Iranian officials trade blame as energy crisis, outages worsen: What to know Unplanned power outages across Tehran in February have brought Iran’s energy crisis back into the spotlight, particularly as the country grapples with the strain of the maximum pressure sanctions campaign placed upon it by the United States. Iran
US, Arab partners headed for clash over Gaza’s future The Trump administration says the onus is on Arab states to produce a postwar vision of their own after they rejected a plan for US ownership of the Gaza Strip. Egypt
Culture AL-Monitor Dubai: Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim at Maraya Art Center This week we spotlight an exhibition at Maraya Art Center in Sharjah featuring the work of prominent Emirati artist Mohamed Ahmed Ibrahim, who exhibited his work at the 59th International Venice Biennale in 2022. United Arab Emirates
Israeli officials urge Trump to fill vacuum left by Iran Sensing opportunity, Israeli strategists are asking the United States to redouble its engagement in the Middle East to capitalize on Hezbollah's collapse in Syria and Lebanon – and to end Iran's nuclear program once and for all. Iran
Syria arrests Hezbollah-linked smugglers in Damascus: What to know A crackdown on smuggling operations between Lebanon and Syria has intensified since the fall of Bashar al-Assad. Syria
Turkey slaps travel ban on 2 businessmen for criticizing dissident crackdown Two business leaders from the country’s largest industrialist group were banned from traveling internationally after a speech by the Turkish president criticizing the organization. Turkey
Why is Iran urging Qatar to release $6B in frozen oil payments? The payments, by South Korea for Iranian oil, were initially frozen in Seoul bank accounts in 2019, after the Trump administration increased sanctions on Iran, before transfer to Qatar. Qatar
Analysis Following Syria losses, Russia seeks to double down on Africa presence Following Assad’s fall, Russia has been expanding its influence in Africa by securing a naval base in Sudan and increasing its military presence in Libya to maintain strategic access to the Mediterranean and Red seas. By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics
Opponents of Syria’s new government meet in Geneva, criticize Sharaa: What we know The meeting was organized by longtime activist Haytham Manna and comes amid opposition to the interim government led by Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syria
