Container rates climb as logistic firms scale up Hormuz alternatives

The Drewry World Container Index measuring container shipping prices has soared by more than 40% since the start of the US-Israel-Iran war.

United Arab Emirates

Newsletter: Business & Tech

Gulf marks Eid amid war

Eid al-Adha celebrations continue across the Gulf amid volatile oil markets and conflicting reports of a US-Iran maritime deal, as Iran eases a months-long internet blackout.

By Jack Dutton

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Iran’s Bagheri: No deal on Hormuz yet

US-Iran negotiations drag on as Israel escalates operations in Lebanon and Gaza and Gulf states prepare for Eid under wartime strain.

By Ezgi Akin

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

Gulf celebrates Eid al-Adha under shadow of war

The holiday marks the first time in decades that Gulf states are observing one of Islam’s holiest celebrations against the backdrop of a regional conflict.

United Arab Emirates

Between heat and war, Saudi Arabia seeks incident-free Hajj

Mecca's temperature reached a high of 105 degrees Fahrenheit (40.5 degrees Celsius) on Tuesday and is expected to hit 108 degrees Fahrenheit (42 Celsius) on Wednesday.

Saudi Arabia

Explainer

UAE nuclear plant strike clouds Gulf's atomic ambitions: What to know

The US-Israel-Iran war is complicating momentum in the Middle East for civilian nuclear power, which heading into 2026 had been growing in Saudi Arabia, Turkey and elsewhere.

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Cheap drones, costly threats: Why Gulf states are looking to Turkey for defense deals

Iran’s drone and missile attacks have exposed gaps in Gulf and Iraqi air defenses, giving Turkey an opening for Turkish defense sales, but Ankara has a narrow window before South Korean and European competitors gain ground.

By Barin Kayaoglu

In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security

Analysis

As Gulf crisis reshapes energy markets, experts warn of new normal

With the US-Israel-Iran war producing a historic supply shock, Al-Monitor hosted a panel of experts to explore how the conflict has ushered in a new era for global energy markets.

Newsletter: City Pulse Riyadh

Inside Abdullah Al Othman’s assemblages of memory and decay

Also this week: Jazz, calligraphy and crispy shawarmas

By Rebecca Anne Proctor

In Dubai, reporting on culture

Newsletter: Gulf

Pakistan, India redraw Gulf security map

Saudi Arabia’s expanding military partnership with Pakistan and the UAE’s new strategic defence pact with India are accelerating the emergence of parallel Gulf security architectures shaped by the Iran war.

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Newsletter: Daily Briefing

Oil eases as Trump pauses Iran strikes

After days of threats and brinkmanship, Washington and Tehran hint at diplomacy as Trump suspends planned military action.

By Ezgi Akin

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

Exclusive

Majority of attacks on Saudi Arabia carried out by pro-Iran militias in Iraq

Since Feb. 28, most attacks on the kingdom have originated in Iraq and been attributed to Iran-backed Shiite militias, according to regional officials and Iraqi sources.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture