Conflicting Claims

Israel’s foreign ministry issued a statement saying Netanyahu conducted the covert diplomatic mission to coordinate regional security strategy. The UAE officially denied the visit, stating that no records indicate Netanyahu was in the country.

Background

The Iran war period saw intense diplomatic activity among Middle Eastern nations over security and energy interests. Netanyahu has previously championed normalization agreements with several Arab states through the Abraham Accords framework.

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The UAE has successfully intercepted missiles and drones launched from Iran amid escalating regional tensions, according to multiple reports.

The interception occurred against the backdrop of the US-Iran exchange of fire in the Strait of Hormuz. The UAE, a key US ally in the region, relied on its air defense systems during the incident.

No details on casualties have been released. UAE officials have not yet issued a detailed statement on the interception operation.

The incident further highlights security challenges facing the Gulf region and concerns about Iranian military actions among neighboring states.

Latest Developments

• Ceasefire Status: Hegseth confirmed the ceasefire is holding for now
• Iran Attacks: Iran previously targeted UAE assets and vessels in the Strait of Hormuz
• US Response: The US has struck Iranian boats in response

Diplomatic Dynamics

Trump has again criticized Pope Leo’s stance on the Iran conflict, potentially complicating Secretary of State Rubio’s planned visit to the Vatican this week. Trump accused the pope of “endangering lives,” highlighting a divergence between the US administration and the Vatican on Iran policy.

What to Watch

• Whether the ceasefire can be sustained
• Shipping security in the Strait of Hormuz remains uncertain
• Whether Rubio’s Vatican visit will proceed as planned
• Global oil prices and supply chains continue to be affected by the situation

The growing rift between the UAE and Saudi Arabia is intensifying, with regional tensions over Iran and economic competition escalating. Analysts believe this divide could reshape Middle East geopolitics.

On May 5, 2026, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi strongly condemned a drone attack launched by Iran on the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone (FOIZ) in the United Arab Emirates. The attack injured at least three Indian nationals, prompting a strong response from the Indian government.

The Attack

According to Al Jazeera, on May 4, UAE military forces intercepted three drones and a missile incoming from the direction of Iran. One of the drones struck the Fujairah Oil Industry Zone, triggering a large fire and injuring three people. The facility is a critical oil storage and export hub in the UAE, playing a vital role in global energy supply chains.

UAE authorities confirmed the attack was caused by a drone originating from Iran. This marks one of the most significant security incidents in the region since the Iran war ceasefire agreement was signed.

India’s Response

India’s Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) spokesperson Randhir Jaiswal stated: “India condemns the attack on the Fujairah Petroleum Zone in the UAE, which resulted in injuries to three Indian nationals.”

PM Modi posted on social media: “I strongly condemn the attacks on the UAE. We are in close touch with the UAE authorities to ensure the well-being of affected Indian nationals. India calls on all parties to exercise restraint and resolve differences through dialogue.”

Freedom of Navigation in the Strait of Hormuz

India’s MEA specifically highlighted concerns about freedom of navigation in the Strait of Hormuz. Modi called for “free and unimpeded navigation via Hormuz,” reflecting India’s deep concern for shipping security in the region as a major energy importer.

Approximately 80% of India’s crude oil imports pass through the Strait of Hormuz, making the security of this waterway directly relevant to India’s energy supply and economic stability.

International Reactions

The attack has drawn widespread international attention. US President Donald Trump had previously warned that Iran would be “blown off the face of the earth” if Iranian forces targeted US Navy ships. US Central Command confirmed that US forces sank seven Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz that attempted to interfere with “Project Freedom.”

Analysts noted that Modi’s statement reflects India’s balanced diplomatic approach to Middle Eastern issues — condemning violence while calling for dialogue, and simultaneously safeguarding its own energy and economic interests in the region.

Source: The Hindu / The Financial Express / Al Jazeera

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on May 5, 2026, as US forces struck Iranian fast boats in the Strait of Hormuz while Iran simultaneously launched attacks on oil facilities in the United Arab Emirates.

Shipping giant Maersk confirmed that one of its US-flagged commercial vessels successfully exited the Strait of Hormuz under US military protection, marking a significant escalation from diplomatic standoff to direct military confrontation in the region.

