Gulf States

Oil markets are highly volatile due to the Strait of Hormuz crisis and U.S.-Iran tensions. The UAE's exit from OPEC and use of hidden tankers to bypass the blockade signal a strategic shift, while price jumps follow U.S. strikes on Iran and renewed Iran deal doubts.

• 21UAE exits OPEC and OAPEC, boosts oil investment
• 12IAEA expresses 'grave concern' over drone strike near UAE nuclear plant that triggered a fire
• 6Trump and Xi End China Talks Without Iran Breakthrough
• 6Abu Dhabi to Build Sphere and Launch $30 Billion Infrastructure Push
• 6Dubai Taxi to Acquire National Taxi for Dh1.45 Billion

Diplomatic activity is intense, with the UAE President hosting India's Modi to discuss the Iran war, and Oman acting as a mediator between the U.S. and Iran. The U.S. and Iran are nearing a deal to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, but Trump also threatens Oman, highlighting the fragile negotiations.

• 20UAE President and India's Modi discuss impact of Iran war in Abu Dhabi
• 18Trump claims Xi offered to open Hormuz Strait, not arm Iran
• 15Iranian officials in Qatar for talks on US ceasefire and frozen assets
• 15UAE accuses Iran of attacks as ‘large fire’ breaks out at oil refinery
• 6Iran Condemns US Threats Against Oman Amid Hormuz Tensions

The Gulf region is under direct military threat, with Iran attacking the UAE and ships in the Strait of Hormuz, and the UAE secretly retaliating against an Iranian oil refinery. The U.S. halted its naval mission, with France stepping in, while a drone strike near the Barakah nuclear plant triggered a fire.

• 35Abu Dhabi authorities respond to fire incident near Barakah nuclear plant after drone strike
• 25UAE secretly attacked Iran oil refinery during war, report says
• 23Iran attacks UAE and ships in Hormuz Strait, oil prices jump
• 19UAE condemns terrorist attack on Indian-flagged vessel off Oman coast
• 15Ship hit by projectile off Qatar coast catches fire

Societal disruption is driven by the security crisis, as UAE schools returned to remote learning after missile alerts. Other events like a Dubai building fire and Bahrain's Ebola entry suspension are isolated, while health preparations for hantavirus and a new insurance system show routine governance.

• 6UAE schools and universities return to remote learning after missile alerts
• 4Bahrain suspends entry from 3 African countries over Ebola
• 3A building under construction in Dubai caught fire - reports - news.cgtn.com
• 2Qatar invested over $65 million to manipulate US education, new report reveals
• 2UAE President approves new unified health insurance system for citizens

Who covers Gulf States most

Outlets by number of headlines in May 2026, with their stance toward the country.

• Khaleej Times201 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  consistently favourable and promotional

• Gulf News98 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  consistently positive and promotional

• The National80 titles

  +1ConstructiveDomestic

  favourable and authoritative

• Reuters66 titles

  From United States
• Anadolu Agency52 titles

  From Türkiye
• Bloomberg52 titles

  From United States
• Times of Israel52 titles

  From Israel
• Jerusalem Post50 titles

  From Israel

Sources from Gulf States

• Al Jazeeraar
• Al Jazeeraen
• Khaleej Timesen
• The Nationalen
• Gulf Newsen
• Gulf Timesen