Gulf states

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu has travelled to the United Arab Emirates to meet the Emirati leader, in a rare visit by an Israeli premier to the Gulf state. The trip comes after reports that Israel received warnings ahead of Hamas's October 7 attack. The meeting is being closely watched for what it signals about Israeli-Arab relations amid the ongoing fallout from the intelligence controversy.

Donald Trump said the United States will ensure the Strait of Hormuz remains open and will not allow Iran to acquire a nuclear weapon. The statement comes amid heightened tensions in the Gulf, where the strategic waterway carries a large share of the world's oil shipments and Tehran has repeatedly threatened to close it in any confrontation with Washington.

The United Arab Emirates has urged the international community to step up diplomatic efforts and take stronger action on Gaza and wider regional crises during its address at the United Nations. The appeal highlights mounting frustration among Gulf states over the pace of the international response to the conflict and instability across the Middle East.

Commentary from the Middle East Institute argues that the ongoing war has strained the Gulf states' relations with Washington. Analysts point to fraying trust between Gulf capitals and the US administration, with long-standing security and political partnerships under renewed pressure. The item highlights growing debate over whether Gulf countries may recalibrate their foreign policy alignments as a result.

UAE President Sheikh Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan held talks with Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, discussing bilateral relations between the two countries, according to the UAE's state news agency. The conversation comes at a sensitive moment for Gulf-Israel ties, and observers are watching for details on what the two leaders agreed or discussed beyond general relations.

Oman has drafted a national law aimed at regulating and developing its space economy, according to a report carried by Zawya. The legislation would establish a legal framework for space activities in the Gulf state as regional governments compete to attract investment in satellites, launch services and space technology. Details of the draft's provisions and its timeline for approval have not yet been made public.

The Middle East Institute has published an analysis examining the economic and political costs that Gulf states bear in accommodating Iran. The piece weighs how rapprochement and trade with Tehran affect Gulf political economies, against the backdrop of shifting regional diplomacy and ongoing debates over sanctions, investment and security ties across the Arabian Peninsula.

Analysts are examining how the ongoing war has accelerated strategic technology cooperation between the United States and Gulf states, particularly in artificial intelligence. The argument is that conflict-driven geopolitical realignment is pushing Washington and Gulf capitals toward deeper partnerships in AI investment, data infrastructure and tech diplomacy, turning the region into an increasingly important arena of US tech strategy.