Middle East & North Africa

Between June 12 and 14, intense hostilities unfolded between Israel and Iran, with strikes severely weakening but not fully eliminating Iran’s nuclear capabilities. Proxy warfare dynamics shifted, with Iran-aligned groups remaining inactive or restrained due to strategic and operational hesitation. Power dynamics in the regions sharpened, specifically between Israel and Sunni Arab states, while Syria’s alignment remains uncertain under its transitional leadership.

Iraq is planning to build a trade corridor that connects the Persian Gulf to Europe via Iraq and Turkey The project faces domestic challenges due to sectarianism and corruption in Iraqi governance and disagreements with the Kurdish Regional Government.  Similar projects, such as the IMEC, are strong competitors aiming to fulfill the same purpose. 

The ripple effects of imposing tariffs on Middle Eastern countries go far beyond trade, straining diplomatic ties, disrupting local industries, and slowing regional growth. The imposition of US tariffs will make the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) countries grow at a slower pace.  Trump's new trade policies can accelerate the shift of Middle Eastern countries to Asian markets for business deals and position themselves as global economic hubs

• On January 22, President Trump re-designated Houthi as a Foreign Terrorist Organisation (FTO). ● It’s marking a specific U.S. approach to foreign policy. ● Yemen’s economy and humanitarian aid efforts face severe disruption under the Houthis’ FTO designation ● While Houthi leadership may not be directly affected, the Yemeni population and humanitarian organisations will bear the brunt of the consequences.

Main Question: How does the Middle East crisis impact European security? Argument: The conflict exacerbates societal tensions, strains migration systems, adds disinformation and polarization and strengthens Iran-Russia ties. Conclusion: A coordinated EU approach is crucial to address these challenges, balancing humanitarian aid, social cohesion, and geopolitical resilience.

What do these two plans entail, and what do they mean for the future of Palestine and its citizens? The two proposals for Gaza—Trump’s vision of transforming it into a luxury resort and Egypt’s reconstruction plan—offer different plans for the future of the Palestinian territory. In contrast, the Egyptian-led proposal prioritises the rebuilding of critical infrastructure in Gaza while ensuring Palestinians stay on their land, though uncertainties remain regarding governance and funding.

In early 2025, Saudi Arabia became a key venue for US, Russian, and Ukrainian talks on a partial Ukraine ceasefire and Black Sea security. In early 2025, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia hosted US, Russian, and Ukrainian officials for talks on a partial Ukraine ceasefire and Black Sea security.  Riyadh positions itself as a neutral mediator by balancing relations with both Russia and the US, boosting its global influence. 

This brief analyzes the Arab League's multifaceted reaction to the Gaza conflict, considering various potential outcomes.