Panorama of the weak: Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab Crisis, rising tensions in southern Syria

Arab newspapers published over the past week focused on the repercussions of the war on Iran, the crises surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab, Israeli moves in Sweida, efforts to rebuild the Syrian army, and the differing US and Iranian narratives.

Egypt’s Al-Ahram focused on developments surrounding the Strait of Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab. In an article titled “Between Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab… Who Will Emerge Victorious?”, the newspaper discussed an anticipated meeting between US President Donald Trump and regional leaders in New York, linking its outcome to the course of the war and the options facing Washington. The article said Hormuz had returned to the forefront of the conflict as one of the most important sources of leverage, while Bab al-Mandab had entered the broader confrontation equation.

In another article, titled “Hormuz and Bab al-Mandab at the Heart of the Escalation… Iran Threatens to Change the Geography of the War, While Trump Vows ‘Very Big’ Steps,” the newspaper examined Iranian threats to expand the scope of the confrontation, alongside Trump’s warnings of new options toward Tehran. Al-Quds Al-Arabi likewise addressed the issue in an article titled “US-Iran: A War Under the Ashes,” highlighting the connection between the two straits, the impact of escalation on energy security and maritime navigation, and the possibility of the war spreading to additional regional arenas.

Southern Syria in Focus

In Syria, the UAE-based Al-Khaleej newspaper focused in an editorial titled “What Is Israel Planning in Sweida?” on Israeli intervention in southern Syria. It noted that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu and Defense Minister Israel Katz have presented their military interventions as linked to “saving the Druze community.” The editorial raised questions about the objectives of Israel’s moves and their relationship with local groups and military developments along the border.

The newspaper also covered reports on the arming and training of factions in Sweida, linking developments in the province to broader Israeli moves in southern Syria. In the same context, An-Nahar examined the rebuilding of the Syrian army in an article titled “Despite Israel’s Opposition… Syrian Army Moves Toward Western Arms After Leadership Overcomes Obstacles.” The article addressed Israel’s position on restoring Syria’s military capabilities amid the country’s security and political changes.

Saudi Arabia and Iran: Different Sources of Power

Asharq Al-Awsat discussed the differing sources of power between the two countries in an article titled “Which Is More Powerful… Saudi Arabia or Iran?” It highlighted Riyadh’s focus on the economy, state institutions and investment, compared with Tehran’s greater reliance on military capabilities and regional networks of influence. The article questioned Iran’s ability to continue the war amid mounting military and economic pressure.

In another article, titled “Tehran… Rhetorical Escalation That Does Not Close the Door to Negotiations,” the newspaper examined Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian’s address to the United Nations, noting the combination of escalation toward Washington with efforts to keep dialogue open. It linked this approach to US-Iranian contacts in New York and discussions over lifting the blockade and reopening the Strait of Hormuz.

Al-Ahram, meanwhile, covered US President Donald Trump’s address to the UN General Assembly in an article titled “A Revealing Speech.” The article focused on the US position on the war and questioned the future of military operations in light of statements regarding the infliction of significant damage on Iran’s capabilities.

ANAH