Peter Barabas
Iran
Iran warns of 'geographically unrestricted response' if US attacks
Iran ramps up its threats and does not exclude pre-emptive military action, but its officials have nevertheless noted positive steps in mediated negotiations with the US ahead of the decisive midterm elections. The Gulf countries remain "braced for the worst."
Iran
Gulf nations brace for possible return to all-out war
The volatility around the Israeli and US midterm elections is fueling fears of renewed US-Israeli strikes on Iran in a short and intensive military campaign to push Tehran into concessions, with Iran vowing a devastating response against the Gulf nations.
Qatar
Macron calls for extreme caution in Gulf, secures critical gas deal in Qatar state visit
French president concludes his state visit by reinforcing the strategic partnership with Qatar. He declares his Gulf tour objectives achieved after securing a crucial gas deal with Qatar as he seeks to lower tensions over living costs in France.
Qatar
Qatar revamped defence system in six hours, intelligence chief says
At Doha’s Global Security Forum, Qatar’s head of intelligence revealed how the war with Iran forced the Gulf country to urgently redeploy its defensive assets, while the US ambassador to Turkey offered new insights into a fundamental shift in Washington's presence in the Middle East.
Qatar
Qatar plans new defence partnership and warns of energy crisis 'peak'
Qatar is preparing a new regional defence partnership while keeping channels open with Tehran, arguing that dialogue and economic ties offer a route to lasting peace. Doha also warned of an energy disruption “peak” with more difficulties on the horizon “in the coming days and months”.
Qatar
New strategies will make Qatar emerge stronger, emir says
Qatar's emir outlined in a speech to the nation how the Gulf nation has managed to overcome the consequences of the Iran war and will emerge stronger and better equipped to adapt to global changes by diversifying its economy and focusing on non-carbon industries in addition to existing LNG exports.
United Arab Emirates
FlyDubai co-pilot planned to crash aircraft into Tel Aviv airport
The FlyDubai co-pilot behind the hijacking attempt wanted to crash the jet into Ben Gurion Airport and previously flew the sensitive Israel route, according to multiple sources close to the investigation, amid increasingly difficult questions about the circumstances of the narrowly avoided tragedy.
Israel
FlyDubai captain reveals new details of attack in Netanyahu phone call
FlyDubai hero captain Smit Machchhar described to Israeli prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu how the attack started and how he managed to finally open the cockpit door after nearly losing his vision under the co-pilot’s repeated blows. “I knew I couldn't let the passengers die,” Machchhar said.
Israel
FlyDubai co-pilot attacked captain with axe in 'terrorist' act
The FlyDubai co-pilot who nearly crashed the Tel-Aviv bound flight is an Omani national named Hamam al-Hammami. He was barred from flying by Oman amid concerns he showed signs of extremist views. The incident threw the already hard-hit regional travel industry into crisis.
Saudi Arabia
Israel says pilot tried to crash flydubai plane during cockpit fight
FlyDubai flight FZ1073 to Israel made an emergency landing in Saudi Arabia as passengers describe harrowing scenes of a fight between the pilots, with one of them stabbed. Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said a pilot "attempted to crash the plane," as Israeli security services investigate.
World News
Netanyahu battles October 7 warnings revelations with UN speech
With Israel’s election approaching, prime minister Benjamin Netanyahu is battling new revelations of alleged warnings about Hamas’ 7 October attack and countered the political storm with a fiery UN speech directed at his voters and the world.