Gulf States

The moment for a Saudi peace initiative has arrived, but on new terms - opinion

As the region’s most influential Arab and Muslim state, Saudi Arabia's choices will shape the trajectory of normalization far beyond its own borders.

|ByELIE PODEH, ELAD GILADI
Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Saudi Arabian Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman
Planes of Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways are seen through the window of a Middle East Airlines aircraft at Cairo International Airport, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Cairo, Egypt, March 31, 2026.

Kuwait declares two Iran diplomats persona non grata after Islamic Republic strikes airport

This comes after Iran attacked Kuwait's airport in the early hours of Wednesday morning and damaged "vital facilities, including diplomatic missions."

|ByCORINNE BAUM
A plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, May 27, 2026.

As Israel inches closer to elections, will the region see a silver lining, or concern? - analysis

Countries across the region will closely watch which parties are on the rise in Jerusalem over the next few months.

|BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
(From L-R) The Defense Ministry's International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) Chief Brig.-Gen. Yair Kulas, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Defense Ministry Director-General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram.

Iran war means larger Israeli influence among Arab states, top defense sources say

Future wars with Iran are likely to be longer in duration, while Israel's defense sales record breaks its record again, reaching USD 19 billion.

|ByYONAH JEREMY BOB

Iranian attacks awaken Bahrain’s demons - opinion

Could Israel’s Gulf partner ignite?

JUNE 1, 2026ByILAN ZALAYAT
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.

Beyond embassies: Israel can deepen regional cooperation without recognition - opinion

Between normalization and isolation, Israel could pursue structured economic ties that build real partnerships without formal embassies.

MAY 31, 2026BySETH D. KAPLAN
US President Donald Trump gestures at Joint Base Andrews in Maryland, US, March 11, 2026.

South Africa courts Gulf money while its Iran ties unsettle investors - feature

Pretoria is courting Saudi, Emirati, and Qatari money to revive a stalling economy, even as its alignment with Iran, Russia, and China rattles investors and trade partners it cannot afford to lose.

MAY 30, 2026ByWASEEM ABU MAHADI/THE MEDIA LINE
South African flag.

Trump's refusal to return to war with Iran will 'cost him dearly', Saudi expert claims

Saudi analyst Mubarak al-Ati said that the US's decline on the international stage has prevented Saudi Arabia and other Gulf States from taking Trump's demands to join the Abraham Accords seriously.

MAY 29, 2026ByMAARIV, ARIELLA ROITMAN
US President Donald Trump and Saudi Crown Prince and Prime Minister Mohammed bin Salman look at portraits at the "Presidential Walk of Fame" in the Colonnade at the White House in Washington, DC, November 18, 2025.

Trump heads to situation room to 'make final Iran decision,' as Netanyahu says IDF crossed Litani

Bessent: US has seized $1 billion in Iranian crypto assets • Iran's Ghalibaf says Tehran has no trust in words, will judge by actions • EU adopts further sanctions against Hamas and PIJ

MAY 29, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
US President Donald Trump delivers remarks in the Memorial Amphitheater during a Memorial Day event at Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, Virginia, May 25, 2026.

Could Trump’s push for Abraham Accords undermine long-term peace? - analysis

Trump is increasing pressure on Gulf countries to join the Abraham Accords, but experts warn that forcing states like Saudi Arabia and Qatar could backfire.

MAY 28, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
US President Donald Trump raises a fist as he departs after delivering a speech about the economy at Rockland Community College Fieldhouse in Suffern, New York, on May 22, 2026.

US-Oman ties tested after Trump’s warning on Gulf waters - analysis

US President Trump threatened Oman over the Strait of Hormuz, putting a longtime Gulf partner on edge and raising regional concerns over diplomacy and stability.

MAY 28, 2026BySETH J. FRANTZMAN
US President Donald Trump speaks next to Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth during a cabinet meeting in the Cabinet Room at the White House, in Washington, DC, US, May 27, 2026.

'Premature and disconnected': Gulf states see Trump Abraham Accords demand as empty bargaining chip

The US president made the first public demand for normalization on Sunday, which was outright rejected by mediator Islamabad.

MAY 28, 2026ByDANIELLE GREYMAN-KENNARD
Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman receives The Emir of Qatar, Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani ahead of an exceptional meeting of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC), the first in-person meeting of Gulf leaders since their states became a front in the Iran war, in Saudi Arabia, April 28, 2026.

Reported strikes against US ships in Strait of Hormuz, US, Iran deal waits for leaders' approval

IDF kills two 'central Hamas terrorists' in Gaza Strip • Two soldiers reportedly wounded in Lebanon • US sanctions Persian Gulf Strait Authority

MAY 28, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Smoke billows over Beirut's southern suburbs, following an Israeli strike after issuing an evacuation warning for the area, as seen from Baabda, Lebanon, April 27, 2025.

IDF kills two 'central Hamas terrorists' in Gaza Strip, two soldiers reportedly wounded in Lebanon

US denies Iran's claim that deal would reopen Hormuz • Trump says no sanctions relief for Tehran • Israel assassinates fourth Hamas military chief

MAY 27, 2026ByJERUSALEM POST STAFF
Israeli security forces at the scene where a house was hit by an explosive drone launched by Hezbollah from Lebanon in Metula near the Israeli-Lebanese border, May 25, 2026.