Gulf States

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

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

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.

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

A Ukrainian soldier takes part in a final tactical exercise on the fourth anniversary of Russia's full-scale invasion of Ukraine, held at a British Army training camp in East Anglia, Britain, February 24, 2026.

Between Kyiv and Riyadh: The Middle East and Ukraine on the same front - opinion


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.