Azerbaijan's Middle-Power moment

Nearly two million Muslims gather in Saudi Arabia for Hajj pilgrimage

As dawn broke on Monday, pilgrims began arriving at the sacred site of Mina west of Mecca, marking the start of Hajj - one of the most significant spiritual journeys in Islam.

U.S.-Saudi nuclear pact faces criticism over weaker safeguards, lawmakers warn

A proposed nuclear cooperation agreement between the United States and Saudi Arabia is facing criticism from Democratic lawmakers and non-proliferation experts, who say the deal lacks the strongest safeguards designed to prevent the spread of nuclear weapons.

Pakistan deploys 8,000 troops and fighter jets to Saudi Arabia under defence pact

Pakistan has deployed around 8,000 troops, fighter jets and air defence systems to Saudi Arabia under a mutual defence agreement, according to security officials and government sources familiar with the arrangement.

UAE exit from OPEC signals deeper Gulf rift beyond oil markets

The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) exit by the United Arab Emirates has largely been viewed through a narrow economic lens: higher Emirati output, potential increases by Saudi Arabia and others to protect market share, and downward pressure on global prices.

OPEC+ countries release third batch of oil supplies since Hormuz closure

Kazakhstan, Russia, Saudi Arabia and other key OPEC+ countries have agreed a paper-based modest oil output hike for next month, raising the output targets to 188,000 barrels a day in June.

Gulf states eye cheap Ukrainian interceptor drone as Iranian attacks drain missile stocks

Gulf states including Saudi Arabia and the UAE are exploring a $2,500 Ukrainian-designed interceptor drone as a cheaper way to counter Iranian attacks that are depleting stockpiles of U.S.-made missiles, a Japanese firm marketing the technology overseas told Reuters.

Third Turkish vessel exits Strait of Hormuz as 12 ships await clearance

The third Turkish-owned vessel has departed the Persian Gulf via the Strait of Hormuz, Transport Minister Abdulkadir Uraloğlu said on Monday.

South Korea envoy to visit Kazakhstan, Oman and Saudi Arabia to secure oil supplies

In an urgent response to escalating global energy instability, South Korean Presidential Chief of Staff Kang Hoon-sik announced on Tuesday that he will embark on a high-stakes diplomatic tour to Kazakhstan, Oman, and Saudi Arabia.

Middle East conflict sends shockwaves through Kenya's tea industry

A war in the Middle East might seem far removed from a cup of tea in Nairobi or a farmer’s field in Kericho. Yet the connection is real, and it is already disrupting Kenya’s tea industry in ways that are becoming impossible to ignore.

Afghanistan and Pakistan pause operations for Eid amid regional mediation

As Afghans celebrate Eid, there is at least some relief, with Afghanistan and Pakistan pausing military operations following mediation by Saudi Arabia, Qatar and Türkiye after weeks of tension.

Ukraine seeks funding and technology in exchange for Middle East drone support

Ukraine wants money and technology in return for helping Middle Eastern nations that have sought its expertise as they defend against Iranian kamikaze drones, President Volodymyr Zelenskyy said, after Kyiv sent specialists to the region.

Iran conflict slashes Middle East tourism, costing $600M daily

The escalating conflict between the U.S., Israel and Iran is already hitting the Middle East travel and tourism sector hard, with the World Travel & Tourism Council (WTTC) estimating losses of at least $600 million per day in international visitor spending.

U.S. embassy in Riyadh hit by drones, Saudi defence ministry says

The U.S. embassy in Riyadh was hit by two drones resulting in a limited fire and some material damage, the kingdom's defence ministry said in a post on X on Tuesday, citing an initial assessment.

Saudi Aramco shuts Ras Tanura oil refinery after Iran's drone attack

Saudi Arabia’s state oil giant Saudi Aramco closed its Ras Tanura refinery on Monday following an Iranian drone strike, an industry source told Reuters as Tehran retaliated across the Gulf after a U.S.-Israeli attack on Iranian targets over the weekend.

U.S. envoy's Israel remarks draw regional condemnation

Comments by U.S. Ambassador to Israel Mike Huckabee suggesting that Israel had a biblical right to much of the Middle East drew condemnation over the weekend from countries across the region, which described the remarks as “dangerous and inflammatory”.

AnewZ Morning Brief - 8 February, 2026

Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for the 8th of February, covering the latest developments you need to know.