Gulf States

Kuwait declares two Iran diplomats persona non grata after Islamic Republic strikes airport

This comes after Iran attacked Kuwait's airport in the early hours of Wednesday morning and damaged "vital facilities, including diplomatic missions."

Planes of Kuwait Airways and Qatar Airways are seen through the window of a Middle East Airlines aircraft at Cairo International Airport, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, in Cairo, Egypt, March 31, 2026.
A plenum session at the assembly hall of the Knesset, the Israeli parliament in Jerusalem, May 27, 2026.

As Israel inches closer to elections, will the region see a silver lining, or concern? - analysis

(From L-R) The Defense Ministry's International Defense Cooperation Directorate (SIBAT) Chief Brig.-Gen. Yair Kulas, Defense Minister Israel Katz, and Defense Ministry Director-General Maj.-Gen. (res.) Amir Baram.

Iran war means larger Israeli influence among Arab states, top defense sources say

Smoke rises following a strike on the Bapco Oil Refinery, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, on Sitra Island Bahrain, March 9, 2026.

Iranian attacks awaken Bahrain’s demons - opinion


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.

Understanding Arab paradoxical positions in the Iran war - opinion

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

Smoke rises from the direction of an energy installation in the Gulf emirate of Fujairah on March 14.

After Iran war, attack on Gulf States, will the GCC withdraw from Arab League - analysis

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

Jordan's Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi chairs an extraordinary meeting of Arab League foreign ministers day before the 51st Session of the Council of Foreign Ministers of the Organisation of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), in Istanbul, Turkey, June 20, 2025

Turkey, Syria, Jordan unveil Gulf-Europe rail corridor as Ankara pushes alternative trade routes

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.

Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan and Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa attend a press conference at joint press conference at the Presidential Palace in Ankara, Turkey, February 4, 2025; illustrative.

Shipping firms seek clarifications before crossing Hormuz as tankers move towards Strait

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.

Hapag-Lloyd sign on a container ship at the Valparaiso port, Chile, January 11, 2024.