A federal monarchy of seven emirates on the Arabian Peninsula
The UN's International Maritime Organization has paused its evacuation of around 600 stranded ships and 11,000 seafarers after a vessel was struck off Oman's coast on Thursday. The attack, which multiple maritime sources say likely involved a drone or unknown projectile, has prompted fresh warnings from Iran and halted the IMO operation while safety guarantees are rechecked.
President Trump has completed a two‑day state visit to Beijing with US business chiefs, holding talks with Xi Jinping on trade, Taiwan, Iran and AI. Leaders have agreed to set up trade and investment councils; Trump has touted unspecified "fantastic" deals including a reported 200‑plane Boeing order while Chinese statements remain cautious.
Iran has set five trust-building conditions before entering any new round of talks with the United States, insisting on end to all fronts of conflict, sanctions relief, released assets, compensation for losses, and recognition of sovereignty over the Strait of Hormuz. Washington says Tehran’s response to a 14-point plan is still under review, with both sides pressing for guarantees amid a fragile ceasefire and regional spillovers.
Fatah's eighth general conference in Ramallah is underway with 2,580 delegates electing the movement’s Central Committee and Revolutionary Council. Abbas has pledged reforms and elections, while questions about succession, internal divisions and funding pressures loom as Hamas calls for Palestinian unity.
India has raised gasoline and diesel prices amid a global energy squeeze. Delhi is enforcing austerity measures while Modi’s government links higher prices to energy security. Blending ethanol and new oil deals with the UAE are part of the strategy.
Trump has instructed the U.S. military to be prepared for a full, large-scale assault on Iran on short notice if an acceptable deal is not reached, after threatening renewed conflict amid a fragile ceasefire and ongoing negotiations.
The UAE has emerged as a more direct participant in the Iran conflict, with reports that it carried out strikes against Iran, including an attack on the Lavan Island refinery. The ceasefire holds but regional tensions are rising as Gulf states respond to Iran's actions and to allied pressures from the US and Israel.
Israel’s prime minister has said he has made a secret March 26 trip to Al‑Ain to meet UAE president Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and has called it a “historic breakthrough.” The UAE has denied the visit. Multiple outlets have reported broader Israel–UAE defence cooperation during the Iran war, including Iron Dome batteries and alleged intelligence coordination.
Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates have carried out strikes on Iran in what Western officials describe as tit-for-tat actions amid the wider Gulf conflict. Iran and GCC states have retaliatory exchanges; de-escalation talks are under way as a broader US-Israel effort continues.
BRICS foreign ministers conference in New Delhi is ongoing as members push for reform of global governance while clashing over Israel-Gaza war, Iran-UAE tensions, and regional security. India chairs the group for 2026; no joint closing statement has emerged amid conflicting positions.
The Red Sea shipping route faces disruption as Houthi threats widen the risk to Israeli-linked vessels amid Iran’s ongoing closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia diverts crude to Yanbu, while energy markets react to escalation in the region.
Pay growth has cooled in early 2026 as inflation pressures from energy prices persist. BoE watchers note slower wage deals, while housebuilders warn profits will fall amid higher costs driven by the Middle East conflict. Retail, travel, and housing sectors are all feeling the pinch as uncertainty lingers.
UK maritime authorities have reported that an unidentified vessel has been seized by unauthorized personnel near Fujairah, northeast of the Strait of Hormuz. The seizure coincides with ongoing regional tensions as Iran accuses regional actors of aggression and Brics members discuss responses. No crew details or responsibility have been established, while separate incidents involve an Indian livestock carrier sunk off Oman and ongoing diplomatic exchanges surrounding the strait.
The White House has stated that Trump and Xi have held a productive meeting, agreeing that the Strait of Hormuz must remain open to ensure the free flow of energy. Xi has reportedly shown interest in increasing U.S. oil imports to reduce dependency on the strait, though Beijing's readout does not confirm this. Iran’s foreign minister has accused the UAE of direct involvement in military actions against Iran during a BRICS meeting, while Tehran calls for the UAE to reconsider its policy toward Iran.
BRICS foreign ministers have convened in New Delhi amid persistent divisions over the U.S.-Israel conflict in the Middle East. India’s chairmanship has highlighted calls for reform of global governance while specific language on Gaza and regional security has faced reservations from some members. Iran has urged condemnation of Western actions, while the UAE and Saudi Arabia are cited as key divisive players.
The UAE has directed ADNOC to fast-track the West-East Pipeline, targeting 2027 operation as tensions around the Strait of Hormuz persist. The move follows Abu Dhabi’s exit from OPEC and aims to boost capacity beyond 1.8 million bpd via Fujairah, reinforcing Gulf export routes.
