The Middle East also holds a significant role in global gas production
Shifting sands alter balance of power in Middle East
The region’s political situation and internal relationships are changing amid the growing influence of Russia and China
The Middle East can be divided into three categories of regional alliances: allies of Iran, allies of Saudi Arabia, and allies of Turkey. The allies of Iran consist of the Assad regime in Syria, Iraq’s federal government, Hamas and Islamic Jihad in Gaza, the Houthi rebels in Yemen and Hezbollah and the Amal Movement in Lebanon. All of these groups have been embroiled in internal crises, including territorial disintegration and political upheavals, as a result of regional competition. The allies of Saudi Arabia include the countries of the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)—excluding Qatar—as well as Egypt, Sudan and, to some extent, Jordan. Saudi Arabia also wields significant influence over Sun
Also in this section
4 December 2025
Time is running out for Lukoil and Rosneft to divest international assets that will be mostly rendered useless to them when the US sanctions deadline arrives in mid-December
3 December 2025
Aramco’s pursuit of $30b in US gas partnerships marks a strategic pivot. The US gains capital and certainty; Saudi Arabia gains access, flexibility and a new export future
2 December 2025
The interplay between OPEC+, China and the US will define oil markets throughout 2026
1 December 2025
The North African producer’s first bidding round in almost two decades is an important milestone but the recent extension suggests a degree of trepidation
