Analysis & Reports

Kuwait signed the 2026 Defense Protocol with Pakistan in Islamabad on August 27, 2023, to enhance defense cooperation, including training and border management. This agreement follows security concerns in the Gulf after the Iran War, indicating Kuwait's search for additional security partnerships. Pakistan is also looking to strengthen its security role in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidFri Aug 28 2026Loading...

Bangladesh is considering joining the Tripartite Defense Agreement of Mecca in 2026, which includes Saudi Arabia, Turkey, and Pakistan. This move could open a secure corridor for Saudi Arabia towards the Bay of Bengal and alter regional security dynamics. India is closely watching this potential alignment due to its implications for the balance of power in South Asia.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Aug 27 2026Loading...

Israeli airstrikes on August 15 killed 11 people, including 3 children, in southern Lebanon, injuring 19 others. The strikes targeted Hezbollah infrastructure in Ansar and Deir Zahani, marking the most severe violence since the June ceasefire. The Lebanese government condemned the attacks, asserting that civilians are not military targets and calling for adherence to international law.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Aug 15 2026Loading...

Saudi Arabia announced the formation of a maritime coalition on July 30, 2026, involving 14 countries to protect Bab el-Mandeb. This coalition aims to enhance maritime security in the Red Sea and respond to regional threats, particularly from Iranian-backed militias. Notably, the UAE and Oman did not participate in the initial signing, reflecting regional sensitivities. The coalition seeks to establish a framework for collective maritime defense among over 50 nations.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Aug 04 2026Loading...

On July 27, 2026, Saudi air defenses intercepted and destroyed numerous drones launched from Iraq, aimed at oil facilities in the Eastern Province and Riyadh. Houthi forces claimed responsibility for targeting oil supply points. This incident underscores the ongoing military threat to Saudi oil infrastructure from Iranian-backed militias operating in the region.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jul 28 2026Loading...

UAE and India are engaged in preliminary discussions to acquire the BrahMos missile and Akashteer system to enhance maritime deterrence in the Gulf. The talks, reported on June 22, 2026, indicate a strategic shift in UAE's defense procurement, aiming to integrate advanced weapon systems into their military capabilities. The BrahMos missile, with a range of 290 kilometers, and the Akashteer system for command and control, are central to this initiative.

Ahmed Al-RashidTue Jun 23 2026Loading...

Trump announced that negotiations to end the U.S.-Iran war and reopen the Strait of Hormuz are nearing completion, with key involvement from Pakistan and other Gulf states. The agreement aims to establish a ceasefire and address maritime operations, while deferring discussions on Iran's nuclear program to later talks. This shift reflects a focus on regional stability rather than military victory.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 23 2026Loading...

On May 22, 2026, President Trump returned to Washington after a national security meeting to discuss potential military action against Iran. The U.S. is preparing for possible strikes if diplomatic negotiations fail, while a Qatari delegation is mediating between the U.S. and Iran. Gulf states express concerns about the impact of U.S. military actions on their security.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat May 23 2026Loading...

General Asim Munir of the Pakistan Army visited Tehran on May 21, 2026, to mediate between the U.S. and Iran. This visit is part of efforts to address ongoing tensions and potential military responses. Iran is wary of Gulf mediation due to U.S. military assets in the region, while Pakistan seeks to establish itself as a neutral military intermediary.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu May 21 2026Loading...

As of May 11, 2026, more than twenty U.S. Navy warships enforce a blockade on Iranian ports amid escalating tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. Iranian forces launched missile strikes on the UAE, damaging the Fujairah port. Saudi Arabia has enhanced military coordination with Pakistan, while Israel supports the UAE with intelligence and air defense technologies. Gulf states are increasingly diversifying their defense strategies, reflecting a shift in regional security dynamics.

Ahmed Al-RashidMon May 11 2026Loading...

The U.S. Navy continues its naval blockade of Iranian ports in the Strait of Hormuz as tensions escalate with Iran, which has seized two cargo vessels. Diplomatic efforts for peace talks mediated by Pakistan are ongoing but uncertain. The situation has significant implications for global oil transit and regional security, with both sides viewing their actions as defensive measures.

Ahmed Al-RashidSat Apr 25 2026Loading...

Iran executed a strategy of maritime coercion in the Strait of Hormuz, limiting vessel transit to 15 per day during the ceasefire negotiations in Islamabad on April 10-11, 2023. The Iranian regime's actions threaten the peace process while its delegation faces internal fragmentation. Navigation instructions issued by Iran require ships to follow routes controlled by the IRGC Navy, indicating a significant reduction in maritime traffic.

Ahmed Al-RashidSun Apr 12 2026Loading...

In February 2026, Pakistan faced multiple security incidents, including coordinated attacks in Quetta and a suicide bombing in Islamabad, resulting in 216 militants, 22 security personnel, and 36 civilian deaths. This turmoil raises concerns about Pakistan's capacity to fulfill its security commitments under a recent defense agreement with Saudi Arabia, amidst claims of potential nuclear capabilities in the region. The situation highlights the structural contradictions in Pakistan's defense partnerships.

Ahmed Al-RashidThu Feb 12 2026Loading...