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Gulf War III: Will Bahrain collapse?
The systematic degradation of Bahrain's economic infrastructure, rather than its military assets, is a soft target.
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Cargo vessel hit by projectile in Strait of Hormuz as attack count reaches 17
A cargo vessel was struck by an unknown projectile in the Strait of Hormuz on March 11, sparking a fire and crew evacuation, as UKMTO recorded its 17th incident report since the Iran conflict began on February 28.
IEA proposes the largest ever release of oil reserves
The International Energy Agency has proposed the largest release of oil reserves in its history to restrain soaring crude prices amid the US-Israel war with Iran, the Wall Street Journal reported on March 10.
Energy shock gives Russia opportunity to reshape global markets, Putin says
Russia is positioning itself to take advantage of turmoil in global energy markets triggered by the escalating Middle East conflict.
Iran war inflation shock is on its way
An inflation shock similar to that caused by the ten-fold rise in energy prices in 2022 is on the way. As the war in Iran enters day eleven it's still too early to be measurable, but central banks around the world are already issuing warnings.
Hormuz closure would cost Gulf states average 3.8% of GDP, Marex warns as Bahrain most exposed
Marex warns a three-month Hormuz closure would cost Gulf states an average 3.8% of GDP in current account deterioration, with Bahrain most exposed and Oman the only country to benefit from the disruption
Iranian strike on residential building kills civilian in Bahrain
One person was killed in an Iranian strike on a residential building in Manama, Bahrain's capital, the government confirmed, describing the attack as "sinful Iranian aggression."
Oil markets whipsaw as Trump mixes threats to Iran with hints conflict is ending
Markets were on a wild rollercoaster ride on March 9 with oil prices swinging through $30 change in a day. Trump claims the war is nearly over. The IRGC says it will fight to the bitter end. No end to the conflict is in sight.
McFAUL: A war still in search of a mission
A week after launching the largest U.S. military operation in two decades, President Donald Trump has yet to explain why he decided to go to war with Iran. Instead, he seems to be testing a variety of rationales and constant changing his mind.
Iran turns to China’s BeiDou satellites to outfox Israeli anti-drone electronic warfare defences
Iran dumped reliance on the US GPS satellite network to guide drones and missiles and switched to China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system to neutralise Israel’s electronic warfare defences.
GCC information ministers hold emergency meeting over Iran attacks
GCC information ministers held an emergency video conference on March 9 to coordinate media strategy and counter disinformation as the regional conflict continues to affect Gulf states.
Trump says Iran war 'pretty much' complete as Brent crude crashes on ceasefire hopes
Brent crude crashed from $99 to $83.9 per barrel within minutes of Trump declaring the Iran war "pretty much" complete, pulling back from a four-year high of $119 reached earlier on March 9.
From Iran to the Muslim Brotherhood: Mohammed bin Zayed–Trump call explores a rebalancing of the region
Tensions in the Middle East are reshaping key alliances as UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed and US President Donald Trump hold a high-level call on Iran’s regional aggression and the growing influence of the Muslim Brotherhood.
Missile strikes on Tehran fuel depots creates toxic smoke cloud, headed for Central Asia
Missile strikes on fuel storage facilities in and around Tehran on March 8 triggered massive fires and sent toxic smoke across the Iranian capital, raising health concerns for millions of residents, as the cloud drifts towards Central Asia.
Ukraine sends interceptor drones to Jordan
Ukraine has begun deploying its hard-won battlefield expertise in drone warfare beyond Europe, sending its interceptor drones and specialist teams to help defend US military installations in the Middle East as regional tensions escalate.
US running out of explosives due to Tennessee plant bottleneck
The US is running out of munitions for the Iran campaign, reports the Wall Street Journal. The bottleneck isn't the lack of missiles. It's a lack of explosives.
US intelligence reports casts doubts on military strikes toppling Iran’s government
A US intelligence assessment has concluded that even a major American-led military assault on Iran would be unlikely to overthrow the country’s leadership.
Iran turns to China’s BeiDou satellites to outfox Israeli anti-drone electronic warfare defences
Iran dumped reliance on the US GPS satellite network to guide drones and missiles and switched to China’s BeiDou satellite navigation system to neutralise Israel’s electronic warfare defences.
The Straits of Hormuz have closed, but a trickle of tankers still getting through
Iran’s military declared the Straits of Hormuz were shut on March 2 and traffic fell to nearly zero within a day. But it is not at zero. At least five ships have traversed the passage since the blockade began.
BEIRUTER: Hezbollah pushes Lebanon into the path of “Peace by Force”
Lebanon is once again paying the price for being drawn into a regional confrontation. Tehran’s reliance on Hezbollah’s remaining missile arsenal as its own stockpile dwindles has pulled Lebanon deeper into the war and vulnerable to Israel.