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
Cairo breathes sigh of relief as Saudi oil exports resume through Bab el-Mandeb Saudi Energy Minister Khalid Falih announced that his country resumed oil exports via the Bab el-Mandeb Strait, amid Egyptian fears that a decrease in traffic in the popular shipping corridor could impact Suez Canal revenues. Saudi Arabia
Erdogan stays silent on Qatar amid Cyprus gas row Amid an escalating dispute over gas exploration off Cyprus, observers in Turkey are perplexed about why Ankara is sparing Qatar while harshly reacting to other countries and companies cooperating with the Greek Cypriots. Gulf
Tempers flare over gas exploration in Mediterranean A power struggle over hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean Sea is becoming increasingly militarized, signaling the potential for a major crisis. Turkey
Questions persist as Canal Istanbul construction begins We have to hope Ankara has developed contingency plans for the potential political, economic, environmental and especially geostrategic consequences of the Canal Istanbul project. Turkey
Eastern Mediterranean may be scene of first conflict of 2018 Developments warn of growing tension between Turkey and the Greek Cypriots over newly discovered hydrocarbon reserves in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Crashes force US Navy to review Gulf operations A string of deadly accidents in the Asia-Pacific Theater could have major impacts on US Navy operations in the Persian Gulf. United States
Iran, Iraq seek to send a message with joint naval exercises In a clear message to the Gulf countries of the Iranian influence, Iraqi forces with Iranian support are conducting military maneuvers in the Persian Gulf and the Iraqi land border with the Saudi. Gulf
New marine force in Gaza has Israel on guard Hamas' Interior Ministry in the Gaza Strip has announced the formation of new marine force tasked with protecting Gaza’s shores from smuggling operations, but Israel views the new military branch as part of the resistance. Palestine
Will tension at sea lead to endless war in Yemen? The Yemeni war reached the sea after being confined to the mainland for 19 months, with international and regional players heading to the most important maritime route in the world. Yemen
