While the rest of the world is mainly concerned about the energy disruptions caused by the Iran war, the Gulf countries are more anxious about the Islamic Republic’s threats to their desalination facilities. If the US attempts to seize Kharg Island, it could spell disaster for the region's "saltwater kingdoms." By Michael Christopher Low

Philanthropy's impact depends less on the amounts raised and more on how effectively it connects people and organisations working to build a sustainable blue economy. By Shaun Seow

As climate change and great-power rivalry intensify, oceans are emerging as a geopolitical frontier – testing whether diplomacy can manage rising tensions over shipping routes, seabed minerals and fishing grounds. By Hossain Ahmed Taufiq and Jonas Gamso

The world has started to recognise that the climate’s fate depends on what happens to the ocean. At COP30, ocean-based solutions attracted significant attention and investment, but much more must be done to establish the governance structures required for safeguarding this critical planetary system. By Kilaparti Ramakrishna