The Strait of Hormuz at the Center

The Strait of Hormuz is one of the world’s most critical oil transit chokepoints, with approximately one-fifth of global oil supply passing through the waterway. Any threat to the security of this shipping lane could have profound implications for international energy markets.

Maersk stated that its vessel received military escort protection while navigating through the strait, ultimately exiting the area safely. This signals that shipping companies are beginning to adopt more cautious routing strategies.

Iran Targets UAE Oil Infrastructure

Coinciding with the US strikes on Iranian fast boats, Iran launched attacks on oil facilities in the UAE. As a major oil exporter, the security of UAE’s energy infrastructure is vital to the stability of global oil supply chains.

Detailed casualty reports are not yet available, but the attack marks an expansion in the scope of the conflict, extending beyond direct US-Iran confrontation to strikes on third-country infrastructure.

International Concern Grows

The United Nations and multiple countries have expressed serious concern over the rapid escalation in the Middle East. Analysts warn that if the conflict continues to expand, it could trigger a broader regional war and severely disrupt global energy supplies.

The international community is urging all parties to exercise restraint and resolve disputes through diplomatic channels to prevent further deterioration of the situation.

Tensions in the Middle East escalated sharply on May 4, 2026, as the United Arab Emirates announced it had come under Iranian attack for the first time since a fragile ceasefire took hold in early April. The UAE Defense Ministry said Iran launched four cruise missiles, three of which were shot down and one of which fell into the sea. Separately, an Iranian drone sparked a fire at a key oil facility in the eastern emirate of Fujairah.

U.S. Launches Project Freedom

The attacks came hours after the United States announced the launch of “Project Freedom” — a new initiative to restore maritime traffic through the Strait of Hormuz. President Donald Trump announced on Sunday that the U.S. Navy would begin providing military escorts for foreign merchant vessels trapped in the strait. The U.S. Central Command confirmed that two American-flagged merchant ships successfully transited the strait on Monday, with guided-missile destroyers assisting in the Persian Gulf.

Trump framed the operation in humanitarian terms, designed to aid stranded seafarers aboard hundreds of ships stuck in the Persian Gulf since the war began in late February. He warned that Iranian efforts to block the ships “will, unfortunately, have to be dealt with forcefully.”

Iran’s Response

Iran’s military command said ships passing through the strait must coordinate with Iranian authorities. Maj. Gen. Ali Abdollahi warned through state broadcaster IRIB: “We warn that any foreign military force — especially the aggressive U.S. military — that intends to approach or enter the Strait of Hormuz will be targeted.”

Iran’s state-run IRNA news agency dismissed the U.S. effort as part of Trump’s “delirium.” Iranian news agencies including the semiofficial Fars and ILNA reported that Iran had struck a U.S. vessel near an Iranian port southeast of the strait. The U.S. military denied the claim.

Global Implications

Fujairah serves as the terminus of a pipeline the UAE uses to bypass the Strait of Hormuz for some of its oil exports. The emirate on the Gulf of Oman houses extensive oil storage facilities and is a critical hub for regional energy infrastructure. The attack raised fresh concerns about global energy supply security.

Since Iran effectively took control of the strait following the U.S.-Israeli military operation in late February, countries in Europe and Asia that depend on Persian Gulf oil and gas have faced severe supply constraints, driving prices far beyond the region.

Jakob Larsen, head of security for the Baltic and International Maritime Council (BIMCO), noted that no formal guidance about the U.S. operation had been issued to the shipping industry, raising questions about sustainability. The Joint Maritime Information Center urged mariners to coordinate with Omani authorities and warned that passage near usual routes should be considered “extremely hazardous.”

The South Korean government reported an explosion and fire aboard a South Korean-operated ship anchored in the strait off the UAE, with no injuries reported. The UAE also accused Iran of targeting a tanker linked to its main oil company with two drones.

Sources: AP News | CBS News | France 24

OPEC+ convened on May 3 for its first ministerial meeting since the United Arab Emirates’ surprise withdrawal from the oil cartel, in what analysts see as a critical test of the alliance’s cohesion amid unprecedented global energy market volatility.

