Kuwait arrests 6 over alleged Hezbollah plot to assassinate leaders Kuwait said the individuals were plotting to carry out assassinations against officials, while Qatar and the UAE have also announced the dismantling of networks allegedly tied to Hezbollah and Iran’s IRGC. Kuwait
Analysis Iran war drives Turkey-Gulf defense alignment, but not alliance Despite accelerated cooperation as a result of the US-Israeli war on Iran, structural and political constraints would make a formal military alliance unlikely. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
US fast-tracks $16.5B arms sales to UAE, Jordan, Kuwait amid Iran attacks Secretary of State Marco Rubio issued emergency waivers to bypass the normal congressional review period for the sales, the administration said, as Iran signaled its ability to open a new front with strikes on Saudi Arabia's Red Sea coast. United States
Analysis Iran war tests Gulf dealmaking as foreign investors assess risks A multibillion-dollar pipeline sale in Kuwait has emerged as one of the early signs that the Gulf’s dealmaking machine is taking a hit from the US-Israel-Iran war. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Alternative supply routes emerge as Iran war tests Gulf food security By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Who in the GCC wants a union? Gulf Cooperation Council states consider transforming into a union to arm themselves against Iran’s increasing dominance and the growing instability in the Middle East. Saudi Arabia
Tensions flare between Hezbollah, Gulf states Analysts say Hezbollah has made a sharp pivot toward confrontation with Gulf states, in part as a result of its alliance with Iran. Legacy: Gulf
Will early elections backfire on Kuwait's government? The Kuwaiti emir's dissolution of parliament could come back to haunt the ruling family. Legacy: Gulf
US Treasury official praises Saudi cooperation against terror funding Assistant Treasury Secretary Daniel Glaser says there has been substantial progress reducing funds amassed by the Islamic State, but warns that IS could seek external financing if it loses its "caliphate" in Iraq and Syria. Saudi Arabia
Yemen peace talks stuck in stalemate The Yemen peace talks have been hindered by the parties' unwillingness to compromise on several major issues. Saudi Arabia
US, UN welcome Yemen cease-fire US officials welcomed a Yemen truce that went into effect April 11 after quiet Saudi-Houthi negotiations had already reduced violence in the year-old conflict, and urged the parties to find a political resolution at April 18 peace talks in Kuwait. Saudi Arabia
How united is the GCC? While Gulf states may all be united under the Gulf Cooperation Council name, their individual policies on foreign intervention vary greatly. Saudi Arabia
Can Hezbollah withstand Saudis' wrath? Hezbollah's actions are isolating Lebanon from the Arab states and exacerbating the country's already fractured and paralyzed politics. Legacy: Gulf
How far will the Saudis go against Hezbollah? With Saudi Arabia labeling Hezbollah a terrorist organization, a decision that was endorsed by the GCC, the kingdom hopes to legally pursue the Lebanese movement in international forums. Legacy: Gulf
Will Congress pick Qatar over Israel? To the chagrin of Israel, lawmakers of both parties want the Obama administration to go through with jet sales to Gulf countries. Legacy: Gulf
Hezbollah responds to GCC decision In a speech following the GCC’s decision to label Hezbollah a terrorist organization, the movement’s leader, Sayyed Hassan Nasrallah, intensified his criticism of Saudi Arabia, indicating a readiness to go all the way in the confrontation. Saudi Arabia
