Kuwait and Bahrain have both confirmed the first cases of coronavirus.
Health ministries of both countries confirmed that the infections - four people, including a Saudi and Bahraini national - were linked to recent travels to Iran, where the death toll from the COVID-19 has risen to 12.
Meanwhile, Iraq has shut its Safwan border crossing with Kuwait, amidst fears over the spread of coronavirus.
US military says it's completed 13th consecutive night of strikes on Iran
The US military said on Thursday night it had carried out a fresh wave of strikes on Iranian military targets, marking the 13th consecutive night of American attacks.
Saudi-owned vessel targeted in Red Sea, crew safe, state news agency says
Saudi Arabian state news agency on Thursday confirmed that tanker Encelia was ablaze after an assault while sailing in the Red Sea.
Rubio says US committed to helping end Ukraine war after meeting Lavrov
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said on Thursday that the United States remains prepared to play a "constructive role" in helping bring an end to the war in Ukraine, following talks with Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov on the sidelines of an ASEAN gathering in Manila.
India's Modi promises fast-track courts on exam leaks, protesters want minister to quit
Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi said on Thursday that "fast-track" courts would be set up to prosecute those behind exam paper leaks, his first public response after days of youth protests demanding the resignation of the education minister.
Venezuela quakes caused $19.6 billion in damage, World Bank report shows
Two earthquakes that rocked Venezuela on June 24 caused $19.6 billion in direct physical damage, but the cost of rebuilding could be twice that much or more, the World Bank said in an early assessment released on Thursday.
