Gulf nations have borne the brunt of Iran’s retaliation, using its inexpensive Shahed 136 drones, to US-Israel attacks. Ukraine has repelled such attacks from Russia for years.
The reported moves by Washington’s Gulf partners indicate growing frustration with Iran, which has responded to US-Israeli attacks by hitting targets in several nearby nations.
According to a report in Middle East Eye, the foreign ministers of the four countries held talks on the sidelines of the Riyadh summit of Islamic countries.
Around 6 million barrels of Saudi oil headed to Indian ports via the kingdom’s west coast, while Indian refiners ramp up Russian purchases amid a temporary US waiver.
The Saudi–UAE schism is not a passing disagreement. It reflects a deeper question confronting the Middle East: whether regional order will be shaped by states, or by networks.
Bloomberg, citing people familiar with the matter, said Ankara is looking to join defence alliance under which ‘any aggression’ against one country is considered an attack on all.
A media report earlier cited 2 Pakistani sources as saying the 2 countries were discussing a plan to convert 2-bn dollars Saudi loan into a purchase of JF-17 Thunder fighter jets.
Saudi-led Coalition arrayed against Houthis in northern Yemen is on precipice of fresh conflict after expulsion of UAE-backed STC leader Al-Zoubaidi from Saudi-backed Presidential Leadership Council.
While The Express Tribune initially reported on tensions in the Gulf, those articles went missing from its website the next day. It was only Dawn that continued to report on the matter. But even that was selective.
UAE announced withdrawal of remaining forces in Yemen after Saudi's limited strike at Al-Mukalla. Riyadh accused Abu Dhabi of moving military equipment to support separatist STC in Yemen.
In FY 2025-26, AoN for 55 proposals amounting to Rs 6.73 lakh cr has been accorded by DAC. Both the quantum of AoN given and capital contracts signed, so far, have been the highest in any FY.
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