US says Iran Hormuz deal could come within days as oil prices tumble
Washington said mediation efforts were advancing despite Tehran denying direct negotiations, while fresh maritime attacks underscored persistent security risks across...
Geostrategy
Dubai population rises 7.5 percent to 4.58 million in 2025
Dubai's population grew 7.5 percent to more than 4.58 million by the end of 2025, fuelled by economic expansion and...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
US, Iran technical negotiations face delay after Vance postpones Switzerland visit
"The logistics of these negotiations have never been simple or predictable. As of now the Vice President is not departing...
- White House says technical negotiations will begin later despite postponement of vice president's Switzerland trip for talks.
- Witkoff tells lawmakers Iran will invite international inspectors as nuclear verification efforts move into implementation stage.
Geostrategy
MENA energy transition slips as Hormuz crisis exposes security gaps: WEF
Hormuz disruption and weakening policy commitment dragged down Middle East transition readiness in 2026. Saudi Arabia bucked the trend with...
- UAE retains region's top ranking globally at 49th, anchored by strong equity, regulation and political commitment scores.
- Global transition readiness fell for first time in over a decade despite record $2.3 trillion clean energy investment.
Geostrategy
Al Rajhi Bank becomes AFC Asian Cup Saudi Arabia 2027 regional partner
Dubai, UAE -- Saudi Arabia's Al Rajhi Bank has been named an exclusive regional partner of the AFC Asian Cup...
- Partnership will connect customers to tournament experiences, promotions and football-focused engagement initiatives across Saudi Arabia.
- Agreement aligns with Saudi efforts to expand sports investment and attract major international events under Vision 2030.
Geostrategy
Trump, Iran president sign framework accord to end conflict, launch nuclear talks
The accord, signed electronically by both leaders, is intended to serve as a framework for a broader settlement rather than...
- Pakistan Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif said his country, supported by Qatar, would host a ceremony in Switzerland on Friday to launch technical-level discussions.
- The framework extends the existing ceasefire by 60 days, creating a window for negotiations on a permanent settlement and Iran's nuclear activities.
Geostrategy
US-Iran framework centers on investment fund, sanctions waiver and nuclear talks
At the center of the memorandum of understanding is a proposed $300 billion private investment vehicle, known as the Reconstruction...
- Reuters reports a private $300 billion investment vehicle would activate only after a final settlement is reached.
- Trump says sanctions relief is not immediate and warns military action could resume if negotiations fail.
Geostrategy
Iranian tankers leave blockade zone as US-Iran deal moves toward signing
Iranian crude exports resumed ahead of a planned US-Iran signing ceremony, even as disputes over Lebanon, shipping rules and implementation...
- Shipping trackers reported three Iranian tankers carrying about 4.8 million barrels crossed the US blockade perimeter.
- Trump criticised Israeli strikes in Lebanon while Tehran linked future negotiations to an Israeli military withdrawal.
Geostrategy
1.1 billion children worldwide face three climate threats
Dubai, UAE -- Nearly half of the world's children – or around 1.1 billion children – are exposed to at...
- Children's Climate Risk Report 2026 that the most common climate threats are drought, extreme heat exceeding 35°C, and heatwaves.
- It added that almost every child in the world is exposed to at least one climate hazard.
Geostrategy
Oil prices fall to lowest levels since March on Hormuz opening expactations
Questions over shipping fees, sanctions relief and regional security persisted even as negotiators prepared for a formal signing ceremony in...
- Iran says implementation begins after Friday's signing, while Washington signals parts of the agreement could be released earlier.
- Hezbollah says Tehran will seek Israeli withdrawal from Lebanon during subsequent negotiations with the United States.
Geostrategy
Vance says Hormuz reopening details pending as Israel vows to stay in seized territories
Fresh questions emerged over implementation of the US-Iran agreement as negotiators grappled with security guarantees, territorial disputes and unresolved nuclear...
- The MoU calls for an immediate and permanent end to military operations on all fronts, including Lebanon.
- Israeli Defense Minister Israel Katz warned Tehran against retaliation and threatened further military action if attacked.
Geostrategy
GCC youth population tops 23.5m as workforce presence expands
Dubai, UAE -- More than 23.5 million people aged between 15 and 34 lived across the Gulf Cooperation Council countries...
- Employed youth represented more than one-third of the GCC workforce in 2025, reflecting continued labour-market expansion.
- Share of young people outside education, employment or training fell steadily, indicating stronger social and economic participation.
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US says Iran Hormuz deal could come within days as oil prices tumble
Washington said mediation efforts were advancing despite Tehran denying direct negotiations, while fresh maritime attacks underscored persistent security risks across...
Geostrategy
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US strikes Iran again as Supreme Leader says breaches show Trump signature ‘invalid’
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said the latest attacks targeted Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) forces it blamed for the Jordan...
Geostrategy
Iran says it has suspended commitments to MoU as it is ‘busy defending the country’
US struck Iran for the seventh consecutive night, prompting Tehran to launch attacks on the neighboring Gulf nations. GCC has...
Geostrategy
US strikes hit Iran for the six consecutive time as energy concerns rise
For the first time in the latest escalation, US strikes also reached areas around the Iranian capital. Iran responded by...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
Global support for refugees remains strong, but skepticism over asylum claims persists: Ipsos
Thirty-four percent of respondents in the Ipsos survey said genuine refugees should seek asylum in the first safe country they...
- Ipsos survey finds support for refugee protection remains widespread, while concerns over asylum claims and border management continue across countries.
- Respondents favour humanitarian aid and diplomacy for displaced people from Iran and Lebanon over permanent resettlement or military intervention.
Geostrategy
US launches fresh strikes on Iran, reimposes Hormuz blockade
Iran strikes US military assets in the Gulf and warned the Strait of Hormuz would remain closed until US military...
- Bahrain activated air raid sirens and urged residents to seek shelter, while Kuwait's military said its air defences were intercepting Iranian drones.
- Oil prices climbed for a second consecutive session as traders weighed the growing threat to energy supplies.
Geostrategy
US strikes hit Iran for third night as Tehran expands retaliation across Gulf
US Central Command (CENTCOM) said its forces completed a five-hour mission that struck military targets in Bushehr, Chah Bahar, Jask,...
- Hours earlier, Trump had told conservative radio host Hugh Hewitt that US forces would continue to strike Iran.
- The IRGC said it carried out missile and drone strikes on Bahrain, targeting what it described as weapons support warehouse.