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’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
Interview Oman minister describes role as 'facilitator' of diplomacy in turbulent region In an exclusive interview with Al-Monitor, Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah, Oman’s minister responsible for foreign affairs, describes his country's role as facilitator, not mediator, to resolve the region's conflicts, including Iran, the Israeli-Palestinian conflict, Yemen, and the embargo of Qatar. Yusuf bin Alawi bin Abdullah Minister of Foreign Affairs of Oman
What is happening behind the scenes in the Yemen talks? Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates are trying to consolidate their military influence in Yemen through talks in Jeddah. Saudi Arabia
What was behind regional tour of Iranian foreign minister? Iranian Foreign Minister Mohammad Javad Zarif goes to Kuwait and Qatar to promote dialogue, perhaps because opportunities that once developed through Oman may no longer be as fruitful as they once were. Saudi Arabia