Gulf States

FDD Analysis

March 1, 2026 | Edmund Fitton-Brown, Natalie Ecanow

Overcoming Division, Arab Gulf States Condemn Iran in Harmony After Being Struck by Missiles

Smoke began rising across the Persian Gulf region hours after the United States and Israel launched military strikes against the Islamic Republic of Iran on February 28. Following America’s opening salvo,...

March 1, 2026 | Bridget Toomey

Houthis express solidarity with Iran but do not launch retaliatory attacks—yet

The Houthis have issued statements in support of the Islamic Republic of Iran since the start of the US-Israeli military campaign, but have not officially announced military action—instead primarily mobilizing demonstrations...

March 1, 2026 | Bridget Toomey

Iraqi Shiite militias join the war between Israel, the US, and Iran with drone attacks

Iraqi militias claimed 16 drone attacks against “enemy bases in Iraq and the region” following American and Israeli airstrikes on the Islamic Republic of Iran. The United States and Israel launched a...

February 28, 2026 | Aaron Goren, Janatan Sayeh

First Day of U.S.-Israeli Combined Attack on Iran Signals Regime Change Is the Goal

Americans went to bed on Friday, February 27, anticipating continued nuclear negotiations between the United States and Iran in Vienna next week. Instead, they woke to a conflict spanning the...

February 27, 2026 | Seth J. Frantzman

Iranian Kurdish groups unite against Tehran regime, Iraqi militias threaten Kurdistan Region

Five Kurdish Iranian groups announced the formation of a united coalition against the Tehran regime in a joint press conference on February 22. The press conference was held by leaders...

February 25, 2026 | Hussain Abdul-Hussain

Burhan Rejects President Trump’s Plan to End the War in Sudan

The plan calls for an immediate truce between the Sudanese Armed Forces and Rapid Support Forces, permanent ceasefire, civilian-led political transition in Sudan, and sustained humanitarian access.

February 25, 2026 | Bridget Toomey

Houthis escalate attacks against Yemeni government-aligned forces

The Houthis are redeploying forces along major frontlines in Hodeidah and Marib Governorates and have increased attacks on the coalition of anti-Houthi groups aligned with the Yemeni...

February 24, 2026 | Andrea Stricker

Washington Must Not Relax Nonproliferation Standards for Saudi Arabia

Will a forthcoming nuclear deal between the U.S. and Saudi Arabia ease Riyadh’s path to attaining a nuclear weapon? Current indications suggest that, worryingly, the answer is yes. The United States...

February 24, 2026 | Seth J. Frantzman

Former Iraq PM Maliki vows to pursue a return to office despite US opposition

Former Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al Maliki has said he will continue seeking to become the next prime minister of the country. In an interview with Agence France-Presse (AFP) published...

February 24, 2026 | Bridget Toomey

How Did the United States End Up on the Same Side as the Muslim Brotherhood in Yemen?

Extremism in Yemen has never solely been a Yemeni problem. Terror organizations with global ambitions have long operated from the country. Civil war has drawn in neighbors and regional powers like Iran,...

February 23, 2026 | Eric Navarro, Edmund Fitton-Brown

When U.S. Allies Turn on Each Other, America Must Act

Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates Have Been Friends and Allies for Decades, but They Have Picked Different Sides in the Fighting in Yemen

February 12, 2026 | Seth J. Frantzman

5,000 Islamic State detainees transferred to Iraq from Syria, will face investigations

US Central Command (CENTCOM) has facilitated the transfer of around 5,000 Islamic State detainees from Syria to Iraq, according to Iraqi media reports on February 11. The US began the...

February 11, 2026 | Toby Dershowitz, Eitan Fischberger

Al Jazeera Centre for Studies: Academic Veneer Normalizing Terrorism

Is Al Jazeera  using its “academic” arm, the Al Jazeera Centre for Studies (AJCS), to normalize Hamas’s atrocities, while hiding behind the veneer of a purportedly rigorous research institution?...

February 10, 2026 | Ahmad Sharawi

Foreign Investment in Syria’s Reconstruction Carries Terror Finance Risk

Saudi Arabia and Qatar aim to reap the commercial rewards of rebuilding Syria now that the devastating civil war has ended and sanctions on Damascus have been lifted. Gulf investments are being deployed...

February 6, 2026 | Hussain Abdul-Hussain

Why Saudi Arabia is turning back to Islamism – and against Israel

Economic strain and domestic pressure are pushing Riyadh toward a regional realignment. Washington ought to pay attention

February 5, 2026 | Ahmad Sharawi, Bridget Toomey

Negotiating With Iran Is Wrong. Doing So in Oman Is Worse

The scheduled talks in Muscat between the United States and Iran on February 6 shines much needed light on the regional role of their host, the Sultanate of Oman. Oman cannot be regarded as a trusted...

February 4, 2026 | Behnam Ben Taleblu, Edmund Fitton-Brown, Richard Goldberg, Joe Dougherty

Previewing Talks with Iran

February 4, 2026 | Natalie Ecanow

Why Is the Trump Administration Wiring Venezuelan Oil Revenue to Qatar?

The emirate is not a neutral player, nor is it aligned with Washington.

February 3, 2026 | Toby Dershowitz, Asher Boiskin

Should Western Tech Giants Partner With Pro-Hamas Network Al Jazeera?

A few weeks ago, Al Jazeera named Google Cloud as its primary technology provider for “The Core,” a sweeping program designed to integrate generative artificial intelligence (AI) throughout...

February 3, 2026 | Leah Siskind, Natalie Ecanow

For Pax Silica, Not All Gulf Partners Are Created Equal

The United States must apply stricter standards to Pax Silica partners, as Qatar’s track record does not justify its inclusion in a trusted AI security coalition.