Gulf war

Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov delivered a combative speech on the Ukraine war, sharply criticising European governments. He accused Europe of deception, reportedly saying 'You think we'll fall for your tricks?', and framed European nations as unreliable actors in negotiations over the conflict. The remarks have drawn wide attention, underlining the deep gulf between Moscow and European capitals as the war grinds on.

EU ministers are holding a meeting focused on continued aid for Ukraine, while in parallel diplomatic news has broken that Donald Trump has rejected a deal proposed by Iran concerning the Strait of Hormuz. The simultaneous developments keep both the Ukraine war funding question and Gulf shipping tensions at the centre of international attention today.

Gulf states' relations with Washington have been shaken by the ongoing war, according to analysis from the Middle East Institute. The conflict has strained trust between the US and its traditional Arab partners in the Gulf, prompting debate over alignment, security guarantees and the future of American influence in the region. Commentators are weighing how far Riyadh, Abu Dhabi and Doha may recalibrate ties with Washington.

Saudi Arabia is collecting a massive oil windfall as the conflict between Israel and Iran disrupts energy markets, with Fortune arguing the kingdom may be the war's only winner. Rising crude prices and expectations that Gulf supply will remain secure are boosting Riyadh's revenues even as the fighting imposes heavy costs on Iran and the wider region.

Iran is exploring moving its oil and trade flows north to Caspian Sea routes as the war and US pressure impair shipping through the Strait of Hormuz, the chokepoint for most of its crude exports. Analysts question whether Caspian corridors, reliant on limited ports and neighbouring states' cooperation, can realistically replace the Gulf route at scale.

Analysts are examining how the conflict involving Iran is changing Egypt's strategic thinking in the Middle East. The war's ripple effects — on regional security, trade routes through the Suez Canal, and Egypt's relations with Tehran, Washington and Gulf partners — are prompting Cairo to reassess its diplomatic and security positions amid a volatile regional landscape.

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.

Sudan has started exporting meat to Kuwait, according to Sudanese media reporting. The move marks a step for the country's livestock sector, a key part of Sudan's economy, and opens a Gulf market for its animal products at a time when the country is struggling with conflict and economic difficulty.

Qatar is continuing its shuttle diplomacy between Washington and Tehran in an effort to end the war in the Middle East, according to Daily Sabah. The Gulf state, a longtime intermediary with Iran, is working to broker de-escalation as regional tensions persist. The report highlights Doha's role as one of the few channels of communication between the United States and Iran amid the ongoing conflict.

Qatar has warned that the global economic fallout from a war involving Iran would be 'unbearable,' making the statement as diplomatic talks over the conflict continue. The Gulf state's intervention highlights growing alarm among energy-producing and trading nations about the consequences of escalation for oil markets, shipping and the wider world economy.

Qatar has confirmed it is relaying messages between the United States and Iran as part of efforts to end their war. The Gulf state, which has long served as an intermediary between Washington and Tehran, said its diplomacy is aimed at de-escalating the conflict, though details of the messages and prospects for a ceasefire were not disclosed.

Reports of undisclosed meetings by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu in Abu Dhabi have raised speculation about whether Gulf Arab states could align with Israel in a confrontation with Iran. The question touches on the fragile normalisation between Israel and Arab governments, whose publics remain largely opposed to any partnership against Tehran amid the Gaza war.