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Kuwait

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

Capital

Kuwait City

Head of State

Sheikh Mishal Al-Ahmad Al-Jaber Al-Sabah

Head of Government

Prime Minister Ahmad Abdullah Al-Sabah

US President Donald Trump speaks in the White House on Wednesday. Photo: via TNS

US, Israel war on Iran

US can take Strait of Hormuz ‘with more time’, says Trump

The president spoke out online while the UAE’s largest gas plant and a key Kuwait oil refinery were among Iran’s latest targets.

3 Apr 2026 - 9:18PMvideocam

China-EU relations

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

3 Apr 2026 - 8:00PMvideocam

United States

Hegseth ousts army’s top uniformed officer, even as US wages war on Iran

3 Apr 2026 - 6:55AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump claims Iran wants ceasefire, Tehran calls remarks ‘false and baseless’

The US president has said he could walk away from the war in two to three weeks.

2 Apr 2026 - 12:34AMvideocam

President Donald Trump speaks to reporters after stepping off Air Force One on Friday at Miami International Airport. Trump has been under growing pressure to end the war as oil prices have skyrocketed. Photo: AP

US, Israel war on Iran

Is the Strait of Hormuz a ticking environmental time bomb?

A major oil spill in the Gulf could damage fragile marine habitats, leading to dire consequences for the region, conservationists warn.

1 Apr 2026 - 8:43PMvideocam

Pakistan

What Pakistan gains by playing peacemaker in Iran war

If Islamabad can successfully carry off the talks, it stands a chance of bringing in much-needed investments and weapon sales, analysts say.

1 Apr 2026 - 7:20PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

After early anger, Gulf allies press Trump for final blow to Iran

The UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain are pushing hard for Trump to order a ground invasion of Tehran, according to a diplomat.

31 Mar 2026 - 2:16PMvideocam

A plume of smoke rises from the site of a strike in Iran, Tehran, on Sunday. Photo: Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s Islamic republic will ‘collapse internally’, says Netanyahu

Gulf allies of the US, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are meanwhile urging Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran.

31 Mar 2026 - 6:36AMvideocam

Japan

Japan’s PM will mull top-level talks with Iran at ‘appropriate’ time

Stability in the Middle East is vital for Japan, which relies on the region for over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports.

30 Mar 2026 - 9:54PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump claims ‘regime change’ achieved in Iran, predicts deal ‘soon’

The US president hints at a looming deal even as thousands of US marines arrive in the region, reportedly for ground operations.

30 Mar 2026 - 7:58PMvideocam

US President Donald Trump talks to the media on board Air Force One on Sunday. Photo: Reuters

US, Israel war on Iran

Spy, steal and frighten: Iran-linked hackers open digital front in war

Spyware-laden shelter alerts, hacked hospitals and supply chain breaches highlight modern warfare’s digital shift.

29 Mar 2026 - 2:49PMvideocam

A plume of smoke rises from the site of a strike in Tehran, Iran, on Saturday. Photo: Xinhua

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran says Hormuz closed for shipping to and from ‘enemy’ ports

The Revolutionary Guards said that they had turned back three vessels seeking to cross the transit point.

27 Mar 2026 - 8:22PMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran rejects US ceasefire plan, has own demands to end fighting

Trump claimed Iranian leaders are ‘afraid’ to admit they want a deal after Tehran’s foreign minister said ‘we do not plan on any negotiations’.

26 Mar 2026 - 11:17AM

Middle East

Opinion | As the Gulf grows riskier, the Arctic is gaining strategic weight

As traditional energy centres become less stable, the Arctic’s resources, shipping routes and infrastructure are growing in importance.

25 Mar 2026 - 11:05AMvideocam

China-Middle East relations

Opinion | When it comes to the Persian Gulf, China’s top priority is economics

Beijing’s refusal to pick sides between Iran and other Gulf states affirms its strategic positioning rather than a desire to shift paradigms.

