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Gulf region
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- 1US military escorts double Gulf oil shipmentsโUS helps double oil volume exiting the Gulf, with the military now guiding ships in broad daylight
The United States is helping double the volume of oil leaving the Gulf, with the US military now guiding tanker ships through the strait in broad daylight rather than under cover of night. The move signals a more open, coordinated approach to securing one of the world's most critical energy chokepoints, reassuring shippers and markets that traffic can flow despite regional tensions.
- 2Houthi offensive leaves Saudi Arabia exposed and Iran emboldenedโHouthi blitz leaves Saudi Arabia exposed, Iran emboldened The lack of international military support for Saudi Arabia, p
A renewed Houthi military push is being described as exposing Saudi Arabia's vulnerabilities and strengthening Iran's position across the region. Commentators point to the lack of international military backing for Riyadh, particularly from the United States, as a key factor emboldening Iran and its allies. Observers say the development is complicating an already volatile geopolitical landscape in the Middle East and raising questions about Western commitments to Gulf security.
- 3Oman opens first robotic observatory at Jabal ShamsโOmanโs first robotic observatory opens at Jabal Shams
Oman has inaugurated its first robotic observatory at Jabal Shams, the highest mountain in the country. The facility can operate automatically, taking advantage of the site's clear skies and high altitude for astronomical observation. It marks a step forward for Omani space science and could support regional research and education programmes, drawing attention from across the Gulf.
- 4US intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weaponsโUS intelligence warns Saudi Arabia has not ruled out nuclear weapons
US intelligence agencies have assessed that Saudi Arabia has not ruled out acquiring nuclear weapons, according to a report flagged by Ynetnews. The warning underscores lingering concerns in Washington about Riyadh's nuclear ambitions, particularly as regional tensions persist and Iran's nuclear program remains a central security issue for Gulf states.
- 5US intelligence: Saudi Arabia has not abandoned nuclear weapons ambitionsโUS intelligence says Saudi Arabia has not abandoned its nuclear weapons ambitions
US intelligence agencies have assessed that Saudi Arabia has not given up its ambitions to acquire nuclear weapons, according to a report carried by Tehran Times. The assessment comes as Washington and Riyadh discuss potential nuclear cooperation agreements, and as regional tensions with Iran keep concerns about nuclear proliferation in the Gulf high.
- 6
Saudi Arabia has signalled it would be open to developing nuclear weapons, according to reports carried by major US outlets including The New York Times and The Seattle Times. The remarks raise fresh questions about nuclear proliferation in the Middle East and about Riyadh's nuclear ambitions at a time of ongoing regional tensions and talks over normalisation and security guarantees with Washington.
- 7Saudi Arabia says Gulf security tied to global stabilityโSaudi Arabia warns Gulf security inseparable from global stability amid regional tensions
Saudi Arabia has warned that the security of the Gulf region is inseparable from global stability, making the statement amid ongoing regional tensions. The message was delivered in a UN context, underscoring Riyadh's argument that instability in the Gulf carries consequences far beyond the Middle East and calling for international attention to de-escalation and regional security.
- 8Trump rejects Iran's plan to reopen Strait of HormuzโTrump calls Iranian plan to reopen Strait of Hormuz not 'acceptable'
President Donald Trump said an Iranian proposal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz is not acceptable, rejecting the plan outright. The remarks come amid ongoing tensions over the key oil shipping route, and observers are watching closely for what the rejection means for Gulf shipping, energy markets, and already strained negotiations between Washington and Tehran.
- 9Qatari platform Hired Valley secures GrowthX investmentโู ูุตุฉ Hired Valley ุงููุทุฑูุฉ ุชุญุตู ุนูู ุงุณุชุซู ุงุฑ ู ู GrowthX ูุชูุถู ุฅูู ู ุตูุน ุณูููู ููุดุฑูุงุช ุงููุงุดุฆุฉ
Qatari recruitment platform Hired Valley has raised an investment from US-based GrowthX and joined Sanabil's 'Sannoo' startup factory programme, an accelerator backed by Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund. The move gives the Qatari startup funding and regional support to expand its hiring services across the Gulf startup ecosystem.
- 10
Saudi Arabia defeated Oman in a Gulf Cup football match, with first-half goals proving decisive as Saleh Al-Brikan returned to scoring form. The fixture drew attention across the Gulf, with coverage of both teams' lineups and preparations in the days before the game, including Oman's squad meetings and Saudi tactical reshuffles.
- 11Kuwait face Iraq in live Arabian Gulf Cup clashโู ุจุงุดุฑ ุฎููุฌู27 .. ุงููููุช ูุงูุนุฑุงู
Kuwait and Iraq are meeting in a match at the 27th Arabian Gulf Cup, with fans following live coverage of the fixture. The Gulf rivals' encounters traditionally draw major attention across the region, and the latest meeting is no exception as supporters track the score and discuss the performances of both sides.
- 12Lewis Hamilton backs Gulf Grands Prix despite Iran conflictโLewis Hamilton gives thumbs up to Gulf GPs despite Iran conflict Jamaica Observer https://www. jamaicaobserver.com/2026/
Lewis Hamilton has voiced support for holding Formula 1 races in the Gulf region despite ongoing tensions linked to the Iran conflict. The seven-time world champion indicated the scheduled Grands Prix should go ahead, a stance drawing attention as the sport weighs security and political concerns around events in the Middle East.