Latest news with #GulfStates
The National
2 hours ago
- Politics
- The National
UAE official calls on Iran to rebuild trust with Gulf neighbours
Tehran must work to restore trust with Gulf states, which has been damaged by its decision to attack Qatar, the diplomatic adviser to UAE President Sheikh Mohamed said on Saturday. The missile attack came despite Gulf states' opposition to Israel 's strikes on Iran and their efforts to de-escalate the situation, Dr Anwar Gargash said Qatar said it repelled 19 missiles launched by Iran on Monday evening. Tehran said these were targeted at the Al Udeid airbase, which is used by American forces, as retaliation against the US for joining Israel's attacks on its nuclear sites. 'The Gulf states took a strong and influential stand against the Israeli war on Iran. They sought to de-escalate tensions in all international forums and called for a political resolution to outstanding issues, most notably the nuclear issue,' Dr Gargash said in a post on X. 'Despite this, Iran targeted the sovereignty of the sisterly state of Qatar, a targeting that affects us all. 'Today, as we turn the page on the war, Tehran remains called upon to restore trust with its Gulf neighbours, which was damaged by this aggression.' The attack was strongly condemned by the UAE and other members of the GCC – Saudi Arabia, Kuwait, Oman and Bahrain – as well as other Arab states. Qatari Emir Sheikh Tamim described it as a flagrant breach of Qatar's sovereignty and airspace, and 'inconsistent with the principle of good neighbourliness and the close relations between the two countries', when Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian made a phone call to express his regret over the attack. The attack disrupted air travel across the region as Qatar and some other Gulf states closed their airspace and flights were diverted. In an interview with AFP published on Saturday, Qatari Foreign Ministry spokesman Majed Al Ansari said that as leaders were weighing their response to the attack, a call came from US President Donald Trump to Sheikh Tamim, saying 'there is a possibility for regional stability … and that Israel has agreed to a ceasefire'. 'Qatar could have taken the decision to escalate,' Mr Al Ansari said. 'But because there was a chance for peace … we opted for that.' The ceasefire Mr Trump announced in the hours following the attack on Qatar has so far held.
Washington Post
7 hours ago
- Politics
- Washington Post
Gulf states fear an unrestrained Israel will hurt fragile ties with Iran
ISTANBUL — Iran's missile strike targeting a U.S. air base in Qatar this week could have imperiled the effort by Persian Gulf monarchies in recent years to ease Tehran's isolation on the grounds that it would make the region more secure. But the attack — retaliation for U.S. airstrikes on Iranian nuclear facilities — came after Iran had provided a warning, and the 19 missiles did no damage to Qatar or the air base. The missile barrage prompted full-throated condemnations from gulf states, but not much more, suggesting that their warming ties with Iran had provided some protection, and might endure.
Arab News
19 hours ago
- Business
- Arab News
Time for Trump to revive his Middle East alliance
After weeks of armed conflict between Israel and Iran, and in the aftermath of America's direct attack on Iran's nuclear weapons program, a fragile ceasefire appears to be taking hold. US President Donald Trump has made clear he has no interest in broadening the conflict. His objectives remain narrowly focused: preventing Iran from ever acquiring a nuclear weapon and making the region more stable. There is even talk in Washington of a possible diplomatic overture toward Iran and restarting negotiations. Whether that materializes remains to be seen. But in the wake of this short, intense conflict, a new opportunity has emerged for deeper US engagement in the region, particularly with the Gulf states. Trump has brought back decisive American leadership on the global stage, so countries in the region may be more willing to work more closely with the US. The president should seize this diplomatic momentum to revive one of the most creative initiatives from his first term: the Middle East Strategic Alliance. Originally proposed in 2017, the alliance reflected a strategic vision for a more integrated and secure Middle East. At the time, the Gulf states were interested but lacked a common understanding of what such an alliance should be. The Trump administration also did not clearly articulate its scope, leaving it vulnerable to diverging interpretations. Some Gulf countries saw it as a purely security-focused pact aimed at countering Iran. Others, seeking to balance their regional relations, were more hesitant to commit to a militarized posture. Still others envisioned the alliance as a platform to boost regional trade and US economic engagement. This time, Trump and his administration should remove any ambiguity. A revived alliance should have a clear mandate, starting with a robust security component. Without singling out any one threat, the US can lead efforts to improve defense coordination and enhance the capabilities of regional militaries. Second, the alliance should include an economic and trade dimension. Trump's emphasis on trade and tariffs aligns well with this. Only two Gulf countries, Bahrain and Oman, have free trade agreements with the US. Building on these could help formalize deeper economic cooperation and offer a framework for expanding US commercial ties across the Gulf. The administration should focus first on 'low-hanging fruit'— areas where consensus already exists and progress can be made quickly. Improving regional air and missile defense is one such area. The wars in Ukraine and between Iran and Israel have both illustrated the strategic importance of air defense systems in modern warfare. They have also exposed the economic imbalance in such conflicts: Shahed-class drones used by Iran can cost as little as $20,000, while the interceptors required to destroy them can cost hundreds of thousands of dollars. The US and its Gulf partners must work together to increase regional air and missile defense capabilities. This includes coordinating technology development, operational procedures, and joint investments to improve system effectiveness while reducing costs. Air defense cooperation is not politically controversial — its defensive nature makes it an easier sell domestically for governments in the region. Citizens expect their governments to provide security from missile and drone attacks, which are growing more common and more lethal. Qatar offers a case study. It experienced a major ballistic missile attack by Iran that was intercepted by US air defense systems. The attack was a wake-up call for the entire region. Investments in missile defense should be seen as both a strategic necessity and a politically viable starting point for a new alliance. A focus on air defense could also have benefits beyond the Gulf. It could boost cooperation with Israel, which already has some of the most advanced missile defense systems in the world. These lessons could also be shared across Abraham Accords partners, enhancing both interoperability and trust. Gen. Erik Kurilla, head of US Central Command, testified before Congress recently as part of his annual posture review. He emphasized the growing missile and drone threats in the Middle East. These threats are not hypothetical — they are shaping real-world policy and defense spending. A renewed alliance should be built around this reality. Now is the time for the Trump administration to act. The dust is settling after the Iran-Israel war. Diplomacy is once again being discussed. Regional states are looking to Washington for leadership and reassurance. A clearly defined, strategically sound alliance could be the foundation for a new era of regional cooperation that goes beyond security and includes trade, economic cooperation, and normalization. Reviving the Middle East Strategic Alliance will not be easy, but it is achievable. The geopolitical landscape has shifted in the region's favor. Shared concerns about air threats, increased interest in normalization, and a willingness to engage economically all create the right conditions for success. But this time, the US must lead with clarity and purpose. Trump and regional leaders should not let this moment pass. With smart leadership and clear objectives, a revived alliance could be the key to making the Middle East a safer, more secure, and more prosperous region for years to come. • Luke Coffey is a senior fellow at the Hudson Institute. X: @LukeDCoffey.
