US President Donald Trump stated that a civil nuclear deal for Saudi Arabia is contingent on joining the Abraham Accords, a condition Riyadh has long rejected without a pathway to Palestinian statehood, immediately casting doubt on the agreement.
The US and Saudi Arabia signed a landmark deal for a civilian nuclear program in the Gulf country, with Washington insisting on non-proliferation safeguards. The agreement, signed by US Energy Secretary Chris Wright and Prince Abdulaziz bin Salman, lays the foundation for a multibillion-dollar partnership amidst US concerns over Iran's nuclear ambitions.
Russia confirmed it is in contact with Turkey regarding the S-400 missile systems, following reports that Turkey sold them to a Persian Gulf country. The Kremlin called the issue 'extremely sensitive' and stated contacts with Ankara will continue.
Turkey has reportedly sold its Russian-purchased S-400 missile systems to a Persian Gulf country, with an official announcement expected soon. The UAE and Qatar are rumored to be the buyers. This comes after Turkey's exclusion from the US F-35 program following the S-400 acquisition.
Asian economies are expected to exercise caution in buying Iranian oil despite a 60-day sanctions waiver, weighing compliance, financial risks, and potential US-Tehran hostilities. This comes as global markets seek cheaper energy, but refiners view the waiver as too short for complex legal requirements.
Kuwait and Bahrain report Iranian drone and missile attacks, with one fatality in Kuwait. The US military conducted "self-defence" strikes on Iran's Qeshm Island in response to earlier Iranian attacks. Diplomacy shows little progress amid escalating conflict.
Prime Minister Narendra Modi embarks on a five-nation tour starting Friday, with the UAE as his first stop. He will meet President Mohamed bin Zayed Al Nahyan to discuss bilateral and regional issues, including energy cooperation. This visit marks his first to a Gulf country since the West Asia conflict began.
