Even if the Iran war ended today, US fuel prices aren’t likely to normalize this year Prewar US gas prices averaged about $3 a gallon nationally – kiss that number goodbye for 2026 The Guardian - US · May 23
Three months in, is Trump losing the Iran war? America's military actions against Iran three months ago are now questioned. President Trump faces doubts about achieving a clear geopolitical victory. Iran's continued influence in the Strait of Hormuz and its resistance to concessions raise concerns. The situation teeters between diplomacy and renewed threats. Experts suggest a grim outlook for… The Economic Times · May 23
UAE spooked? Fearing Gulf chaos, Abu Dhabi joins Saudis, Qatar in urging Trump against fresh Iran war Gulf allies UAE, Saudi Arabia, and Qatar urged President Trump to pursue diplomacy with Iran, fearing renewed conflict would destabilize regional economies. Leaders argued military action wouldn't achieve US objectives, reflecting a shift for the UAE after recent hostilities. All three nations remain wary of further escalation. The Times of India · May 22
‘Warning shot’ from Iran? UAE nuclear plant attack from Iraq sparks fears of wider Gulf war as Tehran’s proxies step in A drone attack on the UAE's Barakah nuclear plant, originating from Iraq, has heightened regional escalation fears. Analysts believe Iran-backed militias are a key front in Tehran's confrontation with the US and Israel. The strike, condemned as a terrorist act, forced backup systems at the plant to activate, highlighting the… The Times of India · May 22
Iran asserts jurisdiction over UAE and Oman waters in new Strait of Hormuz map Five Gulf states have formally warned shipping companies through the IMO not to comply, as analysts say Iran is deliberately expanding its claimed zone beyond even its own initial boundaries in a step-by-step assertion of territorial control. Euronews · May 22
'Cold, pragmatic relationship': UAE-Israel ties driven by defence and technology Nadia Massih is pleased to welcome Dr Andreas Krieg, Senior Lecturer at the School of Security Studies at King's College London and Fellow at the Institute of Middle Eastern Studies. According to Krieg, "Iran is fighting a war against the global economy." By targeting the UAE, and especially Dubai, Tehran… France 24 · May 22
India's job engine strains as Iran war hits remittances and trade The Middle East conflict is impacting India's economy by forcing migrant workers home and reducing demand for manufactured exports. This double blow is leading to unemployment and potential social unrest, as returning workers struggle to find comparable wages in India. The situation is particularly visible in industrial hubs like Kanpur,… The Economic Times · May 22
Israel fears surprise Iranian attack amid ceasefire talks: Reports Iran could be planning a surprise missile and drone attack targeting Gulf countries and Israel amid ongoing ceasefire negotiations between Washington and Tehran, Jerusalem Post reported, citing intelligence officials. The Economic Times · May 22
'Historic' UK trade deal with Gulf states set to add billions to British economy The deal is the first of its kind between the GCC and a G7 country, and will scrap tariffs on billions of euros worth of British exports. Euronews · May 21
UK Lands First G7 Gulf Trade Deal Worth £3.7B — Without a Human Rights Clause The UK's landmark trade deal with the Gulf Cooperation Council eliminates £580M in tariffs, boosting the economy by £3.7B annually. Explore the benefits for British businesses and workers. International Business Times UK · May 21
Cyprus pitches itself as base for Indian firms expanding in Europe, announces Mumbai trade hub On September 1, 2026, Cyprus will establish a trade office in Mumbai, aiming to open new pathways for Indian entrepreneurs into European markets. This strategic move positions Cyprus as a robust launchpad for enterprises eyeing the EU, Eastern Mediterranean, Gulf, and North Africa. The focus lies in vibrant sectors such… The Economic Times · May 21
US military boards Iranian oil tanker suspected of breaching blockade United States military forces boarded an Iranian oil tanker in the Gulf of Oman. This action escalates pressure on Iran. The vessel was searched and redirected. It is the fifth commercial ship intercepted since Washington imposed a blockade on Iranian shipping. This is part of efforts to force Tehran back… The Times of India · May 20
