Gulf states

The United Arab Emirates has called for renewed diplomacy and stronger international measures to address the war in Gaza and wider regional crises, speaking at the United Nations. The appeal underscores growing frustration among Gulf states over the pace of international responses, with the UAE pressing global powers to take a more active role in de-escalating conflicts across the Middle East.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu travelled secretly to Abu Dhabi over the weekend to meet the UAE's leader, marking a rare publicly confirmed visit to the Gulf state since the countries normalised ties under the Abraham Accords. Reports say the two discussed bilateral relations and regional issues, and the trip is being covered widely across US and regional media alongside other Middle East developments.

President Trump has turned down a ceasefire proposal from Iran, according to NPR, leaving Washington's Gulf partners weighing the consequences. The rejection suggests the conflict could continue or escalate, and Gulf states hosting U.S. forces and trade routes now face renewed uncertainty over regional security, energy markets, and their own delicate balancing act between Washington and Tehran.

New US sanctions targeting Iran's aviation industry are disrupting flights, with analyses linking the measures to broader regional tensions. Commentators say the conflict involving Iran is reshaping Gulf states' security strategies, pushing them to weigh their reliance on the United States against future diplomatic and military ties with Tehran and other regional powers.

Israel's upcoming elections are drawing attention across the region, with neighbours including Palestine, Iran, Lebanon, Syria, Jordan and Egypt following the vote closely. Commenters note that any outcome will carry ramifications far beyond Israel's borders, shaping diplomacy, security and the situation in Gaza. The discussion links the election to broader tensions across the Middle East and the Gulf states.

Iran's IRGC Navy says it seized a US Remus 600 autonomous underwater drone in the Strait of Hormuz and has released footage of the vehicle. The reported seizure, covered by Palestine Chronicle, adds a new flashpoint to tensions between Iran and the United States in the Gulf, where drone and naval incidents have repeatedly raised fears of wider confrontation.

India is exploring the possibility of making the United Arab Emirates a key source of liquefied natural gas and LPG, according to Commerce Minister Piyush Goyal. The remarks signal New Delhi's interest in deepening energy ties with the Gulf state amid growing import needs. Further details on talks or timelines were not given.

Iran has put forward a new proposal aimed at reaching an agreement to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the strategic waterway at the centre of rising regional tensions. The pitch suggests Tehran may be seeking a negotiated off-ramp, and observers are weighing what concessions Iran wants and how the US and Gulf states might respond to the offer.

Oman has drafted a national law covering its space economy, as reported by Oman Observer. The legislation would establish a legal framework for space activities in the Sultanate, aligning with broader Gulf efforts to develop space sectors alongside the UAE and Saudi Arabia. Details of the draft's provisions and timeline for adoption have not yet been published.

Oman is drafting a national law to regulate and develop its space economy, according to Oman Observer. The legislation would establish a legal framework for space activities as the country works to diversify its economy beyond oil and position itself in the growing regional space sector. Details of the draft's provisions and timeline have not yet been published.

Oman has been developing its space sector over the 2023–2025 period, moving from initial establishment of institutions and policy toward building a commercial market around space activities. The report highlights the country's shift from groundwork to market-building, positioning space as a growing part of its economic diversification plans.

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.