The UAE announced its exit from OPEC+ earlier this week, sending shockwaves through oil markets. As the cartel’s third-largest producer, the UAE’s departure removes a key player from the global supply coordination mechanism. The move is widely viewed as reflecting deep-seated disagreements among producers over output quotas and long-term strategy.

According to sources familiar with the discussions, OPEC+ is planning to raise production quotas at this meeting despite the de facto blockade of the Strait of Hormuz. The proposal has drawn skepticism from market observers: with global energy supply already under severe strain from the Iran crisis, the wisdom of a production increase is being debated.

CNBC reports that some OPEC+ members argue that pre-announcing a production hike — even while Hormuz passage remains restricted — could signal “adequate supply” to markets and help cap further oil price surges. Critics, however, warn the move could be interpreted as evidence of internal disunity, further eroding market confidence.

International oil prices have continued climbing due to the Iran conflict and Hormuz Strait crisis, with Brent crude breaching $125 per barrel. Global stock markets remain volatile as investors closely watch OPEC+ decisions for their broader impact on energy geopolitics.

The outcome of this meeting will directly shape global oil supply expectations for the coming months, with ripple effects on US inflation pressures, European energy security, and the economic outlook for emerging market nations.

Sources: Bloomberg, CNBC

On May 2, 2026, the UAE’s General Civil Aviation Authority (GCAA) officially announced that normal air traffic operations have fully resumed across the country. Temporary precautionary aviation restrictions imposed since the outbreak of the Iran war on February 28 have been lifted.

According to a statement released by the UAE’s state news agency WAM, the GCAA expressed appreciation for the cooperation of passengers and airlines during the recent period of restrictions.

Despite the return to normal operations, the GCAA emphasized that continuous real-time monitoring remains in place to uphold the highest standards of safety and efficiency. Authorities reiterated that safeguarding airspace security and ensuring smooth air traffic flow remain top priorities.

This decision marks a significant step for Middle East aviation after more than two months of war-related disruptions. Since late February, the Iran war prompted multiple countries to close their airspace or impose flight restrictions. As a major global aviation hub, the UAE’s restrictions had widespread impacts on international flights.

Major carriers including Emirates and Etihad Airways are expected to gradually restore their normal flight schedules. Previously, due to airspace closures and route diversions, numerous international flights were forced to reroute or cancel, causing significant disruptions to passenger travel and cargo logistics.

Aviation analysts note that the UAE’s return to normal operations will further ease air transport pressures in the Middle East and contribute to regional economic recovery. However, given the continued uncertainty in the regional security situation, airlines may maintain a degree of operational flexibility in the short term.

The ceasefire in the Iran war created conditions for the UAE to normalize its aviation operations. However, ongoing conflicts in Lebanon and elsewhere suggest that the broader Middle East security environment remains fragile.

Source: The National | Khaleej Times | Wikipedia Current Events

Abu Dhabi — The United Arab Emirates announced on Thursday that it will exit the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a decision that sent shockwaves through global energy markets. As OPEC’s third-largest oil producer, the UAE’s departure will profoundly alter the organization’s production quota system and the global crude oil supply landscape.

Analysts point out that the UAE’s decision is closely tied to its energy strategy adjustments during the Iran war. The conflict has disrupted navigation through the Strait of Hormuz, prompting the UAE to seek greater autonomy in its energy exports. After leaving OPEC, the UAE will no longer be bound by the organization’s production quotas and will be free to determine its own crude oil production and export strategy.

Meanwhile, ceasefire negotiations between the U.S. and Iran remain at an impasse. Despite the Trump administration declaring that military operations have been “terminated,” the two sides still have serious分歧 on key issues such as nuclear programs and sanctions relief. According to AP News, Iran previously offered to reopen the Strait of Hormuz if the U.S. lifted its blockade and ended the war, but Washington has not yet responded definitively.

In markets, international oil prices showed volatility following the announcement. Brent crude was quoted at $106.33 per barrel, up 1.2%. The U.S. 10-year Treasury yield remained at 4.39%. U.S. stock futures edged slightly higher, with Dow futures up 0.11% and S&P 500 futures up 0.16%.

