Gulf nations

Iran and Oman are nearing an agreement to establish a commercial route in the Strait of Hormuz, but analysts say it will not resolve broader regional disputes. Iran has threatened Gulf nations if the US launches new strikes, while the US aims to reopen the strait and claims of success are becoming harder to achieve, according to a former US ambassador to Saudi Arabia.

Pakistan is negotiating an expanded defense pact with Kuwait in exchange for energy cooperation and investment. Other Gulf nations have also expressed interest after Pakistan signed a mutual defense agreement with Saudi Arabia. The article references data from the International Institute for Strategic Studies on Pakistan's military capabilities.

Edmund Fitton-Brown claims the Foreign Office has lost its ability to discern friends from enemies, attributing this to Islamic extremism. The article questions whether a Burnham government could address these concerns.

The EU and Ukraine have signed a 'drone deal' to boost joint production of battlefield technology. Ukraine has also signed similar agreements with individual EU countries and Gulf nations, leveraging its expertise developed during its war with Russia.

US President Donald Trump says the US should be paid by 'rich' oil-producing Gulf nations to secure the Strait of Hormuz and protect them from Iranian attacks. He argues that the Gulf nations should cover the costs of US security efforts in the region.

The U.S. conducted strikes against Iran for a third consecutive day under President Donald Trump's direction, aiming to degrade Iran's ability to attack shipping in the Strait of Hormuz. Trump reinstated a blockade on Iranian ships and ports, claiming the strait would remain open, while Tehran retaliated against Gulf nations, risking a temporary conflict-easing agreement.

Iran attacks five Gulf nations and closes the Hormuz Strait following a US bombing. The attacks occur after the most intense US bombing since a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed last month.

Moscow and Turkey are in talks about the possible resale of S-400 missile systems to a Gulf nation. Turkey aims to use this move to persuade the United States to lift sanctions on Ankara.

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.