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Oman

February 5, 2026

Muscat 3:11 pm

26°C

KHALED DESOUKI/AFP via Getty Images

Iran warning near Hormuz collides with Red Sea shipping comeback

Armed boats attempted to intercept a vessel near the Strait of Hormuz on Tuesday, the same day that major container lines also announced the resumption of limited transits through the Suez Canal.

US President Donald Trump shakes hands with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi during a joint press conference in the East Room of the White House in Washington, on Feb. 13, 2025.

How US-India trade deal could impact Mideast energy, trade routes

The United States and India struck a trade agreement on Monday that eases months of tension between the two countries and could influence Gulf oil flows and economic integration.

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro (R) gestures next to Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad al-Thani (L) during a meeting at the Miraflores presidential palace in Caracas on November 25, 2015. AFP PHOTO/JUAN BARRETO / AFP / JUAN BARRETO (Photo credit should read JUAN BARRETO/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

With central role for Qatar, can Gulf states mediate between US and Venezuela?

Venezuela's ties improved with Gulf states under Maduro, and some in the region voiced concern about the US operation.

Adam Lucente

By Adam Lucente

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

The Iranian-flagged oil tanker Fortune is docked at the El Palito refinery after its arrival to Puerto Cabello in the northern state of Carabobo, Venezuela, on May 25, 2020.

Analysis

Venezuelan crisis unlikely to impact MENA crude exporters in short term

Oil prices inched up on Monday as global oversupply concerns outweighed output disruption fears over the upheaval in Venezuela.

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

Latest News

Yemeni ministries declare support for STC campaign as Gulf tensions flare

Saleh Al-OBEIDI / AFP via Getty Images

India’s Modi eyes closer ties with Jordan, Oman during visits

His Royal Highness Crown Prince Al-Hussein bin Abdullah II (R) meets with Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi in Jordan, on Dec. 16, 2025.

Analysis

UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links

UK Chancellor Rachel Reeves, right, and Qatari Finance Minister Ali bin Ahmed al-Kuwari arrive at the Future Investment Initiative in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, on Oct. 28, 2025.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Analysis

How Gulf states are powering Turkey’s Eurofighter ambitions

A Eurofighter Typhoon of the German Air Force (31 26) in flight during a demonstration as part of a press day at the military air base in Laage, south of Rostock, Sept. 23, 2025.

Francesco Schiavi

By Francesco Schiavi

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

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Karen Young

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy

Andrew Harnik/Getty Images

Rubio links Iran's economic fate to nuke deal as Trump vows sanctions

The top US diplomat's comments come amid a delay in the fourth round of Oman-mediated talks between Washington and Tehran over a potential deal to curb Iran’s nuclear program in exchange for international sanctions relief.

KRISTINA KORMILITSYNA/POOL/AFP via Getty Images)

Oman’s sultan talks Iran-US nuclear mediation with Putin in first Russia visit

Historically neutral Oman has been mediating between the United States and Iran, as Russia seeks to strengthen its ties with the Gulf state.

Alex Wong/Getty Images

Analysis

Trump tariffs could disrupt Gulf’s IPO hot streak as markets sink

New US tariffs have roiled markets worldwide and initial public offerings should not be expected to escape unscathed.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Wright

US energy secretary to tour Gulf amid oil market pressure, Iran talks

US Energy Secretary Chris Wright is expected to meet with several Gulf leaders during his trip as the region grapples with lower oil prices after President Donald Trump imposed universal tariffs last week.

FAYEZ NURELDINE/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

Despite green energy deal blitz, Middle Eastern climate efforts fell flat in 2024

This year saw significant progress in the Middle East and North Africa's renewable energy growth, but the transition from fossil fuels remains an elusive goal.

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

Delegates chat near a robot during the Future Investment Initiative (FII) forum at the King Abdulaziz Conference Centre in Saudi Arabia's capital Riyadh, on Oct. 30, 2019.

Analysis

Was 2024 a breakthrough year for the Middle East’s AI ambitions?

Gulf states doubled down on AI in 2024, pouring billions into tech infrastructure and US partnerships.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

OMAR HAJ KADOUR/AFP via Getty Images

Analysis

From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf

The ongoing conflict in Gaza, big international investment deals, low oil revenue and increased curtailing of democratic rights dominated Gulf politics and economy in 2024

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

[2/7]Syria's President Bashar al-Assad meets with President of the United Arab Emirates Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan at the Presidential Airport in Abu Dhabi, United Arab Emirates March 19, 2023. Abdulla Al Neyadi/UAE Presidential Court/WAM

Analysis

Syrian rebel offensive worries Gulf states as they rally around Assad

Most Arab Gulf states have quickly expressed solidarity with Damascus, but the ongoing rebel offensive has caught many by surprise and adds a layer of uncertainty over Arab normalization with Syrian President Bashar al-Assad.

Giorgio Cafiero

By Giorgio Cafiero

US President Donald Trump (L) speaks with Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman (C) as Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe (R), Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (2nd R) and Britain's Prime Minister Theresa May smile during a family photo session at the G20 Summit in Osaka on June 28, 2019. (Photo by KIM KYUNG-HOON / POOL / AFP) (Photo credit should read KIM KYUNG-HOON/AFP via Getty Images)

Analysis

Beyond congratulations, Trump faces changed, eastward-looking Gulf

Gulf states are familiar with Donald Trump and his transactional nature but have also managed to forge their own regional alliances over the last four years.

Jennifer Gnana

By Jennifer Gnana

In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics

ANATOLII STEPANOV/AFP via Getty Images

In Oman visit, Ukraine FM calls for food hub to boost Africa trade

Ukraine’s top diplomat will visit Egypt and other African countries after Oman amid the ongoing war with Russia.

An OQ flag.

Oman state energy firm raises $2B from IPO, sultanate's largest ever

OQ raised the funds for its exploration and production business on the local stock exchange.