24 Mar 2026 - 9:30AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

UK rushes air defence systems to Gulf to help counter Iran attacks

The UK is sending air defence missiles and an anti-drone system, as HMS Dragon takes up position to defend Cyprus.

24 Mar 2026 - 8:59AMvideocam

US, Israel war on Iran

Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles

After message that Iran’s missile industry ‘deserves a perfect score’, Revolutionary Guards’ spokesman is killed in strike.

20 Mar 2026 - 5:11PM

China-Middle East relations

Can China stay friendly with Gulf states and Iran as fighting escalates?

Iranian strikes on neighbouring states in response to US and Israeli attacks highlight how difficult Beijing’s balancing act has become.

18 Mar 2026 - 12:00PMvideocam

Smoke rises near Dubai airport from a fire caused by a “drone-related incident”. Photo: AFP

South Korea

‘Catch-22 situation’: South Korea walks tightrope over Trump’s Hormuz call

Seoul is expected to seek national consensus and wait for the outcome of the Takaichi-Trump summit before deciding, observers say.

17 Mar 2026 - 7:07PMvideocam

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

US, Israel war on Iran

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

16 Mar 2026 - 6:46PMvideocam

105

US President Donald Trump and Chinese President Xi Jinping when they met in Busan, South Korea, October 30, 2025. Photo: Reuters

Middle East

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

For Arab states, the conflict has revealed a paradox: the alliances meant to enhance their security may also have increased their vulnerability.

16 Mar 2026 - 5:30AMvideocam

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

US, Israel war on Iran

US claims Strait of Hormuz will not close, Iran’s new supreme leader ‘wounded’

Few details revealed about measures to restore oil flow as reports indicate the US is now sending amphibious assault ship, Marines to region.

14 Mar 2026 - 2:44PMvideocam

Australia

Australia walks ‘very fine line’ with Gulf deployment amid Iran war

Analysts say the defensive deployment reflects Canberra’s attempt to balance alliance pressure with fears of deeper involvement in the conflict.

13 Mar 2026 - 4:43PMvideocam

A Royal Australian Air Force E-7A Wedgetail airborne early warning and control aircraft (top left) flying over airspace in the Northern Territory of Australia. Photo: Australian Defence Force/AFP

Middle East

US military refuelling plane crashes in Iraq, killing all 6 aboard

The KC-135 aircraft was part of the operation against Iran but the crash was not due to ‘hostile fire’, US Central Command said.

13 Mar 2026 - 11:01PM

A US Air Force Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker aerial-refuelling aircraft flies over Tel Aviv on March 4. On Thursday, a US KC-135 aircraft crashed in western Iraq . Photo: AFP

US, Israel war on Iran

Iran’s new supreme leader defies Trump, says Hormuz must stay blocked

In first declaration since his appointment as the country’s new supreme leader, Khamenei demands that US military bases in region must close.

13 Mar 2026 - 5:44PMvideocam

136

Middle East

Letters | US war with Iran underscores need for global governance of AI

Readers discuss military use of artificial intelligence, the deaths of children as the conflict escalates, and the UN’s role.

12 Mar 2026 - 11:30AM

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Kuwait

US can take Strait of Hormuz ‘with more time’, says Trump

The president spoke out online while the UAE’s largest gas plant and a key Kuwait oil refinery were among Iran’s latest targets.

China, Europe and why Beijing took a swing at Iran over the Strait of Hormuz

Hegseth ousts army’s top uniformed officer, even as US wages war on Iran

Trump claims Iran wants ceasefire, Tehran calls remarks ‘false and baseless’

The US president has said he could walk away from the war in two to three weeks.

Is the Strait of Hormuz a ticking environmental time bomb?

A major oil spill in the Gulf could damage fragile marine habitats, leading to dire consequences for the region, conservationists warn.

What Pakistan gains by playing peacemaker in Iran war

If Islamabad can successfully carry off the talks, it stands a chance of bringing in much-needed investments and weapon sales, analysts say.

