Gulf States

US Secretary of State approves $25.8 billion in weapons sales to Middle East allies - report

According to Bloomberg, the massive sale demonstrates the Trump administration’s commitment to allied countries affected by Iranian attacks during Operation Epic Fury. 

Surface-to-air missile launcher of the Patriot (Wisla) system newly integrated into the Integrated Battle Command System (IBCS) stands at an army base in Sochaczew, Poland, December 18, 2024.
An Emirati F-16E fighter jet; illustrative.

UAE tried to coordinate with Saudi Arabia, Qatar to strike Iran during recent war - report

Iran and Iraq map. Ilustration.

Role of Gulf states in Iran conflict said to change over one week - analysis

Saudi Royal Air Force fighter jets perform a fly-by during Saudi Arabia's 95th National Day celebrations in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, September 23, 2025.

Saudi airstrikes targeted militias in Iraq during war with Iran


UAE deepens economic ties with Damascus, eyes major investment in Syria's postwar reconstruction

The UAE is looking to increase its role in Syria via investment while taking a cautious approach. Key talks discussed expanding economic and investment cooperation during a two-day forum in Damascus.

 Direction and distance sign for the Syrian capital of Damascus at Mount Bental Israeli military outpost on the Syrian border

EU aviation agency extends its recommendation against flying to Israel, Gulf states

The EASA cited risks of "ongoing military activity" in the region, recommending a halt on flights to Israel and the Middle East and Persian Gulf region as a whole. 

An Airbus A320-271N aircraft by German airline Lufthansa city prepares to land at the Frankfurt International Airport, Frankfurt am Main, western Germany, on May 6, 2026.

UAE targeted Iran's Lavan Island refinery during secret attacks against Islamic regime - report

The Emirati government didn't publicly confirm its participation in the strikes against Iran, which were done before the current ceasefire started.

An Emirates air force F16 performs a diplsy flight at Al-Maktoum International Airport during the Dubai Airshow 2025 in Dubai on November 17, 2025

Are there any winners in unfinished Iran war? - analysis

Explosions, US self-defense strikes, and renewed clashes near the Strait of Hormuz show how unresolved maritime leverage, Gulf vulnerability, and political deadlock could push the conflict further.

 An illustrative image of the silhouettes of Iranian Supreme Leader Ali Khamenei and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu set to a backdrop of their respective countries' flags.

UAE strengthens 'security cohesion' in Gulf with Bahrain - analysis

Amid new US arms sales and reports of Israel's close ties with the UAE, and Iran tensions, the close work of the UAE, Bahrain, and other Gulf states is essential.

Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, meets with King of Bahrain, Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa, in Bahrain, in this undated handout image.

UAE bars citizens from traveling to Iran, Lebanon, and Iraq

Authorities instructed UAE citizens in these countries to contact the ministry through its emergency line for assistance.

The United Arab Emirates flag flutters against the backdrop of the Abu Dhabi Skyline following a reported Iranian strike on March 1, 2026.

Khamenei vows to protect nuclear program, warns US over Gulf presence in written statement

Khamenei reiterated that Iran will defend its nuclear and missile technologies, accusing the US of causing instability in the Persian Gulf and vowing to expel foreign forces.

Iranians stand on a pavement along a street next to a billboard depicting Iran's Supreme Leader Ayatollah Mojtaba Khamenei, in Tehran on April 24, 2026.

Gulf states reject Iran’s proposal to share custodianship of Hormuz - report

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi flew to Oman, one of the multiple Gulf states attacked by Iran, to discuss the deal.

Ships and boats in the Strait of Hormuz, Musandam, Oman, April 29, 2026.

Egypt’s dangerous pressure game against Israel - opinion

Cairo’s live-fire drills near the Israeli border come as Egypt faces economic pressure, Red Sea instability, and growing questions over President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi’s regional strategy.

Military personnel stand guard on the day of Egyptian Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly's visit to the Rafah border crossing between Egypt and the Gaza Strip, amid the ongoing conflict between Israel and Palestinian Islamist group Hamas, in Rafah, Egypt, October 31, 2023.

Syrian President al-Sharaa positions country for regional role in Gulf, EU meetings

Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa visited the Gulf last week as part of his efforts to shore up support for Damascus across the Middle East and Europe amid rising regional tensions.

Turkey's President Tayyip Erdogan meets with Syria's President Ahmed al-Sharaa on the sidelines of Antalya Diplomacy Forum in Antalya, Turkey, April 17, 2026.