Author: Gulf News Week
Geopolitical flare-up unlikely to disrupt global supply significantly, but risk of regional escalation looms over crude outlook. Energy analysts project that this weekend’s dramatic U.S. military action in Venezuela will have only a limited effect on global oil prices, pointing to the country’s already sanctions-hit output and a well-supplied market as key stabilizing factors. Venezuela holds the world’s largest proven crude reserves, but years of stringent international restrictions have drastically reduced its exports, leaving its current market influence muted. “Venezuela ranks only in the low twenties globally as an oil exporter due to sanctions,” noted Samer Hasn, senior market analyst…
Secretary of State Marco Rubio walks back Trump’s “run the country” remark, saying the goal is narcotics enforcement, not long-term control, as Maduro faces U.S. trial. WASHINGTON — The United States does not intend to govern Venezuela and will cooperate with its interim authorities, Secretary of State Marco Rubio said Sunday, seeking to clarify Washington’s position after a dramatic military operation captured former Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro. Rubio’s comments, delivered in multiple television interviews, came a day after U.S. special forces seized Maduro in Caracas and transported him to New York, where he is set to face narcotrafficking charges. The…
From digital pioneer to global talent hub, a Deloitte analysis reveals the blueprint behind the UAE’s agile, citizen-first governance model—and its roadmap to 2071. A landmark 20-year transformation of Dubai’s government, turning it from a regional center into a global benchmark for speed, innovation, and citizen service, is being hailed as a new blueprint for modern governance. The analysis, detailed by Deloitte Middle East on the firm’s regional centennial, credits the period under the leadership of His Highness Sheikh Mohammed bin Rashid Al Maktoum with executing one of the most accelerated and intentional public sector overhauls of the modern era.…
Israel has, since the fall of Bashar al-Assad, extended its occupation of Syrian territory and staged numerous raids and bombardments.Twelve Israeli military vehicles have entered the village of Saida al-Golan in the Quneitra countryside, southern Syria, according to an media correspondent on the ground there.This latest Israeli incursion on Tuesday, a further violation of Syrian sovereignty, comes as a Syrian delegation is holding a new round of negotiations with Israeli counterparts in the French capital Paris, under the coordination and mediation of the United States, according to Syrian state news agency SANA.The talks were expected to continue into a second and…
Hadramout governor says ports and airports will soon be operational after Saudi-backed government forces ousted secessionists from the south.About 400 tourists are stuck on the Yemeni island of Socotra after flights were grounded because of clashes on the mainland between government troops backed by Saudi Arabia and secessionists with links to the United Arab Emirates.Over the past few days, flights in and out of Yemen have been largely restricted during heavy fighting between rival armed factions loosely grouped under the Yemen’s fractious government, which is based in the southern port city of Aden.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of…
Egypt need extra time to beat Benin 3-1 but book their place in the quarterfinals of the 2025 Africa Cup of Nations.Mohamed Salah scored with the last kick in extra time to seal’s Egypt’s 3-1 win over Benin at Stade d’Agadir in the Morocco-hosted Africa Cup of Nations last 16.The Pharaohs dug deep after being surprisingly held to 1-1 in normal time on Monday after Benin’s Jodel Dossou pounced on a rebound to level the football game in the 83rd minute.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Bangladesh bans IPL broadcast amid growing tensions with Indialist 2 of 4NBA:…
US president renews his threat to hit Iran ‘very hard’ if the country’s security forces kill anti-government protesters.United States Senator Lindsey Graham has shared a photo of President Donald Trump holding a signed hat that says “Make Iran Great Again”, fuelling concerns about the possibility of renewed war with Iran.Graham, a Trump ally and foreign policy hawk, posted the picture on X on Monday, saying that Trump has made the US stronger at home and abroad.Recommended Stories list of 3 itemslist 1 of 3Trump’s abduction of Maduro escalates concerns over potential war with Iranlist 2 of 3What the US did…
Tehran is no Caracas. The Islamic Republic stands on solid ground even if it faces multiple crises.President Donald Trump’s declaration that the United States was “locked and loaded” if Iran’s security forces killed peaceful protesters carried a special sting. Less than 24 hours later, US special forces attacked Caracas, abducted Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro from his home and took him to New York to face trial on “narcoterrorism” charges.In showing that his administration can follow through on threats in Venezuela, Trump has escalated the psychological pressure on the Islamic Republic. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi called his statement “reckless and…
Iranians from all walks of life are no strangers to protesting or striking over political, economic and other grievances.Tehran, Iran – Protests and strikes have spread across Iran over the past week amid a rapid economic decline and grievances over multiple ongoing crises.Shopkeepers took to the streets and closed down businesses in downtown Tehran on December 28, sparking demonstrations that have now been recorded in most of Iran’s 31 provinces.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Iran’s Khamenei says rioters ‘must be put in their place’ amid protestslist 2 of 4Syrian delegation meets Israelis in Paris amid sovereignty breacheslist 3…
Dozens of families fled a targeted village after an Israeli warning was issued, with drone activity in the area.Israel’s military has launched attacks on what it described as Hezbollah and Hamas “targets” in Lebanon after issuing evacuation orders for four villages in the country’s east and south.An Israeli army spokesperson said earlier that it was planning air strikes on Hezbollah and Hamas “military infrastructure” in the villages of Hammara and Ain el-Tineh in eastern Lebanon’s Bekaa Valley, and Kfar Hatta and Annan in the south.Recommended Stories list of 4 itemslist 1 of 4Hezbollah weapons deadline: What’s next for Lebanon amid…