U.S. prosecutors have unsealed a complaint charging Mohammad Baqer Saad Dawood al‑Saadi with organising or supporting nearly 18–20 attacks across Europe, Canada and the United States tied to Iran‑backed Kataib Hezbollah and the IRGC. He has been transferred into U.S. custody, has appeared in Manhattan federal court and is being detained pending trial.
The UAE has reaffirmed its sovereign-rights to respond to threats after Iran-linked strikes and at BRICS discussions in New Delhi. Officials say around 3,000 drone and missile attacks have targeted civilian sites since the Feb. 28 start of the US-Israel war on Iran, and the UAE is coordinating with partners while asserting it will deter aggression.
Drones attacked the Barakah Nuclear Power Plant area in Abu Dhabi, triggering a fire outside the plant’s inner perimeter. Authorities report no radiological impact or injuries, and investigations are underway. Regional players condemn the strike and pledge to defend sovereignty; Iran-linked groups are cited by officials as potential actors.
Fatah has held its eighth General Conference and has re-elected Mahmoud Abbas as movement chair while voters have elected a new Central Committee. Marwan Barghouti has topped the vote, Majed Faraj and Jibril Rajoub have won seats, and Yasser Abbas has secured a place on the Central Committee.
A drone has struck an electrical generator outside the Barakah nuclear power plant in Abu Dhabi after Emirati air defences have intercepted two other drones. The Federal Authority for Nuclear Regulation has said the plant has remained safe, with no radiological release or injuries, while the IAEA is following the situation closely.
Trump has warned Iran to move quickly toward a peace deal, saying “there won’t be anything left of them” if negotiations fail. The U.S. and Israel remain locked in a broader clash with Tehran, with regional outages and drone incidents intensifying the conflict. Ceasefire efforts in Lebanon and Gaza are fragile amid renewed strikes.
Since mid-May, Iran has conveyed a revised peace proposal to the United States through Pakistan demanding lifting of sanctions, release of frozen funds, reparations and continued enrichment rights. President Donald Trump has said he paused planned strikes and warned a new limited attack will happen in days if no deal is reached; talks are stalled but continuing.
The Guardian and other outlets report that President Trump has postponed a planned attack on Iran at the request of Gulf rulers, while signaling readiness to resume with a larger strike if negotiations fail. Officials note ongoing talks and a possible deal that would block Iran’s nuclear ambitions, but there is no immediate ceasefire breakthrough.
The UAE has intercepted most drones aimed at the Barakah nuclear power plant. One drone penetrated the perimeter and struck a generator outside the inner perimeter. Officials say there were no radiological releases and the plant remains safe, stable and operational.
Since January, the US‑led Board of Peace for Gaza has received pledges totalling billions but has had virtually no funds transferred into its World Bank‑administered account; donors are instead routing money into a JPMorgan account with limited transparency, and only a small share of pledged aid has reached Gaza as fighting and political disputes continue. (28 May 2026)
Oil markets are facing a prolonged impact from the current crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, with analysts and industry leaders warning that a full rebound in flows may take years. Saudi and UAE officials emphasise resilience strategies to cushion prices, while other observers caution that the damage to global trading systems will extend beyond the immediate conflict.
The latest reporting shows ongoing antagonism in the Middle East, with Hamas casualties and suspected Israeli strikes in Gaza City, while Lebanon reports fatalities from Israeli strikes in the south. The UAE has confirmed drone attacks originating from Iraq and a fire at its nuclear facility has been attributed to such actions. US diplomatic and military positioning indicates a fragile ceasefire amid ongoing negotiations with Iran.
A draft framework for a cease-fire and easing of tensions involving the United States and Iran has been discussed, with negotiators aiming to reopen the Strait of Hormuz and allow limited oil flows as a prelude to formal negotiations. Iran would face commitments to restrict enrichment and the United States would consider sanctions relief, contingent on progress in talks.
President Trump has said negotiations with Iran are "proceeding nicely" and has tied any agreement to a requirement that Saudi Arabia, Qatar, Pakistan, Turkey, Egypt and Jordan sign onto the Abraham Accords; commentators and diplomats are pushing back, noting many on his list already recognise Israel or are unlikely to normalise ties.
Trump has suggested negotiations on the Iran deal are proceeding nicely and have tied any agreement to expanded participation in the 2020 accords, naming Saudi Arabia, Qatar and several other states as must-signatories. The plan adds a new dimension to the diplomacy, amid Republican doubts and domestic pressure to strike a favorable deal.
A roundup of how African, Arab and European teams are finalising squads and tactics for the 2026 World Cup in North America. Managers reshuffle, injuries and tactical changes shape expectations as teams prepare to the tournament. The Guardian and other outlets report on Egypt, DR Congo, Jordan, Tunisia, and more as they approach their first appearances or campaigns.
