Gulf

Iran 'not serious' about talks, US remains open to Middle East negotiations, Rubio says

Marco Rubio spoke at a meeting of Southeast Asian foreign ministers in Manila, saying that if Iran does not take diplomacy seriously, the US will "do what's necessary" to protect its interests.

U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio attends the ASEAN Post-Ministerial Conference with U.S. on the sidelines of the ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Meeting at the Philippine International Convention Center in Pasay, Metro Manila, Philippines, July 22, 2026.
President Isaac Herzog speaks at a conference in Herzliya, June 30, 2026.

Herzog, Saudi official interviews revive Saudi-Israel ties amid Iran strikes on Gulf - analysis

Vessels at the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Musandam, Oman, June 18, 2026

Beyond the battlefield: Why Iran is entering the final stage of strategic attrition - opinion

World leaders including U.S. President Donald Trump, Egypt's President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi, Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Qatar's Emir Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani pose for a family photo, at a world leaders' summit on October 13, 2025 in Sharm El-Sheikh, Egypt.

Arab leaders tell Trump that Netanyahu is an 'obstacle' to the president's Mideast plans - report


Iranian foreign minister visits Doha amid missile strikes on Gulf states, release of US citizen

Araghchi, according to the Foreign Ministry, made the journey to “meet with Qatari authorities and offer his condolences” after the death of former Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad ‌bin Khalifa ‌ Al-Thani.

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi looks down at notes during a joint press conference with his Iraqi counterpart during their joint press conference following a meeting in Baghdad on June 28, 2026.

Iran's attacks on Emirati tankers leaves Gulf united against Islamic regime - analysis

Gulf solidarity is now emerging in an even larger way than before. While some countries want an agreement that will end the fighting, they are also outraged by Iran’s new attacks.

The VLCC Mobassa B (previously named Front Forth), one of the two tankers which the UAE defense ministry said was struck by Iranian cruise missiles while transiting the Strait of Hormuz, seen in Rotterdam, Netherlands, August 18, 2024

Gulf patience ‘tested’ by Iran, higher chance of ‘limited strikes,’ Bahraini analyst tells 'Post'

The Peninsula Shield Force, the joint military arm of the Gulf Cooperation Council, would likely be the key instrument of any collective action, said the analyst.

Smoke rises following a strike on the Bapco Oil Refinery, amid the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran, on Sitra Island Bahrain, March 9, 2026; Illustrative.

Jordan, Bahrain drawn deeper into Iran's regional storm as ceasefire collapse puts pressure on Gulf

Missile attacks, maritime tensions, and the collapse of the June ceasefire are increasing pressure on Gulf governments to balance security with diplomacy.

(FILE PHOTO) Smoke rises in the sky after blasts were heard in Manama, Bahrain, February 28, 2026.

How Qatar's former emir Sheikh Hamad reshaped Qatar - and the modern Middle East - analysis

In many ways, the era that the former emir presided over was a very different Middle East. Against the grain of the time, he was able to position Qatar as a key state in the region.

 Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al- Qatari emir Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa al-Thani reviews the Bulgarian honour guard during his welcoiming ceremony in Sofia on April 14, 2009.

One Indian national missing after attack on vessel off Oman, foreign ministry says

"Of the 11 Indian nationals on board, 10 have been rescued so far, while one Indian National is reportedly missing," the ministry said, while condemning the attack.

(Illustrative) Warships sail during the joint Navy exercise of Iran, China and Russia in the Gulf of Oman, Iran, March 12, 2025; illustrative.

Former emir of Qatar, Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani, dies at 74

Also on Sunday, the IRGC said it struck and disabled a second vessel in the Strait of Hormuz and targeted the US strategic air base at Al Udeid in Qatar with ballistic missiles.

FILE PHOTO: Qatar's heir apparent Sheikh Hamad bin Khalifa Al Thani (L) is greeted by Lord Hesketh, representing Queen Elizabeth II, on his arrival for an official visit at Heathrow Airport in London, Britain, March 20, 1988.

Iran's Ghalibaf warns 'reality is knocking' after US, IRGC trade strikes in Strait of Hormuz

Ghalibaf issued this message as Iran's IRGC said that its aerospace forces carried out a heavy attack on US aircraft carrier support and refueling platforms in the port of Duqm, in Oman.

Iranian Parliament Speaker Mohammad Bagher Ghalibaf looks on as parliament members chant in support of the IRGC while wearing military uniforms in Tehran, Iran, February 1, 2026; illustrative.

Iran's missile arsenal, not Gulf deterrence, is the Middle East's real problem - opinion

Iran has not only built a massive missile program; it has turned missiles into a standalone strategic language, using them as a deterrent, a means of pressure, and a message of influence.

 Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani, US President Donald Trump, Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman and Bahrain's King Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa attend a group photo session with Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) leaders in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, May 14, 2025.

Iran using Gulf attacks to force control over Strait of Hormuz shipping, analysts warn

Iran’s recent escalations against Gulf nations proved that the MoU, which was “intended as a vehicle for de-escalation,” has exposed the absence of any real “durable” peace framework in the Gulf.

This aerial photograph shows boats anchored off Oman's northern Musandam Peninsula near the Strait of Hormuz on June 27, 2026.