Gulf

Trump vs Iran: A battle of two clocks over Hormuz

Washington bets Iran will crack first; Tehran believes Trump is running out of time

3m read

Washington is betting economic pressure will force Iran to compromise first. Tehran is betting Trump needs Hormuz reopened before it has to surrender its leverage.

Will Trump meet Iran’s latest price to reopen Hormuz?

Tehran sets sweeping new demands as hopes of an imminent breakthrough fade

Iran’s demands could force US President Donald Trump to decide whether to make concessions or tolerate continued disruption to a waterway central to global energy supplies.

Why Iran-Oman deal alone won’t reopen Strait of Hormuz

Tehran seeks US action on sanctions and assets as shipping groups oppose Hormuz fees

This frame grab taken from AFPTV video footage on July 12, 2026 shows a cargo ship anchoring near the Strait of Hormuz.

Philippines, GCC strengthen medical screening system

Expansion aims to make pre-departure health checks more accessible for Gulf-bound workers

The Philippine Department of Migrant Workers met with the delegation from the Gulf Cooperation Council Secretariat, the Gulf Health Council, and embassy representatives to discuss initiatives on the health and medical screening of OFWs under the Wafid Programme. Photo for illustrative purposes only

GCC condemns Iranian attacks on Gulf states, Jordan

Secretary General says Iran's actions threaten regional stability and security

Jasem Mohamed Albudaiwi, Secretary General of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)

Arab council condemns Iranian attacks on four nations

Council backs affected states and calls the strikes a breach of international law

Arab interior ministers' council condemns Iranian attacks on Jordan, Bahrain, Qatar and Kuwait

Is Trump mulling bigger Iran operation?

Shipping dwindles, India bars seafarers and Pakistan pushes for renewed diplomacy

Among the options reportedly under consideration are an operation to seize Kharg Island

Could the Iran conflict become Trump’s forever war?

Analysts warn the Strait of Hormuz could keep the US locked in a long military standoff

A US Navy warship operates near the Strait of Hormuz as tensions with Iran keep one of the world’s busiest energy corridors under close military watch.

What Gulf states got right that Washington didn’t

As US assumptions unravelled, Gulf stayed focused on dialogue, stability and navigation

Smoke rises from a high-rise building following a drone attack in Kuwait City on March 8, 2026.

How Gulf allies shaped Trump’s Hormuz fee U-turn

Gulf allies championed freedom of navigation as Trump dropped Hormuz tolls

For Gulf countries, the issue was never simply about money.

Pakistan aims to fully digitise overseas remittances

Move part of Islamabad’s cashless economy drive after remittances hit $41.6b

Sharif called for stronger awareness campaigns to encourage merchants to adopt QR-code payments and urged banks and financial institutions to accelerate the country’s transition to a cashless economy.

Will the region slide into full-scale war?

Fresh strikes, tanker attacks fuel fears of wider war. Is diplomacy running out of road?

US Air Force personnel prepare JDAM bombs for a B-1 Lancer bomber at RAF Fairford. Fresh US strikes and Iranian retaliation have reignited fears that the Middle East could slide into a wider conflict.

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