Energy analysts warn that the UAE’s exit from OPEC could trigger a chain reaction among other member states, particularly Gulf producers dissatisfied with production quotas. If more countries follow suit, OPEC’s influence over global oil prices could be significantly weakened.

Source: AP News | CNBC

April 29, 2026 — The United Arab Emirates’ plan to leave the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and strike out alone is being viewed as a massive blow to the organisation, with one analyst describing it as “the beginning of the end of OPEC.”

The announcement comes at a time of significant volatility in the oil market, with the US-Israel conflict with Iran triggering the biggest loss of oil supply on record, according to the World Bank.

What Is OPEC?

OPEC was formed in 1960 by Iran, Iraq, Kuwait, Saudi Arabia, and Venezuela to defend the interests of major oil exporters by coordinating production to ensure steady revenue for its members.

In addition to its five founding members, OPEC currently includes Algeria, Equatorial Guinea, Gabon, Libya, Nigeria, and the Republic of the Congo. In 2016, when oil prices were particularly low, OPEC joined forces with 10 other oil producers, including Russia, to create the wider OPEC+ alliance.

How Does OPEC Influence Oil Prices?

OPEC aims to influence the global price of oil by agreeing how much its members sell. When they increase production, the goal is to lower prices by ensuring ample supply; when they cut production, the aim is to keep prices high when demand is lower.

In October 1973, Arab oil producers placed an embargo on countries led by the US, causing oil prices to more than double and triggering fuel rationing. More recently, during the coronavirus pandemic, OPEC+ slashed production to boost prices.

UAE Is OPEC’s Third-Biggest Oil Exporter

Based on 2025 data, the UAE exports approximately 2.88 million barrels of crude oil per day, trailing only Saudi Arabia (6.43 million bpd) and Iraq (3.26 million bpd). The UAE’s departure will directly reduce OPEC’s ability to control supply in the global market.

OPEC’s Enforcement Challenges

Maurizio Carulli, global energy analyst at Quilter Cheviot, notes that OPEC’s influence on oil prices has historically been “variable” because individual members “often do not actually respect the commitment” — either overproducing to gain greater market share or underproducing due to technical difficulties. He cited instances of Kazakhstan and the UAE itself exceeding agreed production levels.

The UAE’s exit could trigger a chain reaction, further weakening OPEC+’s coordination ability and market influence at a time when global oil markets are already under severe stress.

Source: BBC News

The United Arab Emirates has announced it will leave the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the wider OPEC+ alliance next month, ending nearly six decades of membership dating back to 1967. The UAE stated the decision would help it meet growing global energy demand in the long term.

The exit is being viewed as a significant blow to the cartel. Saul Kavonic, head of energy research at MST Financial, described the departure as “the beginning of the end” for OPEC. “With the UAE leaving, OPEC loses about 15% of its capacity and one of its most compliant members,” he said.

The move is also seen as a win for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has previously attacked OPEC for “ripping off the rest of the world.” In January, he called on Saudi Arabia and other OPEC nations to “bring down the cost of oil” and doubled down on threats to impose tariffs. The UAE’s departure also opens the door for closer ties between the two countries.

According to the latest OPEC figures, the UAE produced 2.9 million barrels of oil per day in 2024, compared to Saudi Arabia’s 9 million barrels as the cartel’s de facto leader. Experts suggest the UAE could boost its oil production by approximately 1 million barrels per day outside of OPEC.

The UAE’s energy minister said that operating without the group’s production quotas would give the country greater flexibility. The Gulf state has invested heavily in expanding its production capacity but has long chafed under OPEC’s output restrictions.

The World Bank has simultaneously warned that the war in the Middle East has caused the biggest loss of oil supply on record. World Bank chief economist Indermit Gill noted that energy prices will rise by about a quarter on average this year, and it could take six months for shipping through the key Strait of Hormuz to return to pre-war levels.

Professor David Elmes of Warwick Business School pointed out that the UAE has one of the lowest break-even prices for its oil — nearly half that of Saudi Arabia — meaning it can remain profitable even at lower price points. “So the UAE wants to sell more and is less concerned with keeping prices high,” he said.

David Oxley, chief climate and commodities economist at Capital Economics, warned that the UAE’s departure could lead to lower oil prices but higher market volatility in coming decades. The implications could be far more significant if other member states follow suit, or if Russia and Saudi Arabia decide to ramp up production in response.

