Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire The IRGC Navy’s seizure of two cargo vessels follows US Navy interdictions of two Iran-linked crude oil tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean earlier this week. Iran
US Navy turns back 3 more vessels on second day of Iran blockade Cargo vessels altering their identification signals have created a cat-and-mouse game for the US Navy east of the Strait of Hormuz, while most of Iran’s “ghost fleet” appears to remain in a holding pattern. Iran
As US blockades Hormuz, China urges restraint, rejects call to ditch Iran oil Beijing and Ankara called for calm as the US began its blockade of the Strait of Hormuz as regional diplomacy over the fragile ceasefire intensifies. Iran
From France to India: Who is Iran allowing through the Strait of Hormuz? Ships from Qatar turned around on Monday after sailing toward the Strait of Hormuz, while a growing number of countries have received permission to traverse the waterway. Iran
Analysis Hostage to Hormuz, can Gulf rewire future energy flows to bypass Iran’s chokepoint? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
