Hamad bin Jassim’s call for a Gulf union underscores urgent regional challenges but faces persistent political divisions blocking full integration.

Iran’s decision to target the U.S. Al Udeid Air Base in Qatar, rather than any other country in the region, came as a major surprise—especially given the strong ties between Tehran and Doha.

Iran’s June 23, 2025 strike on a U.S. base in the Gulf immediately brought to mind the retaliation for Qassem Soleimani’s assassination; a move that reshuffled the strategic balance.

As the “conflict” between “Israel” and Iran continues, Gulf countries are increasingly alarmed and calling for calm, especially amid U.S. hints at entering the war.

Tensions are mounting between longtime rivals and uneasy neighbors, Ethiopia and Eritrea, as Addis Ababa’s renewed push for Red Sea access raises fears of a new war in the Horn of Africa, just seven years after the restoration of diplomatic ties.