After early anger, Gulf allies press Trump for final blow to Iran

The UAE, Kuwait and Bahrain are pushing hard for Trump to order a ground invasion of Tehran, according to a diplomat.

Iran’s Islamic republic will ‘collapse internally’, says Netanyahu

Gulf allies of the US, led by Saudi Arabia and the UAE, are meanwhile urging Trump to continue prosecuting the war against Iran.

Japan’s PM will mull top-level talks with Iran at ‘appropriate’ time

Stability in the Middle East is vital for Japan, which relies on the region for over 90 per cent of its crude oil imports.

Trump claims ‘regime change’ achieved in Iran, predicts deal ‘soon’

The US president hints at a looming deal even as thousands of US marines arrive in the region, reportedly for ground operations.

Spy, steal and frighten: Iran-linked hackers open digital front in war

Spyware-laden shelter alerts, hacked hospitals and supply chain breaches highlight modern warfare’s digital shift.

Iran says Hormuz closed for shipping to and from ‘enemy’ ports

The Revolutionary Guards said that they had turned back three vessels seeking to cross the transit point.

Iran rejects US ceasefire plan, has own demands to end fighting

Trump claimed Iranian leaders are ‘afraid’ to admit they want a deal after Tehran’s foreign minister said ‘we do not plan on any negotiations’.

.css-1pcrwvc{color:#2aa191;}Opinion | As the Gulf grows riskier, the Arctic is gaining strategic weight

As traditional energy centres become less stable, the Arctic’s resources, shipping routes and infrastructure are growing in importance.

Opinion | When it comes to the Persian Gulf, China’s top priority is economics

Beijing’s refusal to pick sides between Iran and other Gulf states affirms its strategic positioning rather than a desire to shift paradigms.

UK rushes air defence systems to Gulf to help counter Iran attacks

The UK is sending air defence missiles and an anti-drone system, as HMS Dragon takes up position to defend Cyprus.

Gulf states again under fire as Iran says still building missiles

After message that Iran’s missile industry ‘deserves a perfect score’, Revolutionary Guards’ spokesman is killed in strike.

Can China stay friendly with Gulf states and Iran as fighting escalates?

Iranian strikes on neighbouring states in response to US and Israeli attacks highlight how difficult Beijing’s balancing act has become.

‘Catch-22 situation’: South Korea walks tightrope over Trump’s Hormuz call

Seoul is expected to seek national consensus and wait for the outcome of the Takaichi-Trump summit before deciding, observers say.

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.

Trump warns he ‘may delay’ China visit in demand for countries to secure Hormuz

Some allies say no to ships, after US president demands at least seven countries help secure the strategic waterway.

Opinion | How US-Israel war on Iran rocks foundations of the Abraham Accords

For Arab states, the conflict has revealed a paradox: the alliances meant to enhance their security may also have increased their vulnerability.

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.

US claims Strait of Hormuz will not close, Iran’s new supreme leader ‘wounded’

Few details revealed about measures to restore oil flow as reports indicate the US is now sending amphibious assault ship, Marines to region.

Australia walks ‘very fine line’ with Gulf deployment amid Iran war

Analysts say the defensive deployment reflects Canberra’s attempt to balance alliance pressure with fears of deeper involvement in the conflict.

US military refuelling plane crashes in Iraq, killing all 6 aboard

The KC-135 aircraft was part of the operation against Iran but the crash was not due to ‘hostile fire’, US Central Command said.

Iran’s new supreme leader defies Trump, says Hormuz must stay blocked

In first declaration since his appointment as the country’s new supreme leader, Khamenei demands that US military bases in region must close.

.css-19im5qg{color:#c79a00;}Letters | US war with Iran underscores need for global governance of AI

Readers discuss military use of artificial intelligence, the deaths of children as the conflict escalates, and the UN’s role.

Opinion | As the Gulf grows riskier, the Arctic is gaining strategic weight

Letters | US war with Iran underscores need for global governance of AI