UAE

Zelensky’s Syria visit symbolizes new future for Middle East diplomacy - analysis

Ukrainian President Zelensky’s visit to Syria marks a symbolic step toward a peaceful future, fostering cooperation between Syria, Turkey, and Ukraine despite regional conflicts.

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky (L) with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa (R) in Damascus, April 5, 2026.
Birds scatter as a Royal Air Force Eurofighter Typhoon jet comes in to land at RAF Coningsby after a sortie on February 19, 2026.

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

Men walk past the UAE Embassy in Damascus on December 12, 2024; illustrative.

Syria condemns UAE embassy attack, Gulf nations voice outrage over protests

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

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


Iran threatens US, Israeli infrastructure over energy strikes

"If the enemy attacks fuel and energy infrastructure, all energy, information technology, and desalination infrastructure belonging to the US and the regime in the region will be targeted," Iran said.

Commander-in-Chief of the Iranian Army, Amir Hatami speaks during a meeting with military academy students, in Tehran, Iran, in this handout image obtained on January 7, 2026.

Ukraine deploys 228 specialists to five Middle East countries to intercept drones

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelensky said teams had been sent to the United Arab Emirates, Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Kuwait, and Jordan, states that have come under fire during the Iran war.

Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelensky delivers a speech during a joint press conference with France's President Emmanuel Macron, at the Elysee Palace in Paris, March 13, 2026.

Iran issues evacuation notice to residents of Ras al-Khaimah in UAE

Bahrain, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and the UAE all confirmed Iranian attacks on Thursday night and Friday morning.

Iranians wave flags, hold posters of Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, at a funeral for Iranian officials, including Ali Larijani, in Tehran, March 18, 2026; illustrative.

Forced off the fence: How neutrality towards Iran has failed Gulf states - editorial

The Gulf monarchies built modern states on a promise of order, growth, and security. Iran has attacked all three. They now face a test of seriousness.

A plume of black smoke rises from an ongoing fire near fuel depots at the port of Fujairah in the gulf emirate of Fujairah on March 4, 2026. Iran's strikes on Gulf neighbours since February 28, following the US-Israeli attack, forced the UAE to shut its airspace, blindsiding travellers.

UAE dismantles terror network tied to Hezbollah, Iran amid Gulf tensions, arrests suspects

According to the state news agency, the network was involved in "money laundering, financing terrorism and threatening national security."

Hezbollah terrorists march in the funeral of senior terrorist Haytham Ali Tabatabai, others killed in IDF airstrike, in Beirut, November 24, 2025; illustrative.

Iran escalates attacks on Gulf states, targeting key oil and gas facilities

Saudi FM says his country reserves the right to act militarily against Iran and any trust with Tehran has been shattered.

FILE PHOTO: Smoke rises following a strike on the Bapco Oil Refinery, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, on Sitra Island Bahrain, March 9, 2026.

Iran demands compensation from UAE over alleged role in US strikes

In the letter, Amir Saeid Iravani said the UAE’s decision to allow its territory to be used for the strikes constituted "an internationally wrongful act that entailed state responsibility."

Ambassador Amir-Saeid Iravani of Iran attends Security Council meeting on the situation in the Middle East as members vote on two draft resolutions regarding the current crisis in the Middle East on March 11, 2026.

Iran's IRGC Navy chief threatens retaliatory strikes on oil facilities across Gulf

Later, after Iran threatened Gulf states with retaliatory strikes, Qatar and Saudi Arabia reportedly intercepted multiple incoming missile barrages targeting oil and industrial sites.

Plumes of smoke rise over the oil depot tanks hit by joint Israel-U.S. over night in a station north west of the capital on March 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran; illustrative.

Yemeni gov’t killed six protesters, wounded dozens in February demonstrations crackdown - HRW

The leadership’s January decision to dissolve the STC was a choice seen to have been heavily influenced by Saudi Arabia.

The South Yemen flag flies as soldiers from the Southern Transitional Council stand guard outside the compound of the Presidential Palace in Aden, Yemen, December 9, 2025.

Iran attacks may shift Gulf states from de-escalation to backing regime defeat - analysis

With large expat populations and large numbers of foreign workers, Gulf States thrive based on trade and having airports open and oil tankers able to transit the Strait of Hormuz.

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