Britain secures multi-billion pound trade deal with six Gulf states IN FULL The Independent UK · May 20
New UAE oil pipeline bypassing Hormuz 50% complete ahead of 2027 start Iran, which has attacked vessels to assert control over the Strait, has expanded its definition of the waterway to include the UAE's Gulf of Oman coastline. The U.S. has imposed its own blockade on Iranian ports and attempted an aborted operation to reopen the chokepoint. The Economic Times · May 20
The Economic Times · May 20 Iran's threat to Hormuz submarine cables Iran's Revolutionary Guard Corps has threatened to impose permits on submarine fiber-optic cables passing through the Strait of Hormuz. This move could disrupt global data flow, impacting financial transactions and government communications. While some countries have alternative routes, Qatar, hosting a key cable terminal, faces significant impact. Repairing damaged cables…
The Independent UK · May 20 UK announces trade deal with six Gulf states worth £3.7bn a year The UK has become the first G7 country to strike a free trade deal with the bloc of six Gulf states
Euronews · May 20 Qatar’s tourism sector shows resilience and is ready to welcome visitors again In an interview with Euronews, Visit Qatar CEO Abdulaziz Ali Al-Mawlawi revealed that the Gulf state repatriated 12,000 international visitors during the height of the recent regional tensions.
The Guardian - UK · May 20 UK strikes £3.7bn trade deal with six Gulf states Keir Starmer describes the agreement, worth double original estimates, as a ‘huge win’ for British businesses
Evening Standard · May 20 Government hails trade deal with Gulf states ‘worth £3.7bn a year’ to UK economy The UK has become the first G7 country to strike a free trade deal with the bloc of six Gulf states.
The Economic Times · May 20 Saudi Arabia March crude exports drop to lowest on record, JODI says Saudi Arabia's oil exports and production reached historic lows in March. The ongoing Iran war has severely impacted global energy markets. This conflict disrupted key shipping routes, affecting oil flows from the Gulf. Saudi Arabia is facing challenges in delivering its crude to international markets. Global oil demand forecasts have…
The Times of India · May 20 Why Trump paused fresh Iran strikes just hours before launch US President Donald Trump has delayed a planned resumption of military strikes on Iran after pressure from Gulf allies and ongoing diplomatic efforts. This comes despite him saying that US forces were “all set to start” operations.
The Economic Times · May 20 'Impact on India less due to good management, foresight': Harsh Vardhan Shringla on global energy challenges due to West Asia crisis India's energy crisis impact remains limited. Rajya Sabha MP Harsh Vardhan Shringla credits the government's effective planning and timely intervention. Energy prices globally have surged significantly. India has cushioned this impact through diversification of energy imports and reduced duties. No fuel shortage or panic buying has occurred. Oil companies absorbed…
The Economic Times · May 20 Tankers exit Hormuz as Trump, Vance talk up Iran deal prospects Two Chinese oil tankers have passed through the Strait of Hormuz. This follows positive comments from U.S. President Donald Trump and Vice President JD Vance. They suggest a resolution to the U.S.-Israeli conflict with Iran is nearing. Oil prices have eased on these developments. Negotiations with Iran are ongoing, with…
MyLifeXP · May 20 Why India And UAE Are Building A Hidden Super Corridor The world is entering one of its most unstable and unpredictable periods in decades. Wars are intensifying across the Middle East, global shipping routes remain under threat, and even a single attack near the Strait of Hormuz can shake fuel prices and economies worldwide within hours. As many nations struggle…
France 24 · May 19 'Huge mismatch' between Iran, US and Gulf States' expectations, analyst says Speaking with FRANCE 24's Sharon Gaffney, H. A. Hellyer, Senior Associate Fellow at the Royal United Services Institute for Defence and Security Studies in London, says that "there is a very huge mismatch not just between the expectations of the Iranians and the Americans, but also among Gulf Arab states…