Gulf States

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.

Arab states avoid direct war with Iran while shaping its outcome, using economic pressure and strategic distance to weaken a regional rival without escalation

Abdullah Al-Khamis, a Kuwaiti political journalist, proposes an alternative: an Arab coordination council comprising the Gulf states, Jordan, Morocco, and Syria.

The proposed network would run from Europe through Turkey, continue across Syrian territory, and extend into Jordan, creating a continuous land bridge between Mediterranean ports and Gulf markets.

A group of around 20 ships, including container ships, bulk carriers, and tankers, was seen moving in the Gulf towards the exit via the Strait of Hormuz, according to ship tracking data.

If there are any winners during the war with Iran, one may be Vladimir Putin, the man Trump has frequently called his “good friend.”

In recent years, Ukrainian drone-makers have unveiled and combat-tested several drone interceptors that can sometimes be 3D-printed and cost significantly less than traditional air defense systems.

The regional alliance Iran built against itself.

On one hand, Pakistan’s involvement could increase pressure on Iran. On the other hand, it brings Saudi Arabia closer to a country that has expressed hostile positions toward Israel.

The IMF warned that the situation at Hormuz could be similar to the one in Bab-al-Mandeb, where shipping lanes haven’t yet recovered ever since the first Houthi attack.