Iraq has secured a historic World Cup berth after a tense qualifying campaign, overcoming political and logistical obstacles. Arnold’s side has battled through stress, war-related disruption, and long travels to reach Monterrey and clinch a place in the finals.
Oil flows through key Gulf routes have been disrupted as conflicts escalate. Countries are adjusting production and trade, while insurers assess risk. The Strait of Hormuz remains the focal point as sanctions’ adjustments and new toll discussions surface amid regional tensions.
The Financial Conduct Authority has started civil proceedings against Neil Woodford and W4.0 for offering investment analysis and promotions without authorisation, seeking an injunction to stop potentially unlawful activities. The move follows the 2025 penalties and Woodford’s 2024 return to publishing via W4.0.
Kenya is weighing formal investigations into RSF crimes abroad under universal jurisdiction, following a 12-victim complaint detailing torture, sexual violence and killings around Khartoum between 2023 and 2025. The filing marks a historic use of Kenya’s legal framework and could set a precedent for accountability beyond borders.
The ECB has raised its policy rate to 2.25% as inflation remains a concern amid a war-linked energy shock. Markets are watching next week’s meetings with the Fed, BOJ and BoE, with analysts signaling a cautious path ahead.
The World Bank has cut its 2026 global growth forecast to 2.5% and has warned growth could fall to 1.3% if disruptions to oil and fertiliser flows from the Middle East persist. Rising energy and food costs are pushing inflation higher and hitting developing countries hardest; the bank has pledged up to $100bn in support.
The UAE is reported to have agreed to unlock billions of dollars of Iranian assets as part of a tentative peace framework with the United States. The UAE denies releasing funds, while Washington and Tehran remain engaged in talks that could see tens of billions in Iranian revenues unfrozen. Reports vary on amounts and timing, prompting swift official rebuttals.
Leaders at the Evian summit are pushing to finalise a framework with Iran as US President Trump attends talks. Attendees include Modi, Zelensky and Sisi, while South Africa was disinvited over Gaza policy.
At Evian-les-Bains, G7 leaders press Trump to help break deadlock over Ukraine while eyeing renewed sanctions on Russia and pursuing a broader Iran endgame. Zelenskyy attends sessions on Ukraine; Macron seeks consensus and European autonomy amid tensions over U.S. engagement and Iran diplomacy.
Ukraine’s position is strengthening as leaders at the Evian G7 summit press for a decisive response to Russia’s strikes. Zelensky has urged a substantive outcome while Trump and Putin discuss diplomacy and Iran. The summit opens with a push to end hostilities and secure a peace framework, with EU partners signaling support for Kyiv.
Somaliland has opened diplomatic ties with Israel since recognition in 2025. Leaders are meeting in Jerusalem to expand security, economic, and technological cooperation. An embassy has opened in Jerusalem, and talks focus on deepening strategic collaboration and regional stability.
The memorandum of understanding signed by Trump and Iranian leaders has opened a 60-day window to negotiate a full deal on Iran’s nuclear program, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and lift sanctions, while leaving key issues unresolved. Analysts warn breakthroughs are unlikely within the deadline; the path forward remains uncertain.
A tentative deal has reopened the Strait of Hormuz and allowed some vessels to leave the Persian Gulf, but global oil flows have not returned to normal. Producers and shipowners have cut output and delayed shipments; tankers stranded in the Gulf and shut-in fields will take weeks to months to restart full exports, keeping pressure on prices and inventories through summer.
The operation near the Strait of Hormuz uses ship-to-ship transfers to move oil from Gulf fleets to international vessels. Since early May, about 92 ships have participated, with large-scale activity seen in mid-June. The Apache helicopter downing and US responses feature in the latest developments; officials say no Central Command forces are directly involved in the transfers.
A 60-day memorandum with Iran is in place to end the conflict, reopen the Strait of Hormuz, and prevent Iran from obtaining a nuclear weapon. Negotiations will address Iran’s nuclear program, sanctions, and post-conflict reconstruction funding.
President Donald Trump has signaled he is open to sharing the U.S.-Iran memorandum with Congress for review as talks on extending a ceasefire and negotiating Tehran’s nuclear program move forward. A signing ceremony is planned in Geneva, with ongoing negotiations to resolve remaining details.
The United States has suspended sanctions on Russian oil to calm volatile energy markets during the Iran conflict. A memorandum of understanding with Tehran aims to end the war and restore oil flows through the Strait of Hormuz. Officials warn that it could take months for shipments to normalize amid lingering uncertainty about waivers and sanctions policy.
Three or four covert Iraqi cells, each around 10 fighters, have conducted at least seven drone attacks on Kuwait, Saudi Arabia and the UAE from desert areas near Basra and Samawa between 20 April and 17 May. The groups report directly to Iran's IRGC and operate outside the Islamic Resistance in Iraq, with Baghdad pledging to prevent Iraqi territory from being used for hostile acts.