RARE PHOTOS: 29 | Rare Historical Photos

Hajj travel becomes costlier for pilgrims as Iran-US war disrupts Gulf air routes

Pilgrims heading to Saudi Arabia for Hajj face higher travel costs. Airfares and packages have risen significantly due to increased fuel prices and air traffic disruptions. This impacts millions preparing for the religious obligation. Saudi Arabia's economy relies on religious tourism, with ongoing investments to enhance the pilgrim experience.

The Economic Times · May 30

US seized $1 billion in Iranian crypto, Scott Bessent says; claims Tehran facing financial crisis

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent announced the seizure of approximately $1 billion in Iranian cryptocurrency assets as part of "Operation Economic Fury." This economic pressure campaign, combined with military actions, has severely weakened Iran's financial standing, leading to salary shortages and surging inflation. Bessent highlighted efforts to disrupt Iran's financial…

The Economic Times · May 30

Gulf's other war: Inside UAE's hidden role behind strikes on Iran despite ceasefire — Report

The UAE's involvement in the Middle East conflict was deeper than previously known, with coordinated strikes on Iran, including energy facilities, even after an April ceasefire. These actions exposed divisions within the Gulf, as Saudi Arabia expressed concerns about escalating risks to regional energy supplies and global markets.

The Times of India · May 30

How and where the world’s 2 billion barrels of strategic oil reserves are stockpiled

Drive on Interstate 10 along the Gulf Coast of the United States, through Louisiana and into Texas, and you’ll see signs of the oil industry everywhere. There are offshore rigs out in the water and refineries lining the shoreline, where tankers deposit crude oil extracted from the Gulf floor.

The Conversation · May 28

Khamenei sidelined? Iran's Supreme leader not involved in US peace talks: Report

Questions are mounting over Supreme Leader Khamenei's direct involvement in Iran's ongoing US negotiations, with reports citing "serious ambiguities" about coordination. This uncertainty follows trips by Iranian officials and a reluctance to hold talks in Tehran or Pakistan, fueling speculation about who is directing the diplomatic process amid heightened Gulf…

The Times of India · May 28

Trump met with 'laughter and silence' by US allies in Gulf region

PRESS REVIEW – Wednesday, May 27, 2026: First, US President Donald Trump's attempts at finding a deal with Iran are under a lot of scrutiny. Next, the EU is asked to consider the environmental impact of mega data centres, as locals fight back against projects which might harm the environment.…

France 24 · May 28

Is Trump Starting Another War? POTUS Warns Oman to 'Behave' Or 'We'll Have to Blow Them Up'

Donald Trump sparked backlash after warning Oman to 'behave' amid Iran Strait of Hormuz talks, prompting critics to question whether he is escalating toward conflict.

International Business Times UK · May 27

Mediation, debt and disorder: Can Pakistan keep balancing China, America and its own crises?

Pakistan has always believed that geography can compensate for weakness. It sits at the intersection of South Asia, Central Asia and the Middle East, possesses nuclear weapons, maintains relationships with superpowers who have shared cold ties, and has spent decades convincing bigger powers that it is too strategically important to…

The Times of India · May 27

Zelenskyy sent letter asking Trump for Patriot air defence munitions, adviser confirms

The Iran war, which saw US allies expend huge quantities of air defence ammunition protecting sites in the Gulf, has exacerbated a shortage Ukraine has faced since the start of the war.

Euronews · May 27

Hajj pilgrims ‘stone the devil’ amid intense heat

MINA, Saudi Arabia - Muslim faithful ritually stoned the devil on Wednesday in the climactic ceremony of a hajj pilgrimage held in intense heat and against the backdrop of a war that has plunged the wealthy Gulf into crisis.

Bangkok Post · May 27