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August 6, 2026

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Explainer

Qatar launches diamond exchange as Hormuz crisis chokes LNG exports

Qatar's new diamond exchange is an effort to diversify from the country's main exports, LNG and petroleum products, which have been severely cut as a result of the Iran war and the Strait of Hormuz crisis.

A ship sails off the coast of Ajman on July 10, 2026.

Interview

Why Strait of Hormuz no longer rattles oil markets as much: IMF

The fund's Middle East director, Jihad Azour, told Al-Monitor that the big Gulf energy producers now have more capacity to absorb the shock.

Jihad Azour

Jihad Azour

Director of the Middle East and Central Asia Department at the International Monetary Fund

Latest News

Oil soars more than 6% as Trump rules out Iran deal, threatens more strikes

A cargo ship is pictured off coast of the Khor Fakkan Container Terminal, the only natural deep-sea port in the region and one of the major container ports in Sharjah Emirate, along the Gulf of Oman on June 28, 2026.

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

Karen Young

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional energy

Reve Chaaban

In Doha reporting on culture

TOPSHOT - Israel's Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu (C) and National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir (R) visit the scene of a shooting at the Ramot road junction in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on September 8, 2025. Palestinian gunmen opened fire at a bus stop in Israeli-annexed east Jerusalem on September 8, killing five people and wounding several others. Israeli emergency service Magen David Adom (MDA) said there were five victims dead in the shooting attack, updating an earlier toll of four. Police

Analysis

Trump fumes, Hamas scoffs: Will Israel’s Qatar strikes backfire?

While the targeted Hamas leaders' fate is unknown, it is clear that the United States is unhappy with Tuesday’s strike and that Qatar will distance itself from mediating a Gaza ceasefire deal.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

JACQUELINE PENNEY/AFPTV/AFP via Getty Images

Live Updates

Israeli airstrikes target Hamas leadership in Qatar's Doha

The strikes come just a day after Qatari authorities engaged with Hamas officials to press for a response to a US-backed ceasefire and hostage exchange proposal.

WANG ZHAO/AFP via Getty Images

Qataris hail Chinese robotaxis as Gulf embraces driverless cars

Three Chinese companies have publicly announced plans to roll out the autonomous vehicles in the Gulf.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi meets with Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani in Doha, Sept. 4, 2025.

Iran FM, Qatar emir meet as Doha holds talks with IAEA over Iran sanctions

The visit is Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi’s first to Qatar since Iran attacked US forces at the Al Udeid base.

Saudi companies signed agreements with Syria’s Ministry of Energy during the kingdom’s participation in the Damascus International Fair in Damascus, on Aug. 28, 2025.

ACWA Power, TAQA among Saudi firms backing Syria's energy comeback

Some 14 years of civil war have wiped at least $800 billion from the country’s gross domestic product, according to UN figures.

From Kuwait to Turkey, why are countries cracking down on Roblox?

The fast-growing gaming platform has been banned in countries including China, Iran, Oman, Qatar, and Turkey.

Botswana Qatar

Qatari royal expands Africa push with $12B in Botswana after $39B in DRC, Zambia

A Qatari delegation began a tour of 10 African countries on Aug. 13 in Kinshasa, Democratic Republic of Congo, to explore investment opportunities.

Tents housing displaced Palestinians line a street in Gaza City, Aug. 18, 2025.

Analysis

In accepting Gaza truce proposal, is Hamas setting 'trap' for boxed-in Netanyahu?

Is Hamas really hoping that Israel rejects a deal and goes ahead with the Gaza City offensive, resulting in its further international isolation?

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Israeli army soldiers look at the destruction in Gaza from the border with the Palestinian territory, Aug. 13, 2025.

Exclusive

Contrary to Netanyahu's claims, Israel spy chief pushes partial Gaza deal in Qatar

As the Israeli prime minister defends his plan to take full control of Gaza, Mossad chief David Barnea pushes for a partial ceasefire deal.

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense