‘Like being in prison’: the ship crews stuck in Gulf since February US-Iran war has stranded up to 20,000 seafarers, mostly Indian and Filipino crews, with none knowing when the nightmare will end The Guardian - UK · Aug 9
Travelling to Qatar? Here’s what you need to know when visiting the Gulf state Planning a trip to Qatar? Here’s what the Gulf state has to offer European travellers, from visa-free entry and hidden cultural gems to Michelin-recognised places to eat. Euronews · Aug 9
In 2011, Mississippi sank a retired NASA hydrogen tank as an artificial reef during post-Katrina restoration efforts A significant piece of history from the space race, this massive hydrogen tank weighing ninety-eight thousand pounds now lies submerged in the Gulf of Mexico as an artificial reef. Sunk in 2011, it serves to restore marine habitats lost in Hurricane Katrina's aftermath in 2005. Collaborating with marine resource officials,… The Times of India · Aug 8
The emerging deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz reportedly recognizes Iran’s control: ‘The concession has already been made’ “[The] U.S. accepting Iranian control of the strait without explicitly acknowledging that control seems a likely endgame here.” Fortune · Aug 7
What is the Patriot missile system and why are supplies depleted worldwide? The Patriot air defense system faces high demand amid global conflicts. Ukraine urgently needs interceptors to counter Russian missile strikes. Middle East conflicts have depleted arsenals in the US and Gulf nations. Several European countries are also conserving their missile supplies. This situation prompts increased production and potential foreign manufacturing… The Economic Times · Aug 7
Islamic Nato taking shape? What the Saudi-Pakistan-Turkey Mecca pact means for Iran, India & Israel Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a new defence pact in Mecca. This agreement commits them to mutual defence against any armed attack. The deal combines Saudi financial power, Turkish defence industry, and Pakistan's military strength. It comes amid regional tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States. This pact… The Times of India · Aug 7
In 2026, Alabama sank a 408-foot riverboat casino, completing a three-ship artificial reef cluster 23 miles off Orange Beach In a bold move, a 408-foot riverboat casino has been deliberately sunk near Orange Beach, Alabama, creating a new artificial reef. This submerged vessel joins two other ships, establishing a vibrant underwater ecosystem. The initiative is designed to draw a variety of fish species and increase boating activity, providing long-term… The Times of India · Aug 7
Saudi Arabia, Turkey and Pakistan sign joint defence deal amid regional turmoil Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Turkey signed a joint defense pact in Mecca. This agreement aims to strengthen collective deterrence against aggression. The pact follows years of regional conflict and instability. It builds on existing military ties and promotes regional security. The three nations seek to enhance their collective security and… The Economic Times · Aug 7
Reliance Industries books supertanker at record $23-25 million freight to lift Iraqi crude Reliance Industries paid a record sum to charter a supertanker for Iraqi crude oil. This reflects a limited vessel pool and soaring voyage costs in the Gulf. Shipping traffic through the Strait of Hormuz remains below average levels. Iraq offers steep discounts on its crude to attract buyers. Several refiners… The Economic Times · Aug 7
Burnham urged to tackle cost of living crisis by pressuring Trump to end Iran war Trade unions say UK prime minister must begin by revoking permission for US to use RAF bases for airstrikes in Gulf The Guardian - UK · Aug 7
Hormuz uncertainty pushes landed costs up to 50%, raising risk of higher consumer prices The escalating unrest near the Strait of Hormuz is causing a notable spike in shipping expenses for businesses in India. An increase in freight rates and additional war-risk charges are complicating overall costs, which are now trickling down to consumers. The Economic Times · Aug 7
Iran-US war latest: Tehran demands compensation from Trump to reopen Strait of Hormuz Iran has warned the Strait will remain shut until the US meet six crucial conditions The Independent UK · Aug 7
Pakistan PM Shehbaz Sharif arrives in Saudi Arabia, pushes defence ties amid West Asia escalation Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif arrived in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, on Thursday for a three-day official visit, accompanied by Chief of Defence Forces Field Marshal Asim Munir and a high-level delegation, as Islamabad seeks to reinforce its strategic partnership with Riyadh amid escalating tensions across West Asia and the Gulf… The Times of India · Aug 6
Tehran on brink of deal with Oman to open Hormuz that could finally pave way for Trump peace talks Donald Trump says that talks are progressing well - but a deal on the Strait of Hormuz is at odds with US interests The Independent UK · Aug 6
The Economic Times · Aug 6 Iran warned Gulf neighbours of 'blackout' if US struck power plants: Report Iran issued serious warnings to Gulf neighbors about regional blackouts. This threat came after the United States considered striking Iranian power plants. Iran communicated that its power plants would be met with similar strikes. The message included a list of potential targets like power and desalination facilities. These events follow…
International Business Times · Aug 6 Iran Reportedly Threatens Gulf States With More Strikes If Trump Doesn't End Attacks. Oil Rises. Oil is rising on Thursday even as discussions to reopen the Strait of Hormuz appear to be making progress.
