Gulf States

Syrian President al-Sharaa positions country for regional role in Gulf, EU meetings

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the Gulf last week as part of his efforts to shore up support for Damascus across the Middle East and Europe amid rising regional tensions.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey, April 17, 2026.
Smoke rises from the direction of an energy installation in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on March 14.

Understanding Arab paradoxical positions in the Iran war - opinion

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


Gulf States welcome ceasefire deal between US, Israel, and Iran, demand end to all attacks

Even amid ongoing Iranian missile and rocket attacks against Gulf facilities, the states from the region welcomed the ceasefire, demanding an end to hostilities.

 A view of Burj Khalifa, after an Iranian attack, following United States and Israel strikes on Iran, in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 1, 2026

Kuwait, Bahrain push preemptive measures, close bridges as Iran threatens transport infrastructure

The main route linking Bahrain and Saudi Arabia was closed, while Kuwait ordered citizens nationwide to stay near protected areas from midnight till 6 a.m.

Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026.

Houthis hold Gulf states from joining US attacks with Bab el-Mandeb Strait trump card - interview

The Houthis' threat to close the Bab el-Mandeb Strait may explain why Gulf states have not responded militarily to Iran’s attacks. Yemen expert Inbal Nissim-Louvton weighs in.

Houthi soldiers stand guard on a missile carrier during an official military parade marking the ninth anniversary of the Houthi takeover of the capital, Sanaa, on September 21, 2023.

Iran attacked Saudi Arabia's Jubail petrochemical complex, IRGC says

The attack follows US President Donald Trump's ultimatum to Iran to open the Strait of Hormuz oil chokepoint by Tuesday night.

 Iran and Saudi Arabia flag together

RAF shoots down Iranian drones over Middle Eastern countries to protect British allies, interests

Additionally, Saudi Arabia's Defense Ministry said it intercepted an Iranian cruise missile launched towards the Gulf state on Sunday morning.

Birds scatter as a Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jet comes in to land at RAF Coningsby after a sortie on February 19, 2026.

Gulf countries continue to face Iran attacks as criticial energy infrastructure at risk

UAE, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Saudi Arabia continue to face Iranian missile and drone attacks, targeting energy and infrastructure sites despite growing defenses.

Damage to the Kuwait-flagged Al-Salmi crude oil tanker, following a reported Iranian strike, March 31, 2026; illustrative.

Iranian drone attack sparks fire at Shuwaikh Oil Complex in Kuwait

The drone attack caused a fire at the Shuwaikh Oil Sector Complex, but no injuries were reported.

Kuwait Petroleum Corporation headquarters, illustrative.

Bahrain takes aim at Iran at UN, warns Hormuz threat endangers global economy

Addressing the council, Al Zayani praised international efforts to maintain stability but pointed to what he described as escalating Iranian aggression.

Bahrain's Foreign Minister Abdullatif bin Rashid Al Zayani addresses the 80th United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York, U.S., September 26, 2025.

IRGC claims to have attacked Dubai Oracle data center, US fighter jets at Jordan's Al Azraq base

Additional attacks on Thursday included attacks on a US diplomatic facility near Baghdad Airport and an Amazon cloud computing center in Bahrain.

Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026.

Gulf states consider bypassing Strait of Hormuz with new oil pipelines via Haifa - FT

The Financial Times reported that the Gulf states aim to create a new network of pipelines, roads, and railways to stop relying on the Strait of Hormuz.

3D-printed oil barrels, an oil pump jack and a map showing the Strait of Hormuz and Iran appear in this illustration taken March 2, 2026.