Newsletter: Gulf

Kuwait’s Iran dilemma is getting harder to ignore

Kuwait has long sought to position itself as one of the Gulf’s most cautious and diplomatic actors. This week, however, the country found itself at the center of a conflict it has consistently tried to avoid.

By Francesco Schiavi

In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Iran says no progress in US talks as Khamenei warns of foreign plots

Iran reports no progress in talks with Washington, Israel presses ahead in Lebanon, and Armenia votes on its geopolitical future.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Kuwait blames Iran for deadly airport attack as war escalates: What to know

The attack on Kuwait’s main airport follows an alleged IRGC infiltration attempt of the strategic Bubiyan Island and Iran-backed plots targeting the Gulf monarchy.

Kuwait

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Trump arrives in China with Iran war looming over talks

Tehran will closely watch whether Beijing seeks to restrain Washington or quietly aligns with US pressure on Iran’s oil exports and regional role.

By Ezgi Akin

In Ankara, reporting on diplomacy, EU-Turkey ties, NATO

Kuwait unveils Iran IRGC infiltration plot, arrests 4: What to know

According to Kuwaiti authorities, four suspects arrested earlier this month after attempting to enter the country illegally via the sea confessed to belonging to Iran’s Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps and planning attacks against Kuwait.

Kuwait

Turkey hosts Kuwaiti FM as UAE's OAPEC exit fuels Gulf rift

Kuwait's top diplomat visited Turkey as the Gulf rift deepens following the UAE’s exit from OPEC and its affiliated alliances, forcing Ankara to balance ties between Saudi Arabia and Abu Dhabi.

Turkey

Kuwait acquits journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin after 7 weeks in detention

The American-Kuwaiti journalist is expected to be released after 52 days in custody over posts about wartime damage.

Kuwait

Kuwait detains American journalist Ahmed Shihab-Eldin: What to know

Kuwaiti authorities have been cracking down on alleged violators of the country's media law during the Iran war.

Kuwait

Analysis

How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire?

The truce could pave the way for lost oil and LNG supplies to flow back to global markets, but restoring Gulf energy production to normal levels could take months, if not longer.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Iran strikes Gulf again, hitting Kuwait refinery as UAE shuts gas hub

Kuwait’s desalination plant and key refinery have been damaged, and the UAE has suspended Habshan operations after debris from intercepted missiles caused a fire.

Kuwait

Jet fuel squeeze exposes Europe’s reliance on Middle East supply

Lawmakers on the continent have been told to make "timely preparations in anticipation of a potentially prolonged disruption" in energy flows from the region.

Iran

Analysis

Oil-rich Gulf states could face power crunch as Iran war hits energy security

While the conflict fuels a global oil price shock, the Gulf states must contend with growing threats to their own energy security, from power cuts to desalinated water loss.

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech