NEWS FLASH

UPCOMING WEBINAR - OIL MARKETS 2026+: GEOPOLITICAL RISKS AND SUPPLY DYN...

GULF WEEKLY: Gulf crudes hit $100 as Hormuz blockage continues, some hydrocarbon and downstream production shuts down, Iranian attacks on the GCC continue
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 06 Mar 2026

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Brent crude touched $90, Oman/Murban $100, and Qatar’s energy minister warned of $150. * Hormuz remains largely closed, with no visible action on US escort or insurance plans. * Saudi Arabia is increasing oil loading on t...

Webinar replay: War in Iran - Implications for the Gulf and Israel
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 06 Mar 2026

As war breaks out with Iran, what's happening on the ground? How might the Gulf states respond to Iranian attacks? What are the short-term and long-term economic and market implications for Israel and the Gulf countries? Visit our calendar page to watch the replay of our webinar featuring Glob...

Days 4&5: Trump moots Hormuz escort but oil hits $84, US embassies and radars targeted, Khamenei’s son likely to succeed
GULF COUNTRIES · In Brief · 04 Mar 2026 · 1 response

This update is going out as Wednesday comes to a close in the US and the GCC and Iran begin Thursday morning. Iran The intense US and Israeli bombing has continued. The US has struck over 2,000 targets and is using 200 planes in the region, along with long-range bombers. The body count in Iran ha...

Iran War Day 3: Oil and gas facilities struck, Iran downplays strikes on GCC, US clarifies imminent threat claim
GULF COUNTRIES · In Brief · 02 Mar 2026

This update is going out as Monday comes to a close in the US and the GCC and Iran begin Tuesday morning. US-Iran developments The US says it has struck 1,250 targets so far, including all 11 ships. The Institute for the Study of War's daily updates provide a good analysis of the targeting within...

Day 2 of Trump’s war on Iran: Leadership transition, Gulf airports targeted, oil up $5
GULF COUNTRIES · In Brief · 01 Mar 2026 · 2 responses

Firstly, my thoughts are with clients in the region who are sheltering in place, at a time when many are observing Ramadan. I’m sure everyone outside the region is also closely following the news, so I will just summarize some of the key developments with brief analysis. The assault on Iran Israe...

US and Israel attack Iran with very broad objectives. Gulf states criticize counterstrikes. Oman condemns war. OPEC+ may increase output hike
GULF COUNTRIES · In Brief · 28 Feb 2026 · 1 response

Trump laid out very broad US objectives in a video at about 3am ET on Saturday, shortly after strikes had begun, which suggest a prolonged assault (CBS). “Our objective is to defend the American people by eliminating imminent threats from the Iranian regime”. He listed grievances back to the 1980...

GULF WEEKLY: Saudi deficit rises, Bahrain downgraded again, Iran war concerns grow
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 27 Feb 2026

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Brent crude touched $73 despite expectations that OPEC+ will hike output for April. * Expectations of US strikes on Iran rose further, to 63% by end-March, adding to the oil risk premium. * The third round of US-Iran nucl...

GULF WEEKLY: Oil rises on US-Iran tensions, UAE GDP growth accelerates, Kuwait returns to FATF grey list
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 20 Feb 2026

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Brent crude touched $72, a 7-month high, as concerns grow about a potential US-Iran war. * There was “good progress” in Omani-mediated nuclear talks, but the US military buildup continues. * Saudi-UAE tensions persist and...

GULF WEEKLY: Dubai tourism and Abu Dhabi GDP boom, Kuwait budgets a huge deficit, Omani equities surge
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 13 Feb 2026

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * There were reports that OPEC+ might be leaning towards an April production increase. * Market expectations of US strikes on Iran declined further, despite Trump's sending another carrier. * Saudi Arabia appointed Fahad al...

GULF WEEKLY: Oman mediates US-Iran talks, Qatar signs major LNG deals, Kuwait reshuffles cabinet
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 06 Feb 2026 · 1 response

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Oman mediated US-Iran talks, and the market-implied risk of US strikes this month halved to 30%. * The Saudi flash GDP reading showed non-oil growth slowing to a two-year low of 3.2% in Q4. * The UAE’s PMI rose to 55.9, t...

GULF WEEKLY: Oil spikes on Iran concerns, Saudi winter games cancelled, L’imad absorbs ADQ, Bahrain issues bonds
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 30 Jan 2026

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Oil rose to $70 as the US naval armada neared Iran, and betting odds showed a growing conflict risk. * Gulf states are trying to de-escalate and will deny US usage of their territory and airspace for strikes. * Three Saud...

IRAQ: Trump speaks out against Maliki’s bid to return as PM, while the fiscal crisis deepens
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 29 Jan 2026

* Former prime minister Nuri al-Maliki is attempting a comeback, but government formation stalled this week with Kurds divided on the presidency, and Trump spoke out against Maliki. * The parliament is highly fragmented, between and within sectarian groups. As a result, government formation can ...

GULF WEEKLY: Humain and G42 advance AI plans, Gulf joins Board of Peace, Syria takes Rojava
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 23 Jan 2026

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Oil ticked up a little to $65 as Trump mentioned the "armada" headed towards Iran. * GCC debt security issuance rose 14% in 2025, comprising 35% of EMs (ex-China). * Chinese bank lending to the GCC was $16bn in 2025, as ...

GULF WEEKLY: Iran protests subside, Saudi minerals deals, Oman cabinet reshuffle
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 16 Jan 2026

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * Oil touched a two-month high of $66 when Iran-US tensions peaked mid-week, then eased. * At least 3,000 were killed in Iran, but Trump backed off plans for military action, for now at least. * The US did announce a 25% ta...

GULF WEEKLY: Saudi bonds, Tadawul opens to all foreigners, Oman financial center plans, protests intensify in Iran
GULF COUNTRIES · Report · 09 Jan 2026

A skimmable summary overlaid with our analysis and links. Headlines: * The oil market digested the implications of Venezuela developments and the major protests in Iran. * OPEC+ held steady, but Kazakhstan’s overproduction could average 65% in H1, prompting a crisis. * Saudi-backed forces to...