In China, Saudi investment minister looks to build on $100B+ trade ties China is the kingdom’s largest trade partner, with bilateral trade between the two reaching roughly $107.5 billion in 2024. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Chobani founder’s football foray sparks nationalist ire in Turkey Billionaire yogurt entrepreneur Hamdi Ulukaya has drawn criticism from Turkish nationalists after addressing citizens with a word seen by some as separatist. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
US envoys in Lebanon as Hezbollah balks at disarmament plan Israel said it was “ready to support” Lebanon’s efforts to disarm the militant group by year's end. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia escalates Arabic AI race with new state-backed chatbot The app is available only in Saudi Arabia, but the company plans to expand across the region and eventually globally. Saudi Arabia
Canada: Montreal port tied to Hezbollah car trade, presence in Americas The Canadian government said Hezbollah and Hamas, as well as Sikh nationalist groups, are receiving financial support originating from Canada. Lebanon
Iran turns to Russia ahead of E3 nuclear talks: What to know The meeting on Tuesday follows a call on Monday between Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian and Russian President Vladimir Putin, in which Putin expressed support for Iran's nuclear program and its upcoming talks. Iran
Israel, US rift with France widens as Paris rebukes US envoy: What to know In a letter to President Emmanuel Macron and published in the Wall Street Journal, US ambassador to France Charles Kushner said recognition of a Palestinian state would "endanger Jewish life in France." Israel
UAE president makes first-ever visit to Angola as part of Africa push The UAE president’s visit to Angola, his first, marks a major step in the already strong relations between the two nations. United Arab Emirates
UN Security Council renews Lebanon peacekeeping mission for one year The compromise vote gives Lebanon's army buffer time to meet US demands to fill security vacuum in the country's south before a planned withdrawal of UN peacekeepers in 2027. Lebanon
Turkey’s spy chief meets Libya's Hifter in surprise visit to Benghazi The surprise visit comes amid Ankara’s swiftly deepening thaw with eastern authorities after years of rivalry. Turkey
