Gulf

Covert CIA and Mossad operations inside Iran ahead of a possible new war - opinion

Tehran is betting that economic pressure and US elections will force concessions, but its intelligence vulnerabilities could reshape the strategic balance.

Illustrative image of a Mossad agent standing in front of Mossad vs Iran concept flags on a wall with a crack.
FILE PHOTO: European Union flags flutter outside the European Commission headquarters in Brussels, Belgium April 29, 2026.

EU-Gulf summit in Saudi Arabia postponed due to security concerns

FILE PHOTO: Surveillance footage shows people sitting in a waiting area reacting at the moment of an attack, in a location given as King Khalid International Airport in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, October 10, 2026, in this frame from a handout video.

Yemen's Houthis vow more attacks on Saudi airports, oil facilities after Aramco HQ hit

A Houthi supporter wearing a military uniform holds a mock missile as he joins Houthi supporters in a rally to show support to the movement as fighting intensifies across several Yemeni fronts, in Sana'a, Yemen, October 9, 2026

How will Saudi Arabia retaliate against Houthi attacks on civilian infrastructure? - analysis


Gaza mediators condemn Israeli strikes, Iran seeks to strengthen Iraqi ties

Katz: Erdogan dragging Turkey into 'dangerous adventures' in Syria • Experts: Israel avoided 'direct clash' with Turkey by striking Syrian airfield • Iran FM mocks Trump's 'Economic D-Day'

A military helicopter flies above a Syrian flag during the Syria Summer Family Festival in Damascus, Syria, on August 9, 2026.

Trump announces economic warfare against Iran, as Syria denies Israel's claims of Turkish forces

IDF targets Hamas chiefs in Gaza • IDF Gaza Division seals two Hamas tunnels spanning two kilometers along Yellow Line • IDF chief says that Israel will maintain Syria buffer zone

IDF SOLDIERS operating in the Gaza Strip.

UAE gives all-clear after air defenses detect Iranian missile, Tehran denies attack

This comes amid tensions with Iran as the Memorandum of Understanding expired, with US President Donald Trump laying claim to the Strait of Hormuz with a declaration marking it as "US territory."

The sun sets over the Dubai skyline featuring the Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, in Dubai on August 6, 2026.

Trump's threats put Oman's balancing act under growing pressure - analysis

This is the second time that Trump has threatened Oman. It has not appeared fazed by these threats. It knows that it has to navigate a changed regional and international landscape.

Cargo vessels remain anchored off Port Sultan Qaboos on June 20, 2026, in Muscat, Oman; illustrative

Two slicks appear in Gulf as huge oil spill off Oman threatens disaster

One slick appeared off the southern tip of Weshm Island, while a smaller one was spotted near Sirri Island in the center of the Gulf.

A satellite image shows Qeshm Island following suspected oil spills at sea, off the coast of Iran, August 10, 2026.

Turkey, Saudi Arabia and Pakistan forge new alliance as Middle East order shifts - analysis

The new emergence of an alliance between what may be termed “middle powers” in the region illustrates how countries want to work closely together amid growing uncertainty over the future of the world

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, and Pakistan's Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif pose after signing a joint defence agreement in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, August 7, 2026.

Gulf states pay the price as shipping crisis exposes costly dependence on the Strait of Hormuz

"A lot of the necessities, and I'm talking food, that these Gulf nations require - Kuwait, the UAE, Bahrain, Qatar, Saudi Arabia - comes in by boat," and flying in goods is causing prices to rise.

The sun sets behind the Doha skyline on August 4, 2026.

Saudi Arabia is a 'paper tiger,' weaker than it appears, Israeli former national security head says

"Saudi Arabia has a great deal of weaponry and a great deal of money, but militarily, it cannot manage to 'get through the day,'" said Brig.-Gen. (res.) Jacob Nagel.

Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan meets Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, ahead of the expected signing of a defence deal between Saudi Arabia, Pakistan and Turkey, in Mecca, Saudi Arabia, August 7, 2026.

Iran war teaches importance of Gulf cooperation with Europe for maritime security, ISPI says

Insecurity caused by the Houthis in the Red Sea, followed by disruptions caused by the Iran war in the Strait of Hormuz, has had a direct impact on Europe.

Vessels in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, August 3, 2026.

Shipping traffic slows in Hormuz, Bab al-Mandab after Houthis say they attacked Saudi tanker

Shipping through the Strait of Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb plunged on Wednesday, with just three vessels crossing the key waterways as Houthi attacks and the Iran war disrupted regional trade.

Boats float near the coast of Bab el-Mandeb, Yemen, April 2, 2026.