Feature Cheap oil, tighter finances, wars constrained Mid East economies in 2025 Low oil prices, tighter financial conditions and elevated geopolitical risk hampered growth across much of the Middle East and North Africa this year. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Egypt’s $35B Israel gas deal buys time, tests fragile energy partnership The agreement is a critical stopgap as Cairo grapples with domestic power demands, but the last two years have tested Egypt-Israel energy cooperation in unprecedented ways. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Iran currency plunges to historic low amid factional blame game As Iran's judiciary publicly rebukes the central bank over the rial's collapse, the currency crisis is no longer economic and is fast becoming a test of political accountability and regime stability. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Yemeni ministries declare support for STC campaign as Gulf tensions flare Yemen's Saudi-backed government criticized the statements in support of the Southern Transitional Council, which is supported by the UAE, as Gulf states deliberate on how to move forward. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Questions abound as Iranians claim US Treasury licensing plane sales to Iran The US Treasury Department is reportedly finally moving on issuing the necessary licenses for airplane sales to Iran after a long period of inactivity. United States
Iran’s police step in to contain foreign currency debacle Iranian police enter the fray to contain an emerging foreign exchange crisis. Iran
PA must take difficult road to financial freedom from Israel Despite deciding to sever economic ties with Israel, the Palestinian Authority has yet to show it's willing to take the difficult steps that are essential to achieving economic independence. Palestine
Iran, Azerbaijan warm up ties after years of frost While Iran and Azerbaijan have had relatively chilly relations in past decades, the two neighbors finally appear to be on the path to closer ties. Iran
Long-awaited bankruptcy law sparks optimism in Egypt The Egyptian parliament passed a new bankruptcy law to regulate the restructuring of viable but troubled companies, in a move experts say will boost the economy. Egypt
Will the Palestinian Authority dump the shekel? Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas is taking steps toward complete disengagement from Israel, including examining replacing the Israeli shekel. Palestine
Gaza businesses forced to close The economic and humanitarian crises in the Gaza Strip have left stores with no option but to shut down. Palestine
Assad, Turkey hamper US assistance for Syria The Assad regime’s territorial gains and the Turkish offensive in Afrin are conspiring to keep the world’s largest aid donor on the sidelines. Syria
Can Tunisia’s economy be saved? Due to financial crisis, Tunisia's foreign currency reserves have hit a record low, and some goods have been banned from importation. Tunisia
Dropping interest rates could increase inflation in Iran While high interest rates continue to keep liquidity locked into bank deposits, a nonholistic approach to job creation could lead lower interest rates to simply result in the return of high inflation. Iran
As US disengages in North Africa, France's Macron looks to boost his profile During his visit to Tunisia, French President Emmanuel Macron vowed to bolster the country’s faltering economy. Tunisia
MBS plans first US visit since becoming Saudi crown prince Saudi Arabia’s economic transformation is high on the agenda for the upcoming trip. Saudi Arabia
