A southern Arabian region spanning parts of Yemen and Oman, with historic ties to Hadrami culture
The United States and Iran have signed a framework to end the broader conflict, prompting direct Israel-Lebanon talks. Israel maintains a security zone in southern Lebanon and will keep forces in place to counter Hezbollah, while Lebanon seeks de-escalation and a path to sovereignty. Ongoing clashes persist along the border as negotiations continue.
The government has introduced an Immigration and Asylum Bill that will recover costs from asylum seekers with sufficient funds and create new safe routes funded by community groups, universities, and employers. The policy is controversial, drawing criticism from charities and opposition who warn it could deter refugees and overburden families.
Iran finishes third in Group G with three points after draws against Belgium, New Zealand and Egypt. A stoppage-time offside decision denied a potential group victory, while travel and visa restrictions imposed by the U.S. complicated preparation and recovery, leaving Iran eliminated as the World Cup concludes.
The United States has reiterated that international waterways must remain free of charges as Gulf partners push back against any tolling plan. Rubio has toured the Gulf amid a flurry of developments including a new shipping corridor near Oman, a temporary halt to evacuation efforts, and ongoing negotiations with Iran over a preliminary peace framework. The UN has paused evacuation plans for mariners in the Strait of Hormuz, while Oman coordinates a temporary route with the IMO.
Iraqi Prime Minister Ali al-Zaidi's campaign targets officials accused of embezzlement and corruption. Authorities have detained dozens, with immunity removals enabling more arrests. The operation is expanding to Wasit, Kirkuk and Anbar as the government seeks to recover state funds and lock out faction-linked networks.
Vessel transits through the Strait of Hormuz have picked up, with traffic slowly returning after a recent slowdown tied to US-Iran exchanges of strikes. Iran and Oman are managing separate corridors, while the wider tension between Washington and Tehran remains, and the pre-war level of navigation has not yet returned.
Morocco has eliminated the Netherlands 3-2 in a World Cup last-32 penalty shootout. Celebrations erupt in Casablanca, while police in The Hague deploy riot squads amid clashes as fans clash after the match.
Israel maintains a security zone in southern Lebanon while pressuring Hezbollah to disarm. Netanyahu says Israel will stay until the threat is eliminated, amid a new framework with Lebanon and ongoing US talks with Iran. The situation has hardened, with Israeli forces showing a long-term posture and Hezbollah resisting demilitarisation.
Houthis have launched repeated drone, missile and naval strikes that have damaged Yemen’s Mocha port, killed dozens and forced the port’s suspension. The group has claimed a drone hit on Saudi Aramco’s Jazan refinery and renewed attacks on shipping in the Red Sea and Bab al‑Mandeb, while Yemeni government forces have mounted counter‑attacks across multiple fronts.
Houthi attacks on Yemen’s Red Sea coast have intensified, striking Mocha and al-Makha ports as government forces and militants trade strikes across Marib, Taiz and the western coast. The violence threatens shipping lanes, raises regional tensions, and risks drawing in regional powers as talks for a ceasefire stall.