Analysis Iran’s China pivot deepens as Tehran's thaw with Saudi Arabia gets reality check At a Tehran trilateral meeting between China and Saudi Arabia, Iranian officials performed careful diplomatic choreography, seeking Beijing’s backing to revive the sluggish rapprochement with Riyadh and to reposition the Islamic Republic within shifting postwar dynamics. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
China, UAE to hold third air force drills as defense ties warm: What we know China and the United Arab Emirates are further deepening their defense and military ties with a third round of aerial exercises. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Iran uses first joint SCO field drill to tout drone power, assert post-war resilience The five-day drill includes participation from China, Russia, India, Pakistan, Belarus, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Tajikistan and Uzbekistan. Observer states Saudi Arabia, Azerbaijan and Iraq will also be present. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Saudi PIF eyes $27B Japan portfolio as kingdom courts Asian investment Saudi Arabia is strengthening economic ties with Asian countries as it pursues its economic transformation goals. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Beyond Boeing and Airbus: China’s C919 courts Gulf as aviation power dynamics shift By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
Analysis Iran's rebuke of Russia, China exposes cracks in its 'look to East' strategy By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
China provides grant to Syrian nonprofit The grant followed a phone conversation between Syrian President Bashar al-Assad and his counterpart, Xi Jinping, about China's global economic initiatives and reconstruction in Syria. News Brief
The Takeaway: Did Israeli PM help break deadlock over US weapons sale to UAE? Also: The Gulf and climate; Syrian refugees return from Belarus; Israel expands Golan settlements; Egypt wants assurances on gas pipeline; China-Ethiopia ties unsettle Egypt; Iran threatens sanctions on US; Building Sharjah … all in less than 1,200 words! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Intel: UAE suspends F-35 talks over US security demands Emirati officials head to the Pentagon on Wednesday for two days of strategic talks with Washington. United Arab Emirates
Syrian Olympic Committee takes China's side against US China is facing increased scrutiny in the sports world ahead of the Winter Olympics it is hosting next year, including calls to boycott the games and concern about female tennis star Peng Shuai. News Brief
Egypt's dispute with Chinese company stalls electric car production The manufacture of the first-ever locally made electric car in Egypt has hit a bump due to failed negotiations between the Egyptian Ministry of Trade and Industry and Dongfeng Motor Corporation regarding the agreement to manufacture the E70 electric car. Egypt
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
US pressures Israel on trade with China Washington is calling on Israel to change the way it monitors foreign investments in Israel, and Israel is likely to take appeasing measures. Israel
Chinese foreign minister in Qatar for talks with the Taliban Qatar has a history of mediation related to Afghanistan. News Brief
Friday prayers resume in Tehran amid fears of new virus surge Services were held some 20 months after coronavirus concerns forced Iranian Health Ministry officials to bar Muslim worshippers from attending Friday prayers. Iran
UAE, China discuss 'outstanding friendship' in call China is working on improving its relations with Gulf states, primarily focusing on development. News Brief
Chinese-operated port opens in Israel despite American concerns The Biden administration is relaying to Jerusalem the same fears expressed by former US administrations over Chinese investments in Israel. Israel
Egypt to receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses Only around 6% of Egypt is vaccinated against COVID-19, though confirmed cases remain relatively low. Egypt
