The Latest Breaking News from Gulf

Trump threatens to blow Kharg Island 'to smithereens' as U.S. and Iran trade fresh strikes in the Gulf, driving up the price of oil

Everything you need to know before you reach the office this morning.

Fortune · Aug 31

Gulf States Built Their Energy Trade Around The Strait Of Hormuz. Now They're Spending Billions To Bypass It.

New port terminals, rail links and cross-border pipeline plans are emerging as Gulf economies absorb weaker exports, higher shipping costs and prolonged disruption to trade.

International Business Times · Aug 31

Indian rice draws global interest as 3,317 buyers from 138 countries register for BIRC 2026: IREF

Over 3,300 buyers from 138 countries registered for the upcoming Bharat International Rice Conference. This wide geographical spread highlights global markets seeking Indian rice exports. The conference aims to convert participation into new trade routes and business relationships. Africa and the Gulf represent key opportunity regions for Indian rice exporters.…

The Economic Times · Aug 31

Trapped for 115 days, cargo ship captain recounts ordeal in Strait of Hormuz

In late January 2026, the Banglar Joyjatra, a Bangladeshi bulk carrier, entered the Persian Gulf on what should have been a routine commercial voyage before continuing to South Africa. Instead, Captain Mohammad Shafiqul Islam and his crew became trapped for 115 days as conflict engulfed the Strait of Hormuz. He…

Radio France Internationale · Aug 29

Ebola travel restrictions: India, Canada, UAE and other countries tighten entry rules

Nations worldwide are enacting stricter travel rules to curb disease spread. India launched an online health declaration portal for international arrivals. Canada has barred travelers from the Democratic Republic of Congo and suspended visas. Gulf countries and Israel have also imposed entry bans and quarantine measures. Other nations are enhancing…

The Economic Times · Aug 29

Ecological cost of US-Iran war: Scientists warn ships stranded for months in the Strait of Hormuz could now carry invasive species, posing an ‘immense international biosecurity threat’

Ships stranded for months in the Strait of Hormuz now pose a bioinvasion risk. These vessels may carry dense communities of marine organisms to global ports. Scientists warn of a potential super-spreader event as shipping resumes. Affected ships could introduce non-native species to new marine ecosystems. Early detection and port…

The Economic Times · Aug 29

Pipelines and ports: Iran war spurs Gulf infrastructure investment

Gulf nations are investing billions in infrastructure to bypass the Strait of Hormuz. Ports, pipelines, and railways are top priorities as trade routes face disruption. This strategic shift aims to future-proof economies against ongoing geopolitical challenges. New projects are emerging across the UAE and Saudi Arabia. These efforts seek to…

The Economic Times · Aug 28

Six months on, the Iran war has changed the Middle East, but not in the way its architects had hoped

The Iran war has changed the Middle East, but not in the ways that the United States and Israel had hoped

The Independent UK · Aug 28

Iraq opens oil exports beyond Hormuz after months of war, eyes ship-to-ship route off Oman

Iraq now allows crude oil collection outside the Persian Gulf for buyers. This move comes as exports continue through the Strait of Hormuz despite disruptions. Iraq's state oil marketer is offering specific crude grades via ship-to-ship transfer. This shift follows previous steep discounts offered to entice buyers. The country aims…

The Economic Times · Aug 28

BPCL explores buying Gulf oil on FOB basis, lifts Iraqi oil

Bharat Petroleum Corp expects its first Iraqi oil cargo soon and seeks more Gulf oil. The company is willing to lift oil from inside the Strait of Hormuz. New US legislation could impact India's major Russian oil and gas purchases. Russia currently supplies a significant portion of India's oil needs.…

The Economic Times · Aug 27