The Economic Times · Aug 6 Iran warns Gulf states of strikes on energy assets if US attacks resume Iran has warned Gulf states of retaliatory strikes on their energy and water facilities. This diplomatic push aims to deter further United States military action against Tehran. Iran urged allies to influence Donald Trump towards a negotiated settlement. Saudi Arabia and Qatar conveyed these warnings to the United States. The…
The Economic Times · Aug 6 Iran warns Gulf allies of retaliation as Trump dials back strike threat, presses for a deal Iran cautioned Gulf states about retaliation against energy infrastructure. This warning followed U.S. President Donald Trump's threats of striking Iran. Tehran aims to raise the cost of military action by targeting regional partners. Saudi Arabia and Qatar relayed Iran's message to Washington. Diplomatic efforts continue to avoid wider regional destruction…
The Independent UK · Aug 6 Iran warns Gulf states of energy infrastructure retaliation if US launches fresh attack IN FULL
The Economic Times · Aug 6 Oil prices slip as Iran-Oman talks fuel hopes for US-Iran peace deal Oil prices fell as markets reacted to ongoing discussions between Iran and Oman. The negotiations could pave the way for a peace agreement between the United States and Iran, potentially reopening the critical Strait of Hormuz. Reports suggest progress towards a deal that would allow Iran to oversee shipping operations,…
The Times of India · Aug 5 Over 50 nations, 3 continents: Has World War III already begun? The world today is so well-connected and interlinked that the petrol in your car costs more because missiles are flying over the Persian Gulf, your online order is delayed because ships are avoiding the Red Sea, and soldiers who learnt to fight Russian drones in Ukraine are now training troops…
The Conversation · Aug 5 How trains can transform Persian Gulf politics and global security The crisis in the Strait of Hormuz, wider tensions in the Red Sea and the oil price spikes these circumstances occassion have made one thing abundantly clear: Gulf countries and global markets are dependent on vulnerable maritime routes.
The Times of India · Aug 5 Across America's three coasts, 84% of wetlands are slowly submerging; only 16% are rising fast enough to keep pace with the sea As sea levels continue to rise at an alarming rate, coastal wetlands are facing unprecedented inundation. A staggering eighty-four percent of these essential ecosystems are currently experiencing loss on a national scale. The Gulf Coast wetlands are bearing the brunt of this crisis, largely due to human impact. Still, there’s…
The Times of India · Aug 4 In 1994, Alabama sank 100 retired M60 battle tanks in the Gulf, giving obsolete military machines a 50-year second life as fish reefs Obsolete M60 battle tanks now rest on the Gulf of America seafloor. These decommissioned military vehicles serve as artificial reefs for marine life. The Reef-Ex program began in 1994, repurposing 100 tanks for habitat. This initiative benefits local economies by attracting anglers and divers. The tanks provide a second life,…
The Economic Times · Aug 4 Hidden world beneath the Persian Gulf? Scientists say a lost freshwater oasis may have sheltered early humans New research suggests the Persian Gulf was once a green landscape. Underground aquifers may have fed freshwater springs, creating a habitable refuge. This hidden landscape could have supported early human communities for millennia. As the Ice Age ended, rising sea levels submerged this fertile region. The findings offer a new…