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 seizes massive shipment of weapons in Arabian Sea A video released by the Navy onboard the USS Monterey showed a massive cache of arms seized from a stateless vessel in the Arabian Sea. Gulf
Turkey sees turning point in failed Cyprus summit Turkey hopes for British support as it takes on a more hawkish posture on the Cyprus conflict, risking fresh tensions with the European Union. Turkey
US Navy fires warning shots in encounter with Iranian patrol boats A US Navy patrol ship fired warning shots to ward off Iranian boats in the Persian Gulf on Monday, marking the second run-in between the two countries’ naval forces this month. Iran
Erdogan furious as his Islamic ambitions stumble in Turkish Cyprus A Turkish Cypriot court ruling that reins back on Quranic courses comes as a poignant message to President Recep Tayyip Erdogan that Cypriot Turks are unwilling to sign up to his quest to raise “devout generations.” Turkey
Egypt joins Gulf region’s Combined Maritime Forces led by US Egypt's participation in the task force comes as Russia seeks closer defense ties with Cairo and Sudan. Gulf
Turkey's efforts to woo rivals yield mixed results Diplomatically isolated and economically weak, Turkey is seeking to repair relations with its regional foes. But it's no easy task. Turkey
Turkish court releases detained admirals The 10 admirals were arrested last week after criticizing the possible Turkish withdrawal from the Montreux Convention, which regulates maritime traffic through the strategic Bosporus Strait. News Brief
Lebanon expands maritime territorial claim amid dispute with Israel Last year's talks between Israel and Lebanon on their gas-rich Mediterranean Sea border failed to yield an agreement. News Brief
Egypt, Greece, Cyprus edge closer militarily, but may be risking face-off with Turkey Egypt advances cooperation with Greece and Cyprus in the Eastern Mediterranean despite Turkey’s rapprochement attempts. Egypt
Who benefits if Erdogan scraps key maritime treaty? A warning by more than 100 retired Turkish admirals against scrapping an 85-year-old maritime treaty restricting foreign military presence in the Black Sea coincides with rising tensions between Russia and Western-backed Ukraine in the region. Turkey
Turkey’s talk of pulling out of the Montreux Convention part diversion, part 'Ataturk envy' It's unclear if talk of Turkey pulling out the 1936 maritime treaty will be followed by any action, but the discussion should not be taken lightly. Turkey
Russia, Iran propose alternative maritime routes amid Suez Canal blockage Russia and Iran have called for the need to find alternative maritime shipping routes after a giant vessel was stuck in Egypt’s Suez Canal, blocking maritime traffic for days before it was freed. Egypt
