Global shippers sound alarm over Strait of Hormuz amid Iran-US-Israel tensions The critical waterway, which connects the Gulf, Gulf of Oman and the Arabian Sea, sees about a quarter of the world's oil shipments pass through it. Iran
Amid rapprochement with Libya’s Hifter, Turkey says parliament reviewing maritime deal The review marks a shift in Libya’s internal dynamics and Turkey’s regional diplomacy, though analysts doubt the deal will be ratified. Turkey
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 By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
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
Israel, Cyprus to resolve disagreement over maritime gas field Most of the disagreement points between Israel and Cyprus over the joint Aphrodite-Yishai natural gas reservoir have been resolved, and an agreement is apparently imminent. Israel
Israel’s Lapid defends compromise with Lebanon over maritime border Slammed by opposition leader Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Yair Lapid claims the proposed deal over the demarcation of Israel and Lebanon’s maritime border protects Israel strategically on several levels. Israel
Jordan’s port in Aqaba signs $242 million investment deal The agreement with the Dutch firm APM Terminals could help increase trade through the Red Sea port. Jordan
Turkey protests US, Greece over ‘violating non-military status’ of Aegean Greek islands Eastern Mediterranean conflict is steadily turning into a fresh strain in already-troubled US-Turkey ties, as Erdogan lashes out at Washington and Athens over the military buildup in the Dodecanese islands. Turkey
Israeli army chief discusses Lebanon, Iran with French counterparts The visit of IDF Chief of Staff Aviv Kochavi to Paris offered Jerusalem the possibility to discuss the security situation in Lebanon, and how France can play a constructive role against the Hezbollah threat. Israel
Egypt’s navy to lead new Red Sea maritime task force The US Navy will hand over command of Task Force 153 to Egypt as the Pentagon aims to enable regional militaries to take on new roles Legacy: Gulf
Why Hezbollah won't torpedo Lebanon's maritime border talks with Israel Israeli sources believe that Hezbollah Secretary-General Hassan Nasrallah realizes how important it is for economically failing Lebanon to reach an agreement with Jerusalem on its maritime border and the extraction of natural gas. Israel
Cameras missing from US Navy drones briefly seized by Iran, Pentagon says It remains unclear whether Iran's navy took the cameras or whether they became dislodged when hauled onto the deck of the frigate IRIN Jamaran in the Red Sea last week. Iran
Iran navy attempts to capture US drones in Red Sea A US military official rejected Iran's claims that the unmanned sea drones pose a hazard to commercial shipping in the region. Legacy: Gulf
US Navy thwarts Iran's attempt to capture sea drone in Gulf The seizure comes as the US Navy has increasingly deployed unmanned technology to help monitor weapons smuggling and other maritime activity in Middle Eastern waters. Iran
Mediterranean countries take on archaeology project off Tunisian coast Algeria, Croatia, Egypt, France, Italy, Morocco, Spain and Tunisia are working together on an underwater archaeological expedition, researching the Skerki Bank region off the Sicily and Tunisian coasts. Israel
Egypt-Chinese consortium to run terminals in Red Sea, Mediterranean ports The Egyptian government signed new concessions with a Chinese alliance to build and operate two world-class container terminals in the ports of Sokhna and Dekhila, as part of a container logistics project to link the Red and Mediterranean seas. Egypt
