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Yemen

The latest news, analysis and opinion on Yemen. In-depth analysis, industry insights and expert opinion.

Capital

Sana'a

Head of State

President Rashad al-Alimi

Head of Government

Prime Minister Ahmad Awad bin Mubarak

A liquefied petroleum gas tanker is anchored near the Strait of Hormuz, which remains almost entirely closed to shipping traffic amid the US-Israeli war on Iran. Photo: Photo: Reuters

China energy security

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran reportedly charges ships for safe passage

Around 20,000 seafarers are still stuck in the Gulf as Tehran reportedly charges at least one tanker about US$2 million to pass through the strait.

20 Mar 2026 - 7:00PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

20 Mar 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

China energy security

Red Sea fix? China-bound oil tankers tap Saudi plan to dodge Strait of Hormuz

18 Mar 2026 - 10:00PMvideocam

China trade

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

16 Mar 2026 - 7:02PM

A man walks along the shore as oil tankers and cargo ships line up in the Strait of Hormuz, as seen from Khor Fakkan, the United Arab Emirates, on March 11, 2026. Photo: AP

Iran

Why the Iran war marks a turning point for Gulf-Asia trade

The closure of the Middle East’s important straits – Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb – is forcing Gulf and Asian nations to explore other options.

15 Mar 2026 - 2:00PMvideocam

China trade

Strait of Hormuz transiting ships flash ‘China owner’ signals to evade blockade

Analysts see ‘diplomatic bulletproofing’ in vessels leveraging Beijing’s neutrality, while some Chinese-linked ships clear chokepoint.

13 Mar 2026 - 8:45PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran strikes on desalination plants threaten Arab states’ water supplies

In Kuwait, about 90 per cent of drinking water comes from desalination, along with roughly 86 per cent in Oman and about 70 per cent in Saudi Arabia.

9 Mar 2026 - 10:22AMvideocam

Smoke rises from Jebel Ali Port in Dubai, United Arab Emirates, on March 1. Photo: Planet Labs PBC via AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran war: France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier heads to the Mediterranean

Rafale fighter jets, air-defence systems and airborne radar systems have also been deployed in the Middle East.

4 Mar 2026 - 7:02AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Opinion | US war on Iran isn’t likely to go as planned

US war planners have overlooked viewing their adversary through realpolitik in the past. They now face a far more organised opponent.

3 Mar 2026 - 9:50PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf states take the fight to Iran as missiles target oil, gas and trade

The UAE, Qatar and others had a plan for staying out of a US-Iran war. It relied on the assumption that Iran would leave them out of it too.

3 Mar 2026 - 3:53PMvideocam

A plume of smoke rises from the port of Jebel Ali following a reported Iranian strike in Dubai on Sunday. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Trump pushes back on reports of Iran war risks as clock ticks

US president dismisses reported concerns of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, insisting any conflict would be ‘easily won’.

24 Feb 2026 - 3:29PM

F/A-18F Super Hornets prepare to launch from the USS Abraham Lincoln in the Arabian Sea. Photo: US Navy via AFP

Middle East

UAE-Saudi rift over security threats push Arab mediators to act

Bahrain and Egypt are attempting to mend ties between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, after a public falling out in December.

14 Feb 2026 - 9:22PM

UAE

‘Surpassing Hong Kong’: UAE challenges Singapore for the global trade crown

With non-oil trade nearly doubling, analysts say the UAE has secured a first-mover advantage that leaves regional rivals trailing behind.

14 Feb 2026 - 2:00PM

US-Iran tensions

The US dropped proposal of Iran regime change. Could a nuclear deal be next?

Both sides appear amenable to a deal limiting some of Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities after last week’s diplomatic re-establishment.

12 Feb 2026 - 5:16PMvideocam

Women march with a sign depicting US President Donald Trump with bloodied hands in Tehran on Wednesday during a rally marking the anniversary of the 1979 Islamic revolution. Photo: AFP

India

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

26 Jan 2026 - 8:28PMvideocam

Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi (left) welcoming Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan, President of the United Arab Emirates, at New Delhi airport on January 19. Photo: EPA

Saudi Arabia

‘Anything can happen’: Saudi-UAE rift risks tearing Middle East apart

The Gulf neighbours have turned from friends to foes, fighting proxy wars across the region and forcing global powers to pick a side.

25 Jan 2026 - 4:00PM

Middle East

Yemen’s leaders meet in Saudi Arabia after defeat of UAE-backed group

Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of smuggling an opposing leader to Abu Dhabi through Somalia, after the Saudi-backed government charged him with treason.

