Mideast private equity down 38%, but higher-value deals dominate Saudi Arabia was the region’s most active market with 13 transactions, followed by the UAE with 12. Saudi Arabia
Iran snubs talks with US, to remain in NPT under conditions: What to know The news comes just one day after President Donald Trump told reporters that the US is "not going to allow" Iran to continue its nuclear enrichment. Iran
Fighter jets, frigates & drones: Turkey signs $5.85B in export deals at IDEF Turkey is expanding its defense exports with major deals in South Asia and East Asia at IDEF 2025. Turkey
Israel's Dermer in Washington for Gaza ceasefire, Iran talks: What to know Strategic Affairs Minister Ron Dermer, who serves as Israel's chief negotiator in talks with Hamas and on the Iranian file, arrived in Washington to discuss both issues with the Trump administration. Israel
Culture In rare appearance, Fairuz mourns son Ziad Rahbani as Lebanon bids farewell Legendary Lebanese singer Fairuz attended the funeral of her son, renowned composer and playwright, Ziad Rahbani, at a church in a town north of Beirut, in her first public appearance in years. Lebanon
Analysis Fitch maintains Saudi Arabia's A+ credit rating, but how secure is it? The kingdom's oil dependence, World Bank governance indicators and vulnerability to geopolitical shocks have improved but remain weaknesses, the ratings agency noted. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
