Iran while shaping its outcome, using economic pressure and strategic distance to weaken a regional rival without escalation

Smoke rises from the direction of an energy installation in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on March 14.
Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi chairs an extraordinary meeting of Arab League foreign ministers day before the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Istanbul, Turkey, June 20, 2025

After Iran war, attack on Gulf States, will the GCC withdraw from Arab League - analysis

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attend a press conference at joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, February 4, 2025; illustrative.

Turkey, Syria, Jordan unveil Gulf-Europe rail corridor as Ankara pushes alternative trade routes

Hapag-Lloyd sign on a container ship at the Valparaiso port, Chile, January 11, 2024.

Shipping firms seek clarifications before crossing Hormuz as tankers move towards Strait


Iran war leaves Yemen's Houthis 'between a rock and a hard place' - analysis

Iran helped the Houthis for more than a decade, arming them with the know-how to build drones and ballistic missiles. Now, will the Houthis help their friends in Tehran?

A Houthi protester with a poster of Ali Khamenei demonstrates amid the US-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Sanaa, Yemen, March 6, 2026

Israel should not force Gulf’s hand on Iran - editorial

When and if the moment comes that Jerusalem’s Gulf partners officially join the fighting against Iran, Israel should welcome that cooperation, but do so quietly.

 Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attend a group photo session with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 14, 2025.

Why war with Iran may not deliver the normalization Israel hopes for - analysis

Iran's military offensive will serve as clear proof that the Gulf States' policy of containment toward Iran has failed, said Ohad Merlin, Middle East expert at MIND Israel.

 Iran and Israel flags on geopolitical map.

The Gulf faces Iran’s missiles: Changes in regional deterrence - opinion

Iran’s repeated attacks on Israel confirm that Tehran applies the same aggressive logic to all states. Its efforts to expand influence threaten every country that opposes its goals.

People gather as smoke rises at the Industrial Area after reported Iranian missile attacks, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Doha, Qatar, March 1, 2026

Iran’s drone war on Gulf will test whether Arab nations strike back - analysis

The Gulf countries are trying to put on a brave face of resilience in the face of the threat. While there has been some talk of retaliation, it would likely require Riyadh to lead the way.

Smoke rises above Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 5, 2026

UAE denies striking desalination facility in Iran, hits out at 'inappropriate' Israeli conduct

Abu Dhabi is "struggling to understand Israeli conduct and the nature of briefings coming out of Jerusalem," a source close to the Emirates told the Post.

An Emirati Air Force F-16 performs a display flight at Al-Maktoum International Airport during the Dubai Airshow 2025 in Dubai, November 17, 2025

US offers $20b. reinsurance plan to spur Gulf oil flow amid Operation Epic Fury, Iranian attacks

The Trump administration is deploying a $20 billion maritime reinsurance program through the DFC to restore Hormuz shipping. Move targets soaring energy prices as Iran war halts Gulf commerce.

Oil tankers pass through the Strait of Hormuz, December 21, 2018.

Regionalizing the war: Iran’s gamble, Israel’s opening - opinion

After the war, a "mega deal" would produce the quintessential victory against not only the perpetrators of the October 7 massacre but against all those who wish for Israel's demise.

Smoke rises from the site of airstrikes in a central area of the Iranian capital Tehran on March 6, 2026.

Gulf states in shock as Iranian missile strikes strain trust - opinion

As long as the present regime remains in power in Iran, there will be no genuine revival of Gulf-Iran relations. Only a new regime could mend the rifts.

A PLUME of black smoke rises from an ongoing fire near fuel depots at the port of Fujairah in the UAE caused by Iranian strikes, last week.

Hotels as targets: Dubai faces a new narrative test

Amid regional conflict, Dubai’s tourism industry grapples with shaken confidence, as travelers reconsider their vacation plans in the Gulf.

TOURISTS STAND near Etihad Towers in Abu Dhabi last week shortly after an Iranian missile attack.