The issue leads with Iran, where President Masoud Pezeshkian and foreign affairs minister Abbas Araghchi have been holding talks with their international counterparts, in early efforts to try and reset Iran’s relations with regional and global powers.
However, tensions with Israel could yet lead to further regional instability and undermine hopes of reviving the 2015 nuclear deal, while domestic issues also hold the potential to create further difficulties for the new administration.
Defence and security coverage leads with Saudi Arabia, where King Salman has issued a series of royal orders to replace several of the most senior military figures in the country.
Finance and business coverage takes a closer a look at the UAE's anti-money laundering strategy. The UAE succeeded in being removed from money laundering watchdog FATF’s ‘grey list’ in February, but some doubts remain over its commitment to clamping down on money laundering and terrorist financing.
Recent actions against gold refineries, bankers and others suggest a renewed effort by the UAE authorities to address the ongoing challenges to its reputation as a commercial hub.
GSN also looks at Saudi sovereign wealth fund PIF's shift in focus as overseas investments fade in importance. PIF's international assets have fallen from 29% of its overall portfolio in 2021 to around 20% in 2023, with a commensurate rise in investments in the Saudi economy.
The Risk Management Report is on Yemen.
The GSN View focuses on Doha's defence deal with Turkey. Qatar has set up a joint squadron with the Turkish Air Force, with at least six Turkish F-16 jets sent to the Gulf in late July.
This cements an already close relationship with Ankara, which was vital in 2017 when Doha faced a stand-off with three neighbours. The latest developments have prompted speculation that Doha may now be trying to bolster its defences in case Donald Trump wins the US presidential election in November.
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