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. Iran
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. Saudi Arabia
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. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
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. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis UK chases elusive GCC trade deal that could boost exports, economic links By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How Gulf states are powering Turkey’s Eurofighter ambitions By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Oman kicks off ambitious reform project A significant revamp promises to slim down the Omani government, bring in new faces and mark the start of a new era. Oman
Oman says it supports UAE-Israel normalization of ties Israeli officials told the local press they are in talks with Oman to reach a similar normalization in ties. United Arab Emirates
Oman imposes fresh lockdown ahead of Eid al-Adha holiday A ban on travel between the governorates and an 11-hour curfew will run from July 25 through Aug. 8. Oman
Oman to allow residents to take international flights Oman's government also announced it would extend a lockdown on the Dhofar and Masirah regions. Oman
Has China gained an edge on the US in the Gulf? China has upped the ante, but the United States holds the winning hand; Oman weighs risks and benefits of Gulf bailout; will migrant workers return to GCC? Legacy: Gulf
Oman weighs costs of bailout from Gulf neighbors Gulf countries might step up to keep Oman’s public finances afloat, but experts warn strings may be attached. Saudi Arabia
GCC faces possible setback with exodus of skilled professionals The coronavirus pandemic coupled with the oil crisis is pushing foreign workers to exit the Gulf states, perhaps shaping future labor policies. Saudi Arabia
Oman’s state-owned entities change hands As the newly-formed Oman Investment Authority takes over most of the Gulf country’s public assets, questions arise as to whether this is streamlining the administration, economic reform or power consolidation? Oman
Oman will make it easier for expat workers to switch jobs Under a previous order, foreign workers were barred from switching companies without explicit permission from their employers. Oman
Oman’s public sector reform risks brain drain By letting go of thousands of foreign experts, Oman risks losing the know-how central to achieving economic diversification. Oman
In latest spending cut, Oman not renewing majority of foreign consultant contracts Contracts will not be renewed for at least 70% of foreign experts and consultants working for the Omani government. Oman
Oman ending lockdown in capital Restrictions in other parts of the country to remain in place as COVID-19 cases continue to rise. Oman