Gulf nations

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar will begin a 6-nation tour on July 5, visiting Gulf nations amid evolving political dynamics in the region following the U.S.-Iran peace agreement.

The U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran has caused a strategic setback for the United States, raising questions about the effectiveness of U.S. military basing in the Gulf and regional security arrangements. The growing rift between Saudi Arabia and the UAE complicates efforts to establish a new security order less dependent on U.S. presence.

Iran attacked a cargo ship in the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the UN to pause evacuations in the waterway. The attack caused oil prices to rise and highlighted Tehran's plan to generate $40 billion annually from a post-war Hormuz toll, which Washington opposes. Insurance firm Allianz warned of a 'new maritime order' with heightened security risks and higher risk premiums.

The U.S. and Iran are seeking international support for an interim peace deal, but Gulf nations are concerned the agreement may not endure due to competing assertions.

U.S. President Donald Trump announced discussions with Gulf nations on Iran's ballistic missiles and terrorist proxies during the G7 meeting in France. He mentioned Syria's leader's intent to target Hezbollah, an Iranian proxy in Lebanon, and noted Lebanon's leader is expected to visit Washington soon.

American gas exports to India have grown eightfold from pre-war levels as traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains blocked. The U.S. has surpassed Gulf nations as India's top gas supplier due to the Iran war disrupting the Strait of Hormuz.

Iran launched missiles at three US allies in the Middle East after American forces conducted airstrikes. This followed Trump's claim that Tehran asked him to stop US airstrikes.

Israel conducted drone attacks on Lebanon following an agreement to renew a ceasefire, while Iran stated there was no progress in ongoing talks and defended its attacks on Gulf nations.

Turkey has positioned itself as a key regional power and neutral mediator in the Iran war, condemning both US-Israeli strikes on Iran and Iran's retaliatory attacks. Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has engaged in peace talks with Iranian and Pakistani leaders.

The U.S. State Department approved over $8 billion in arms sales to Gulf nations and Israel, including $147.6 million in Advanced Precision Kill Weapon Systems (APKWS) to the United Arab Emirates and $992.4 million to Israel. The sales involve countries engaged in the U.S.-Israeli conflict in Iran.

Gulf nations are restarting five strategic projects in railways and energy to address worsening geopolitical tensions through cooperative efforts.

NPR's A Martinez interviews global energy expert Jason Bordoff about the U.S. blockade of Iranian ports and the feasibility of Iran and Gulf nations finding alternative energy export routes.