18 Jan 2026 - 11:53PM

Japan

Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project gets boost as European rival stalls

Germany, France and Spain have put their project on hold, prompting speculation that some may turn to the Japan-UK-Italy programme.

16 Jan 2026 - 9:37AM

Delegates look at the GCAP sixth-generation fighter jet concept design at the Farnborough International Airshow 2024. Photo: AFP

Saudi Arabia

US allies Saudi Arabia, UAE risk a split in Middle East over competing visions

A ‘new order’ is emerging as Abu Dhabi-backed separatist allies clash with pro-Riyadh governments in the region.

8 Jan 2026 - 5:21PM

US-Venezuela conflict

Trump team praises US media for keeping its Venezuela raid plan secret

Marco Rubio says a ‘number of media outlets’ held leaks before the US intervention that snatched President Nicolas Maduro.

6 Jan 2026 - 6:16PMvideocam

Saudi Arabia

Pro-Saudi forces regain province from separatists: Yemen presidential council

Rashad al-Alimi said forces had successfully retaken positions in the resource-rich Hadramout province, which borders Saudi Arabia.

4 Jan 2026 - 6:44AM

Saudi-backed forces that took control of the Second Military Region Command on the outskirts of Mukalla, the capital of Hadramout, where the UAE-backed STC recently launched an offensive to seize the resource-rich province. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Yemen’s separatists announce constitution, UAE withdraws all its troops

The proposed constitution for an independent nation in the south comes as the conflict in Yemen pits Saudi Arabia against the UAE.

3 Jan 2026 - 3:07PM

A video claiming to show Saudi airstrikes targeting Southern Transitional Council positions in Sayoun, Yemen. Photo: UGC/Reuters

Middle East

7 dead as Saudi jets strike UAE-backed forces in ‘peaceful’ Yemen operation

Separatists report 7 air strikes minutes after pro-Saudi forces announced a ‘peaceful’ bid to retake camps, accusing Riyadh of deception.

2 Jan 2026 - 9:33PM

Middle East

Saudi-UAE rivalry explodes into view after strike in war-torn Yemen

Gulf powers Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are at odds over rival factions and a deepening struggle for regional pre-eminence.

2 Jan 2026 - 2:09PM

Middle East

UAE to withdraw forces from Yemen after Saudi strike and ultimatum

Decision to withdraw follows a Saudi strike on a UAE-linked weapons shipment for Yemen separatists.

31 Dec 2025 - 12:19PM

A video screengrab show a person gesture toward smoke after a Saudi-led airstrike on Tuesday targeting UAE-backed separatists in Mukalla, Yemen. Photo: Aden al-Mustakillah TV via Reuters

Middle East

Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen port over weapons shipment and warns UAE

Riyadh targets weaponry in Mukalla as tensions between Gulf allies strain over separatist advances in Yemen.

30 Dec 2025 - 9:11PM

Damaged military vehicles, reportedly sent by the United Arab Emirates to support Southern Transitional Council separatist forces, following an air strike carried out by the Saudi-led coalition in the port of Mukalla, southern Yemen. Photo: AFP

Middle East

Iran and Gaza plan to top agenda for Netanyahu-Trump meeting

The Israeli prime minister is set to visit Washington to discuss the next phase of Trump’s Gaza plan with his key US ally.

23 Dec 2025 - 1:18PM

US Navy

Investigations reveal combat stress a key factor in costly US Navy mishaps

Reports show mission against Yemen’s Houthis took a toll on the US Navy, highlighting a friendly fire incident, loss of three jets and a ship collision.

5 Dec 2025 - 3:22PM

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Yemen

Strait of Hormuz tensions rise as Iran reportedly charges ships for safe passage

Around 20,000 seafarers are still stuck in the Gulf as Tehran reportedly charges at least one tanker about US$2 million to pass through the strait.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further

Red Sea fix? China-bound oil tankers tap Saudi plan to dodge Strait of Hormuz

Strait of Hormuz marks first full day’s pause as no ships cross amid Iran war

Transits fell to zero on Saturday but vessels have clustered outside corridor, signalling expectations of reopening, analytics firm says.

Why the Iran war marks a turning point for Gulf-Asia trade

The closure of the Middle East’s important straits – Hormuz and Bab el-Mandeb – is forcing Gulf and Asian nations to explore other options.