Khaleej Times
2 days ago
- Politics
- Khaleej Times
UAE fishermen call for clear seasonal bans aligned with neighbouring Gulf states
Emirati fishermen have been voicing frustration over unclear seasonal fishing bans and called for UAE fishing timelines to be brought in line with neighbouring Gulf states to support livelihoods and ensure local fish supply – the Federal National Council heard on Wednesday. FNC member Mohammed Al Kashf questioned the Ministry of Climate Change and Environment over the prolonged fishing ban on certain species, particularly using wire traps known locally as hiyal. Al Kashf said fishermen received text messages informing them of the ban without a clear timeframe, creating uncertainty and affecting their ability to plan around optimal fishing periods. 'This lack of clarity prevents fishermen from benefitting during the most suitable times of the year,' he said, urging the ministry to consider adjustments that support both fish stock sustainability and the economic wellbeing of Emirati fishermen. Responding to the concerns, Minister of Climate Change and Environment Amna Al Dahak said the fishing ban period has remained unchanged since 2021 and currently runs from November 1 to May 13 each year, based on ministerial decisions informed by scientific studies. Furthermore, the ministry sends regular notifications to fishermen, including reminders at the start and end of each season. 'These periods are based on studies that aim to ensure the regeneration of fish stocks and protect marine life,' said the minister, adding that awareness workshops are held in coordination with the Fishermen's Cooperative Union to keep fishermen informed. Four such workshops were conducted this year alone. Minister Al Dahak stressed that preserving the fishing profession and ensuring its sustainability remains a key priority. 'We work closely with fishermen and regularly hold stakeholder meetings to address their challenges and align on goals," he said. Coordination is also ongoing with local authorities and through joint technical committees at the GCC level, she added. Al Kashf welcomed the ministry's engagement but pointed out that fishermen still face operational difficulties when bans are imposed late or without fixed reopening dates. He said preparations for the fishing season, such as recruiting crew and acquiring supplies, require significant time and investment. 'Veteran fishermen and sea-goers know the right times for the season to start, and the ministry is pushing efforts in the right direction,' he said. 'But there is a clear call from fishermen to begin the season in early October instead, to match neighbouring countries.'
Telegraph
2 days ago
- Politics
- Telegraph
Gulf allies believe Israel is out of control after ‘reckless' war
Israel's attack on Iran risks triggering a lasting rupture with its Middle Eastern allies, Gulf Arab officials have warned. Once seen as the region's chief guarantor against the Iranian nuclear threat, Israel is now increasingly viewed as its most destabilising force after entering conflict with Tehran, which one Arab diplomat characterised as 'unforgivably reckless'. Although some officials admitted that they hoped Israel had succeeded in destroying Iran's nuclear facilities, representatives of three Gulf states have expressed alarm about its growing military dominance and Benjamin Netanyahu's willingness to wield it. Speaking on condition of anonymity, one official said: 'He appears to be beyond restraint – in Gaza, Lebanon, Syria and now Iran. 'Unchecked, uncontrollable power is no longer an asset for us. It is a problem.' Growing concern about Israel's 'destabilising' role threatens the legacy of the Abraham Accords, the series of agreements under which the United Arab Emirates, Bahrain, Morocco and Sudan normalised relations with Israel. Hailed as a landmark moment for Israel's integration into the Arab world after decades of hostility, the accords were Donald Trump 's signature foreign policy achievement in his first term. US officials had hoped Saudi Arabia would eventually follow suit but expectations have dwindled since Israel's war in Gaza, which drew sharp denunciations from Riyadh. Gulf states were drawn to the accords partly because they enabled them to forge a united front against Iran. Tehran's nuclear ambitions, missile development and sponsorship of proxy militias were seen as the region's primary threat. The accords also facilitated intelligence sharing and military cooperation at a time when Washington seemed to be disengaging from the region. That Israel now risks replacing Iran as the chief source of instability is an irony. It reflects rising anxiety over what Gulf states, which have preferred to seek a diplomatic solution with Iran, increasingly see as Israel's boundless military ambition.
