Iran warning near Hormuz collides with Red Sea shipping comeback Armed boats attempted to intercept a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the same day that major container lines also announced the resumption of limited transits through the Suez Canal. Iran
Analysis Why Trump’s Venezuela playbook could face hard reality in Iran On Wednesday, Trump said an armada larger than the one sent to Venezuela is heading toward Iran and “like with Venezuela,” it is ready to employ force if necessary. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis Turkey casts Israel’s Somaliland move as overreach, but Somalia’s fragility poses risks Israel’s recognition of Somaliland is widely dismissed in Ankara as a strategic overreach, but it is nevertheless exposing the limits of Turkey’s influence in Somalia. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Turkey eyes offshore energy pact with Syria in 2026 amid East Med isolation Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has offered up details on a deal with Syria that could unsettle regional rivals in the gas-rich Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Analysis As Turkey’s East Med isolation deepens, will Ankara seek maritime Syria deal? By Ezgi Akin In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO
Analysis Turkey moves into Somalia’s untapped oil, raises stakes in Horn of Africa By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Egypt fears for Red Sea security as Yemen cease-fire teeters Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi received Yemeni Presidential Leadership Council President Rashad al-Alimi as part of his first foreign tour since his inauguration, amid efforts to consolidate the cease-fire and reach a solution that ends the crisis in the war-torn country. Egypt
Maritime dispute with Lebanon threatens Israeli natural gas drilling Israel hopes that a solution can be found to the maritime border dispute with Lebanon so Energean can start drilling in the Karish field in the third quarter of 2022. Israel
Iran seizes two Greek tankers after US, Greece seize Iranian fuel The tanker wars between the US and Iran appear to be heating up once again as Vienna talks remain on the rocks. Iran
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. Legacy: 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. Legacy: 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
