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
What to do about Iran’s expected budget deficit The impact of US sanctions on Iranian energy exports is bound to cause a budget deficit in Iran, with the Rouhani administration facing tough choices ahead. Iran
Russia may have designs on Iran's trade with Syria Observers wonder whether Russia will cut into Iran's trade volume with Syria. Syria
Turkey grapples with big trade deficit with China Amid Washington’s trade war on China, Ankara is also grumbling about a massive trade gap with Beijing, but a number of factors stand in Turkey's way to resolve the deficit. Turkey
After finalizing IMF loan, Egypt’s reforms target industrialization, exports An IMF mission, currently in Cairo to review Egypt’s economic reform program under a $12 billion loan, is focusing on the country’s plan to launch structural reforms, targeting the industrial and export sectors. Egypt
Iranian National Oil Company opens office in Iraq Tehran expands its economic and political influence in Iraq via its National Iranian Oil Company. Iraq
PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli electricity Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are about to sign an agreement under which the kingdom would supply electricity to the West Bank. Palestine
Istanbul election rerun brings Turkey fresh economic turmoil The cancellation of the opposition victory in the mayoral race in Istanbul has raised the specter of more trouble for the Turkish economy, which is already grappling with recession and currency-related tumult. Turkey
Egypt’s private sector to revamp 150 historic buildings in Cairo The Egyptian government is drawing up a plan to turn over historic buildings to the public sector to help refurbish them and rent them out Egypt
Will Gaza contractors be able to resolve their crisis? The losses incurred in the construction sector in the Gaza Strip since 2007 have prompted the Palestinian Contractors Union to plan a September exhibition with the goal of promoting this sector; success in this endeavor, however, may hinge on the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Boys' rescue from forest provides bright spot for Turks The rescue of two boys, ages 4 and 5, from a forest brought a modicum of hope the day after May Day to Turkish union members and others who have seen their buying power dwindle and are still seeing the nation's governing party trying to reverse the results of the March 31 Istanbul mayor election. Turkey
Intel: How Russia and Turkey are growing closer at US expense The April 30 phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan covered a broad range of topics, from trade to military cooperation to Syria, as the two countries continue to grow closer amid US-Turkey tensions. Syria
Russia consolidating its position in Iraq amid anti-Iran sanctions Russian and Iraqi officials convened in Baghdad for another bilateral commission session to discuss energy and security cooperation amid US anti-Iran sanctions. Iraq