Source: BBC News

On April 28, 2026, the United Arab Emirates officially announced its withdrawal from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), a decision widely seen as a major blow to the world’s largest oil-producing alliance that could reshape the global energy landscape.

The Announcement and Its Rationale

In a statement, the UAE’s Ministry of Energy said the decision to leave OPEC aims to “help the country meet growing global energy demand in the long term.” The Gulf state has made significant investments in boosting its oil production capacity and seeks greater flexibility in its energy policy.

The UAE’s Energy Minister noted that being a country with no obligations under the OPEC framework would give it “more flexibility” in setting its energy strategy. This means the UAE will be free to expand or reduce its oil production independently, without being bound by the collective output agreements of the cartel.

“The Beginning of the End of OPEC”

A senior oil market analyst described the UAE’s departure as “the beginning of the end of OPEC.” This assessment reflects deep concerns about the organization’s future influence.

Since its founding in 1960, OPEC has been one of the most important coordinating bodies in the global oil market. The organization has influenced global oil prices by coordinating member production levels, playing a pivotal role in global economics and energy security. However, in recent years, OPEC’s market control has weakened significantly, driven by the surge in U.S. shale oil output and growing divisions among member states.

The UAE’s exit further erodes this influence. As a major OPEC producer with daily output exceeding 3 million barrels, the UAE’s departure means the cartel loses a key participant in its production coordination mechanism.

A Win for Trump

The UAE’s decision is also seen as a policy victory for U.S. President Donald Trump, who has repeatedly criticized OPEC in the past, accusing the organization of “ripping off the rest of the world.” In January, he asked Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members to lower oil prices to ease global energy cost pressures.

Analysts suggest the UAE’s exit from OPEC could pave the way for closer energy and economic ties between the UAE and the United States. This shift may give Washington greater influence in shaping global energy policy.

Market Implications

While the UAE’s departure is unlikely to have an immediate impact on current oil embargoes and prices, its long-term consequences could be profound. BBC Business Editor Faisal Islam analyzed that “it will change everything afterwards.”

Global oil markets will closely monitor the reactions of Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members in the coming weeks, as well as the direction of the UAE’s independent production policy.

Source: BBC News - UAE to quit oil cartel Opec; BBC Analysis - Why UAE’s exit from Opec is a big deal

The United Arab Emirates (UAE) officially announced on April 28, 2026, that it is withdrawing from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the broader OPEC+ alliance, a decision that deals a significant blow to the oil cartel at a time when global energy markets are already under severe strain.

Exit Context: Strait of Hormuz Crisis

The UAE’s departure comes amid the ongoing Strait of Hormuz shipping crisis triggered by the Iran war. The world’s most critical oil transit route — carrying approximately 20% of global daily oil shipments — is currently severely disrupted, with Gulf producers struggling to export their petroleum.

Analysts note that the UAE is seeking greater production flexibility. Under the OPEC+ framework, member states are bound by production quotas, but the UAE has significantly expanded its oil production capacity in recent years and wants the freedom to set its own output levels. The current Hormuz crisis intensifies this imperative — even if the strait reopens, shipping insurance costs could surge to 20 times pre-war levels.

Impact on OPEC

As OPEC’s third-largest producer with daily output of approximately 3 million barrels, the UAE’s departure weakens OPEC+’s collective production coordination capacity and deepens fissures within the organization. Saudi Arabia, OPEC’s de facto leader, has already been struggling to balance market share and price stability objectives, and the UAE’s exit compounds these challenges.

According to The Washington Post, the withdrawal is described as “a blow to Saudi Arabia.” OPEC+, formed in 2016, has coordinated member production to stabilize global oil prices, but internal tensions have escalated in recent years, with multiple members dissatisfied with quota allocations.

Market Reaction

Following the announcement, international oil prices showed significant volatility. Brent crude and WTI futures both rose during intraday trading, reflecting market expectations of potentially major changes in global oil supply dynamics.

Energy analysts warn that the UAE’s exit could trigger a domino effect, with other quota-dissatisfied members potentially considering similar moves. This would have profound implications for global energy market stability and the future of OPEC+.

