Gulf and Red Sea Regions

Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday (10 May) hosted in the Saudi city port of Jeddah the Emir of Qatar Sheikh Tamim bin Hamad Al Thani as the two countries put behind them past differences.

Intensive efforts are continuing as negotiations entered the fourth round in Vienna to bring Iran and the United States back to a nuclear agreement. Multiple reports suggest ‘positive’ developments coming out of Vienna as negotiators achieved a better understanding of difficulties that had prevailed in earlier rounds. These difficulties revolved around which sanctions are to be lifted and which measured are needed to be taken by Iran.

The Qatari Foreign Minister, Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman bin Jassim Al Thani, said that he welcomed any dialogue and positive spirit that concerns Iran's relations with the Gulf states and Saudi Arabia in particular. Al Thani stressed Doha's support for such dialogue and said he was certain that dialogue will have a significant impact on regional stability. 

The Emir of Kuwait, Sheikh Nawaf al-Ahmad al-Jaber al-Sabah, stressed in a speech yesterday evening (5 April) the importance that his country adheres to the democratic approach, and commits to meaningful dialogue. 

In another direct challenge to the internationally recognised government of Yemen, the Southern Transitional Council (STC) announced in a statement by its leader, Aidaroos Al-Zubaidi, that the "restoration" of the southern state is nearing.

In a recent wide-ranging interview Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince, Mohammed bin Salman, appeared to be reinterpreting – if not exactly redefining – the relationship between state and religion in the Kingdom. This is highly dangerous and uncharted territory for a Saudi leader, but something that is absolutely necessary if the Kingdom is to reinvent itself as a modern progressive state, whilst respecting the religious foundations which are part of its legacy and legitimacy.

Iran's Foreign Ministry on Thursday (29 April) welcomed Saudi Arabia's new positive tone towards Iran. During an interview on Tuesday (27 April), Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman's expressed his desire for dialogue and good relations between the two countries. 

US President Joe Biden will send a delegation to countries in the Middle East this week to discuss regional issues, according to Bloomberg News. The delegation will visit Saudi Arabia, the UAE, Egypt and Jordan.