Iran’s IRGC says advanced warship joins naval fleet amid US tensions The addition appears to be Iran's latest strategic yet cautious positioning in the face of strain with the United States and Israel. Iran
Analysis Following Syria losses, Russia seeks to double down on Africa presence Following Assad’s fall, Russia has been expanding its influence in Africa by securing a naval base in Sudan and increasing its military presence in Libya to maintain strategic access to the Mediterranean and Red seas. By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics
Analysis Sudan, Russia reach 'understanding' on naval base but hurdles remain A naval base deal that has been more than five years in the making has gained renewed attention after statements from Sudan’s foreign minister while in Moscow. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Egypt’s Suez Canal chief optimistic about Red Sea as attacks die down The Houthi attacks on ships in the Red Sea have ceased owing to the ceasefire in Gaza, prompting Egypt to encourage shipping companies to resume sailing through the waterway. Egypt
Analysis How will Trump's terrorist designation of Houthis impact Red Sea attacks? By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Analysis With Saudi and UAE deals, Spain's defense industry seizes Gulf expansion By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Analysis As Qatar looks to modernize navy, Turkey and Italy emerge as dominant players By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
US Navy adds new task force to patrol Red Sea Task Force 153 will patrol the Red Sea and waters around Yemen, as Iran shows no sign of relinquishing support for the Houthis. Gulf
Suez Canal Authority remains neutral in Russian-Ukrainian war The Suez Canal Authority proclaimed neutrality in Russia’s invasion of Ukraine and announced that it will not ban Russian and Ukrainian vessels from traversing the canal. Egypt
Analysis Turkish company disqualified from tender to operate Israel’s Haifa port Israeli intelligence agencies fear that a French-Lebanese company, associated with Turkish company Yilport, which is interested in operating the Haifa port, could be affiliated with Hezbollah. By Danny Zaken In Ma'ale HaHamisha, reporting on Israel
Bad news for Netanyahu as inquiry peers into submarine affair Former Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu tried hard to prevent a commission of inquiry into the submarine scandal that has plagued him, but its time has come. Israel
Saudi coalition demands Houthis release UAE vessel seized in Red Sea The Houthis claimed the ship was carrying military equipment and conducting "hostile activities" in Yemen's territorial waters. Yemen
Suez Canal to establish sovereign wealth fund The Suez Canal Authority has unveiled a plan to establish a sovereign wealth fund to shield the canal from fluctuations in global trade and crises like COVID-19. Egypt
Oman invests in ports with eye to becoming Gulf gateway Oman is betting on strategically located ports and container terminals to expand its logistics sector, hoping to serve as a prime gateway to Gulf markets. Gulf
Greek foreign minister visits Oman Nikos Dendias will also head to Libya this week and recently participated in a summit with allies Cyprus and Egypt. News Brief
Iranian state TV claims boats chased US Navy ship The US' Fifth Fleet said it was unaware of any such incident. Iran
Israel willing to give maritime talks with Lebanon another try Energy Minister Karin Elharar says that while Israel welcomes the new American mediator, 'we will not give up on Israel’s security nor on any of Israel’s territory.' Israel
Territorial spats reheat ahead of Turkey-Greece talks Citing disputed territorial claims, the Turkish navy twice blocked research missions by a Greek Cypriot-contracted vessel as Turkey and Greece prepare for bilateral talks in Ankara on Oct. 6. Turkey
Ship that blocked the Suez Canal to try again Ever Given will enter Egypt’s Port Said and then traverse the Suez Canal for the first time since getting stuck and then unstuck there in March. News Brief
