Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa Ukraine alleges the vessel unloaded wheat taken from occupied territories in Haifa, while Israel says ship had not entered the port. Israel
UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
India works to boost influence in Iran as Beijing-Tehran ties warm India is seeking to remain involved in the development projects at Iran's ports, especially since Chabahar Port helps India gain access to an important geopolitical region. Iran
Turkey eyes economic gains in backing Azerbaijan against Armenia Turkey and Azerbaijan often describe their relationship as “one nation, two states,” but their economic exchanges have remained relatively small despite their close political and ethnic bonds. Turkey
Iranian currency dips to historic low amid sanctions, pandemic, foreign policy decisions Iran has seen the rial’s value fall by almost half this year as the currency now stands at a record low against the US dollar, triggered by ongoing sanctions, coronavirus restrictions and, according to some experts, Iran's foreign policy adventures since the 1979 revolution. Iran
Syria resumes commercial flights out of Damascus The first international flight in six months departed today for Cairo. Syria
Egypt cracks down on Syrian businesses allegedly tied to Brotherhood Egypt is going after certain Syrian businesses that have flourished, citing national security. Egypt
Significant challenges face Kadhimi’s economic reform project The economic reform project that Mustafa al-Kadhimi's government is supposed to propose soon faces great challenges related to the need to get parliament’s approval before taking any step. Iraq
Will Suez Canal feel impact of UAE-Israel normalization? The potential economic agreements between the United Arab Emirates and Israel may reduce traffic through Egypt’s Suez Canal. United Arab Emirates
Kenya taxes Egyptian imports raising specter of African trade war Kenya has decided to impose taxes on the imports coming from Egypt, following its unilateral retreat from the COMESA agreement. Egypt
Israel’s Gulf diplomacy and its discontents As Israel and its new regional partners begin trade talks, Palestinians, Israeli Arabs and the Israeli left are on the sidelines. United Arab Emirates
COVID-19 and the marginalization of Iranian women COVID-19 has adversely impacted many segments of society across the globe, including Iranian women. Some fear the damage will be permanent. Originals
Iranian tourism drops to 'near-zero levels' due to coronavirus The coronavirus pandemic is choking Iran’s tourism industry as the number of foreign tourists drops to an all-time low, prompting record layoffs and reducing income to near-zero levels. Iran
Algerians warn EU trade agreement could further decimate economy As the free trade accord goes into effect this weak, Algeria fears the consequences could be devastating. Algeria