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. Iran
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. Oman
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. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Despite green energy deal blitz, Middle Eastern climate efforts fell flat in 2024 By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Was 2024 a breakthrough year for the Middle East’s AI ambitions? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis From BRICS to dwindling oil revenues, 2024 was mixed year for Gulf By Jennifer Gnana In Dubai, reporting on Gulf energy policy and politics
Yemen’s Hadi hopes new governor calms Mahra tensions In the wake of clashes between Saudi forces and local tribesmen in Mahra province, Yemen’s president appointed a new governor in the hope of preventing further violence. Legacy: Gulf
Will ties with Iran change under Oman’s new sultan? A new sultan sitting on the throne in Muscat has sparked questions about the future of traditionally cordial ties Tehran held with the late peacemaker, Sultan Qaboos bin Said. Oman
Is tourism the antidote to youth unemployment in Oman? Omani officials aim to create over 500,000 jobs in the tourism sector by 2040. Legacy: Gulf
Islamic Jihad undermines shaky Gaza cease-fire with rocket barrage Israel, Egypt holding Hamas accountable for all attacks from Gaza; the wisdom of Sultan Qaboos. Oman
Oman’s humanitarian aid to Yemen also pragmatic Providing assistance to Yemenis requires Oman to maintain a low profile and strike a political balance with its giant neighbor to the northwest, Saudi Arabia. Saudi Arabia
Sell-off in Oman reveals privatization with regional characteristics Some Middle East countries in need of cash, such as Oman, are selling assets to Chinese and Malaysian state-owned entities. Oman
Palestine seeks economic relations with Oman A Palestinian ministerial delegation is preparing to visit Oman early next year as part of efforts to sever economic ties with Israel, but some analysts wonder what benefits are to be gained by either party. Oman
Intel: Why US is likely to raise concerns about China’s investment in Oman A Chinese state-owned company has inked a deal to take over nearly half of Oman’s power transmission firm, which is valued at $2 billion. Oman
Iran's regional peace initiative faces major challenges While Oman and Iran may have high hopes for the Hormuz Peace Endeavor, regional security arrangements have typically needed great-power backing to hold them together. Saudi Arabia
Trump condemns Iran protest crackdown, stays mum on Oman, French mediation efforts President Donald Trump, responding to a reporter’s question in London, said the United States does not support the protesters in Iran before he later clarified his answer and castigated the Iranian government. Saudi Arabia
East Yemen former ruling dynasty calls to revive Mahra Sultanate Amid Saudi Arabia’s growing military influence over the easternmost corner of Yemen, Al Mahrah’s former ruling dynasty wants independence. Saudi Arabia
Oman’s national unity racks up high cultural costs as local languages fall silent Oman's rich linguistic diversity is dwindling after fifty years of domination by Arabic as the language of education, trade and official correspondence. Oman
