Gulf

China, Pakistan call for Iran peace talks, normal navigation in Strait of Hormuz

Both countries have called for talks to end the US-Israeli war on Iran, now in the fifth week. Pakistan has previously said it is ready to facilitate peace talks between Washington and Tehran.

Cars drive down a highway as smoke billows after overnight airstrikes on oil depots on March 8, 2026 in Tehran, Iran.
A ship passes through the Strait of Hormuz.

How many ships have been attacked in the Gulf since start of Iran war? - explainer

 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.

Gulf countries seeking seat at negotiation table following Iranian attacks

Smoke rises above Riyadh, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, March 5, 2026.

Two people killed in Abu Dhabi in latest Iranian attack


Rising cost of living forces expats to leave Gulf countries

Lower-paid foreigners have been largely unaffected by the surging cost of living.

People walk outside The Dubai Mall in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, March 12, 2020.

Bethlehem's Palestinians expect nothing from Biden, say it's humiliating

In Bethlehem, two shopkeepers, a member of the Palestinian National Security Forces, a local Fatah activist and a cab driver express a range of hope, cynicism and disappointment in Biden's visit.

A Palestinian at Manger Square, Bethlehem on July 13, 2022

Israel Independence Day observed in Bahrain for first time

Event marks the first public observance of Israel Independence Day in the Persian Gulf.

 Tsahi Halevi

Does Iran take Israel-Gulf air defense cooperation seriously? - analysis

Iran has already been striking the US in the region in dozens of rocket and drone attacks over the past year. 

 An Iranian missile is displayed during a rally marking the annual Quds Day, or Jerusalem Day, on the last Friday of the holy month of Ramadan in Tehran, Iran April 29, 2022.

Who benefits from recent reports on Israel-US-Gulf ties? - analysis

According to reports, Israel, the US and Saudi Arabia, along with Egypt and Gulf countries took part in the meetings that were initiated by the US.

 Representatives of the UAE, US, Israel, Bahrain Morocco and Egypt at the Steering Committee of the Negev Forum, June 27, 2022.

Iran expects confiscated oil cargo to be returned in full - envoy

The confiscation of the cargo prompted an angry response from Iran, with Iranian forces last month seizing two Greek tankers in the Gulf.

The Liberian-flagged oil tanker Ice Energy transfers crude oil from the Iranian-flagged oil tanker Lana (former Pegas), off the shore of Karystos, on the Island of Evia, Greece, May 26, 2022.

Voices from the Arab press: Iran’s new challenges: birth decline, aging society

A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.

 AN ELDERLY man gets some fresh air in Tehran.

Iran shows off underground drone base, but not its location - state media

Iranian state TV said 100 drones were being kept in the heart of the Zagros mountains in what seemed to be an attempt to showcase its military might.

 A drone is seen at an underground site at an undisclosed location in Iran, in this handout image obtained on May 28, 2022.

Iran Guards say they seized two Greek tankers in Gulf

Greek authorities last month impounded the Iranian-flagged Pegas, with 19 Russian crew members on board, near the coast of the southern island of Evia due to EU sanctions.

 An oil tanker passes through the Bosphorus to the Black Sea in Istanbul July 20, 2012.

Iran is beginning to understand the Abraham Accords - analysis

Iran was surprised to see the recent Negev Summit where Israel hosted the foreign ministers of the UAE, Bahrain, Morocco and Egypt. It is now examining how strong this new alliance might be.

Foreign Minister Yair Lapid welcomes Egyptian foreign minister Sameh Shoukry to Israel ahead of the Negev Summit