Analysis How Hormuz crisis is boosting IRGC and Iran’s security establishment Iran’s Hormuz strategy shows how the prolonged crisis is shifting power from political institutions toward the security establishment. By Jamshid Jamshidi
Analysis Why Iran is fighting to keep Hormuz at center of US negotiations As Washington seeks a broader deal with Iran, Tehran says the Strait of Hormuz is the only issue on the table, reflecting a wider struggle over maritime security and regional power. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Explainer The emerging Iran-Oman Hormuz deal: What's at stake? A framework that gives Tehran a formal role in determining how ships move through the waterway could strengthen its hand in future negotiations with the US. Iran
Turkey, Pakistan among 14 countries backing Saudi Arabia's anti-Houthi Red Sea alliance Riyadh won political backing from 14 countries for its proposed maritime defense coalition, but members have yet to commit to joining as Washington weighs its position. Saudi Arabia
Exclusive Saudi Arabia to announce Red Sea coalition to counter Houthi threats By Amberin Zaman , Jared Szuba
Turkey, Greece take strides in Ankara meeting as aid diplomacy continues A meeting of senior Turkish and Greek diplomats in Ankara is the latest diplomatic contact spurred by post-disaster diplomacy, and the fourth meeting of the “Positive Agenda” initiative. Turkey
Egypt signs $1.6 billion deals with China, EU companies to develop sea ports The Egyptian government wants its Red Sea and Mediterranean ports to help boost the economy amid rising inflation and declining foreign currency reserves. Egypt
Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Egypt rank among world’s top 10 arms importers: SIPRI Middle East countries made up more than a fourth of the top 40 global arms importers from 2018 to 2022, according to a new report. Legacy: Gulf
Western allies join US' experimental drone task force in Middle East Task Force 59 is now fully operationally capable, Fifth Fleet commander Vice Adm. Brad Cooper told an audience of Navy personnel in Washington on Tuesday. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt’s Sisi gets warm welcome at Pentagon as Cairo assumes naval role Egypt took charge of Combined Task Force 153 on Monday as the Pentagon seeks to economize its footprint in the Middle East. Egypt
Iran’s IRGC navy harassed US ships in Strait of Hormuz, US says An IRGC patrol boat harassed two US Navy ships just days after one of them was involved in the seizure of 50 tons of smuggled ammunition bound for Yemen. Legacy: Gulf
Erdogan-Sisi handshake sparks backlash from Turkey's Islamists President Erdogan’s about-face on Egypt sparked backlash from some Turkish Islamists ahead of critical June elections. Turkey
Israel agrees for Qatar to drill in Lebanese maritime gas field After agreeing for TotalEnergies and Eni to go ahead with exploration drilling at the Lebanese cross-border Kana-Sidon reservoir, Israel has approved the Qatari Energy Consortium to buy the drilling rights. Israel
Israeli Defense Ministry reassures Greece, Cyprus over trilateral alliance Three weeks after his official visit to Turkey, Defense Minister Benny Gantz visits Greece in an effort to reassure his counterparts that rapprochement with Ankara won’t come at the expense of the trilateral Hellenic partnership. Israel
Israeli-owned tanker hit by drone off Oman coast No group or country have taken responsibility for the drone attack last night against the Pacific Zircon, but the Israeli security system suspects Iran was behind the hit. Israel
Will Israel's Netanyahu upend Lebanon gas deal, Iran policy? Now that the election is over, victor Benjamin Netanyahu will find it hard to keep some of his promises. Israel
Israel, Lebanon ink maritime border deal Delegations from Israel, Lebanon, the United States, the United Nations and France gathered in Naqoura, Lebanon, to make the agreement on the Israeli-Lebanese maritime border official. Israel