Strait of Hormuz transiting ships flash ‘China owner’ signals to evade blockade

Analysts see ‘diplomatic bulletproofing’ in vessels leveraging Beijing’s neutrality, while some Chinese-linked ships clear chokepoint.

Iran strikes on desalination plants threaten Arab states’ water supplies

In Kuwait, about 90 per cent of drinking water comes from desalination, along with roughly 86 per cent in Oman and about 70 per cent in Saudi Arabia.

Iran war: France’s nuclear-powered aircraft carrier heads to the Mediterranean

Rafale fighter jets, air-defence systems and airborne radar systems have also been deployed in the Middle East.

Opinion | US war on Iran isn’t likely to go as planned

US war planners have overlooked viewing their adversary through realpolitik in the past. They now face a far more organised opponent.

Gulf states take the fight to Iran as missiles target oil, gas and trade

The UAE, Qatar and others had a plan for staying out of a US-Iran war. It relied on the assumption that Iran would leave them out of it too.

Trump pushes back on reports of Iran war risks as clock ticks

US president dismisses reported concerns of Joint Chiefs of Staff Chairman Dan Caine, insisting any conflict would be ‘easily won’.

UAE-Saudi rift over security threats push Arab mediators to act

Bahrain and Egypt are attempting to mend ties between the United Arab Emirates and Saudi Arabia, after a public falling out in December.

‘Surpassing Hong Kong’: UAE challenges Singapore for the global trade crown

With non-oil trade nearly doubling, analysts say the UAE has secured a first-mover advantage that leaves regional rivals trailing behind.

The US dropped proposal of Iran regime change. Could a nuclear deal be next?

Both sides appear amenable to a deal limiting some of Iran’s nuclear enrichment activities after last week’s diplomatic re-establishment.

Why India’s focus on Middle East is on trade despite defence ties with UAE

A potential defence partnership agreement between India and the UAE has fuelled speculation of more rival blocs emerging in the region.

‘Anything can happen’: Saudi-UAE rift risks tearing Middle East apart

The Gulf neighbours have turned from friends to foes, fighting proxy wars across the region and forcing global powers to pick a side.

Yemen’s leaders meet in Saudi Arabia after defeat of UAE-backed group

Saudi Arabia accused the UAE of smuggling an opposing leader to Abu Dhabi through Somalia, after the Saudi-backed government charged him with treason.

Japan’s next-generation fighter jet project gets boost as European rival stalls

Germany, France and Spain have put their project on hold, prompting speculation that some may turn to the Japan-UK-Italy programme.

US allies Saudi Arabia, UAE risk a split in Middle East over competing visions

A ‘new order’ is emerging as Abu Dhabi-backed separatist allies clash with pro-Riyadh governments in the region.

Trump team praises US media for keeping its Venezuela raid plan secret

Marco Rubio says a ‘number of media outlets’ held leaks before the US intervention that snatched President Nicolas Maduro.

Pro-Saudi forces regain province from separatists: Yemen presidential council

Rashad al-Alimi said forces had successfully retaken positions in the resource-rich Hadramout province, which borders Saudi Arabia.

Yemen’s separatists announce constitution, UAE withdraws all its troops

The proposed constitution for an independent nation in the south comes as the conflict in Yemen pits Saudi Arabia against the UAE.

7 dead as Saudi jets strike UAE-backed forces in ‘peaceful’ Yemen operation

Separatists report 7 air strikes minutes after pro-Saudi forces announced a ‘peaceful’ bid to retake camps, accusing Riyadh of deception.

Saudi-UAE rivalry explodes into view after strike in war-torn Yemen

Gulf powers Riyadh and Abu Dhabi are at odds over rival factions and a deepening struggle for regional pre-eminence.

UAE to withdraw forces from Yemen after Saudi strike and ultimatum

Decision to withdraw follows a Saudi strike on a UAE-linked weapons shipment for Yemen separatists.

Saudi Arabia bombs Yemen port over weapons shipment and warns UAE

Riyadh targets weaponry in Mukalla as tensions between Gulf allies strain over separatist advances in Yemen.

Iran and Gaza plan to top agenda for Netanyahu-Trump meeting

The Israeli prime minister is set to visit Washington to discuss the next phase of Trump’s Gaza plan with his key US ally.

Investigations reveal combat stress a key factor in costly US Navy mishaps

Reports show mission against Yemen’s Houthis took a toll on the US Navy, highlighting a friendly fire incident, loss of three jets and a ship collision.

Opinion | Iran war revives pandemic-era shocks – and may go further