The Gulf Region

"Dr Sidharth Kaushal, a research fellow at the UK-based Royal United Services Institute, told the BBC the photos "probably prove" the tanker was attacked, but it was not clear what with. "

Gulf tanker attacks: Iran releases photos of 'attacked' ship

Saudi Arabia Under Attack

Michael Stephens

The attacks on oil installations in Saudi Arabia are grim reminders of Iran’s challenge to the entire Middle East, and the paucity of US options.

"“If he [the prince] does meet people it will have to be on the sidelines,” said Michael Stephens, a research fellow at the Royal United Services Institute in London. "

Will leaders shake his hand?

"“MBS needs to shore up regional support following an extremely difficult period, in which both his and the kingdom’s prestige and power have taken a serious blow,” said Michael Stephens, London-based RUSI research fellow for Middle East Studies. “It will no doubt be the first step in a series of measures to reassert his position on the world stage as a leader." "

Saudi Prince Visits Allies in First Trip Since Khashoggi Murder

"Saudi and Emirati overtures have two objectives: first to reduce the Iranian footprint in Syria and second to make sure Qatar and Turkey do not get ahead of Riyadh and Abu Dhabi in the pecking order of ties with Damascus. "

Why the UAE and Saudi Arabia are reaching out to Assad

Saudi Arabia and the Khashoggi Affair: What Should Key Western Governments Consider?

Michael Stephens

The uproar in the wake of the death of Jamal Khashoggi inside the Saudi consulate in Istanbul continues unabated. France, Germany and the UK are coordinating their responses, and are adopting a different approach from that of the US. But what are the considerations governing any action?