Geopolitical Implications

The UAE’s decision is not merely economic but reflects deep shifts in Middle Eastern geopolitics. Against the backdrop of the Iran war, Gulf states are reassessing their security strategies and energy policies. The UAE is seeking to reduce its dependence on collective security frameworks while pursuing greater autonomy on the international stage.

The UN Secretary-General has previously warned that the US-Iran standoff in the Strait of Hormuz risks triggering a global food emergency, underscoring the worldwide ramifications of regional instability. The UAE’s exit further complicates an already tense situation.

Sources: Al Jazeera | The New York Times | Fox Business

The United Arab Emirates announced on April 28 that it will formally withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) on May 1, ending nearly six decades of membership that began in 1967. The shock deal is seen as a potential death knell for the cartel that coordinates production among the world’s largest oil producers.

Background: Iran Attacks and the Hormuz Crisis

CNBC reported that the announcement comes after the UAE has been the target of missile and drone attacks for weeks by fellow OPEC member Iran. Tehran’s attacks on shipping in the Strait of Hormuz have severely constrained the UAE’s ability to export oil, directly threatening the foundation of its economy. As OPEC’s third-largest producer behind Saudi Arabia and Iraq, the UAE’s departure further shrinks the cartel’s global market share.

Ambitions for Capacity Expansion

UAE Energy Minister Suhail Al Mazrouei told CNBC that the UAE’s exit is aimed at gaining greater freedom of action to pursue its goal of achieving 5 million barrels per day of production capacity by 2027. He explicitly denied that the decision was a response to years of production cuts led by Saudi Arabia.

“This has nothing to do with any of our brothers or friends within the group,” Al Mazrouei said. “We’ve been working together for years and years. We have the highest respect for the Saudis for leading OPEC.”

“Least Disruptive” Timing

Al Mazrouei emphasized that the UAE chose to exit at the “least disruptive” time: “Our exit at this time is the right time for it, because it will have a minimum impact on the price and it will have a minimum impact on our friends at OPEC and OPEC+.”

The UAE Energy Ministry said in a written statement that the country concluded leaving the organization was in its national interest following a comprehensive review of its production policy and capacity. The statement reaffirmed the UAE’s commitment to market stability and its intention to continue cooperating with producers and consumers.

Global Market Reaction

International oil prices fluctuated following the announcement. Analysts suggest the UAE’s departure could trigger a chain reaction, particularly if other producers dissatisfied with OPEC production quotas follow suit. BBC analysis noted that the UAE’s decision could mark the beginning of the end for OPEC as an effective cartel.

The UAE joined OPEC in 1967, just seven years after the organization was founded. Over nearly six decades, the Gulf state played an influential role in OPEC’s decisions, particularly in coordinating production policy among Middle Eastern oil producers.

Source: CNBC | BBC | Reuters

The United Arab Emirates officially announced on April 28, 2026, through state media that it will withdraw from the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and its broader alliance OPEC+, effective May 1. This marks the most significant member departure since OPEC’s founding in 1960 and carries profound implications for global energy markets and geopolitical dynamics.

The UAE stated that the withdrawal decision was driven by “national interests.” Multiple news outlets report that the UAE plans to gradually increase its crude oil production, freeing itself from OPEC+ output quotas. As OPEC’s third-largest producer with approximately 3 million barrels per day, the UAE’s departure will significantly weaken OPEC+’s grip on global oil supply.

The announcement comes against the backdrop of an escalating Iran war and heightened tensions in the Strait of Hormuz. CNN described the UAE’s exit as “a major blow to the world’s leading oil exporters group.” The Guardian noted it represents “a win for Trump as the oil cartel is weakened.”

Energy analysts warn the move could trigger a cascade effect. With the Iran war intensifying uncertainty around Middle Eastern energy supplies, other OPEC members may also reassess their positions within the alliance. Oil markets reacted swiftly to the news, with international crude prices surging and energy stocks outperforming on Wall Street.

OPEC+, established in 2016, has served as the most critical coordination mechanism in the global crude market. The UAE’s departure not only strips the organization of a major producer but also threatens to erode trust within the alliance, making future production coordination increasingly difficult.

Source: Reuters, Al Jazeera, CNN