Middle Orient

Iran Update Special Report May 4, 2026

Key Takeaways Iran is attempting to demonstrate its “control” over the Strait of Hormuz in response to US attempts to secure freedom of commercial navigation in the strait. Iran is attempting to disrupt these US efforts and demonstrate its control by attacking commercial vessels, oil infrastructure in the United Arab …

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Iran: Four Illusions of a 60-Day-War

When President Donald Trump triggered the current war against Iran more than 60 days ago, the assumption mostly promoted by Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu, the junior partner in the enterprise, was that the whole thing would be wrapped up within weeks by Tehran implicitly admitting defeat, as it did …

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Le Golfe après la guerre

La sortie spectaculaire des Émirats arabes unis de l’OPEP, annoncée le 28 avril 2026, est moins un caprice pétrolier qu’un acte d’alignement stratégique. Pour en comprendre la logique, il faut observer l’état réel du rapport de force au Moyen‑Orient après deux mois d’une guerre déclenchée par les USA et Israël …

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Iraq is Caught up in the U.S.-Iran War

As an extension of Operation Epic Fury, U.S. officials are pressuring Iraq to reduce its links to Iran, including by restricting U.S. aid to Iraqi government forces and deliveries of U.S. currency to Iraqi banks. Iran-aligned Iraqi militias have attacked not only U.S. installations in Iraq, but also facilities in …

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UAE Withdraws from OPEC in Gulf Shakeup

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) announced its withdrawal from the Organization of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), serving as a major blow to the cartel’s influence in the global oil market. The timing of Abu Dhabi’s decision to exit OPEC is noteworthy considering its long-standing friction within the bloc over production …

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