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
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Does latest Gulf aid to Jordan come with strings? Analysts wonder whether a Gulf aid package to help Jordan deal with its current economic crisis is in fact an attempt to pressure the kingdom into accepting the Israeli-Palestinian peace plan being developed by the United States. Legacy: Gulf
US-Kuwait ties strained over Israel's response to Gaza protests Kuwait has been vocal against Israel’s violence against Palestinian protesters along the Gaza border, much to the dismay of the United States. Kuwait
Iran could become collateral damage of OPEC decision If OPEC decides this month to increase oil output, it will probably be the result of a simple economic decision and not any desire by Riyadh and Moscow to cater to the United States. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait's careful balancing act with Iran, Saudi Arabia The muted responses to the US withdrawal from the Iran deal among smaller Gulf Cooperation Council member states reflect careful policies designed to balance ties with Iran and Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Congress rebels against Trump’s Middle East war secrecy Fed up with increased restrictions on information and less on-the-ground access, some Democrats are seeking more transparency regarding the Donald Trump administration’s military operations throughout the region. Kuwait
America’s hawkish turn on Iran threatens Gulf alliance Secretary of State Mike Pompeo’s new Iran policy announcement could have repercussions on US efforts to save the Gulf Cooperation Council. Legacy: Gulf
Conference for Iraq draws investors instead of donors The reported success — and failure — of a fundraising effort for Iraq could become a political football in the May general elections. Saudi Arabia
Iraq has much to gain from gas-supply pact with Kuwait A deal to export gas to Kuwait could help Iraq pay off war reparations, take advantage of otherwise wasted flare gas and make inroads with other Gulf countries. Kuwait
The UAE's 'alternative GCC' With no solution to the Qatar-GCC crisis in sight, the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia have formed their own alliance to support their regional foreign policy. Saudi Arabia
Egypt flexes its mediation muscle in Lebanon crisis During an emergency meeting in Cairo, the Arab League condemned Iran’s meddling in Arab affairs. Saudi Arabia
Pentagon reports troop surge in Middle East Newly released Pentagon figures show a surge in US troops deployed across the Middle East this summer. Saudi Arabia
