China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
Explainer King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. China
Trump’s Iran ‘economic D-Day’ threat sends oil prices above $94 In a Truth Social post, the president threatened that any country that provides a financial lifeline to Iran will face "tremendous economic consequences." Iran
Jordan's King Abdullah heads to China in first visit since 2015: What to know Ahead of the visit, King Abdullah said that Jordan hopes to expand cooperation with China in green energy, tourism and aviation. Jordan
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
China courts Gulf, BRICS allies as trade war with US escalates Since US President Donald Trump announced reciprocal tariffs on more than 180 countries on April 2, Beijing has stepped up engagement with Riyadh. China
Netanyahu set to meet Trump amid differences over Iran, tariffs and Turkey: What to know In a surprise move, the US president invited the Israeli prime minister to Washington at short notice to discuss his recent tariff decision, the Iranian file and other issues. United States
OPEC+ members boost output as Trump tariffs bring down oil prices The US president has been calling on Saudi Arabia and other top oil producers to boost production and bring down prices. Saudi Arabia
How Trump's latest tariffs impact the Middle East Gulf countries were relatively spared, with the US imposing only a 10% tariff, whereas other Middle Eastern nations are facing steeper trade penalties. Saudi Arabia
After major arms sales, Trump to visit Saudi Arabia, UAE, Qatar: What to know The president is urging Gulf countries to increase their investment in the US after a series of bilateral economic and defense deals in recent months. Saudi Arabia
Meet Karim Souaid, Lebanon’s new central bank chief with daunting mission The appointment of a new central bank governor comes nearly two years after the term of embattled governor Riad Salameh ended in July 2023. Lebanon
Gulf markets dip after Trump announces 25% automotive tariffs Donald Trump announced on Wednesday 25% tariffs on imported cars and light trucks entering the United States, set to take effect on April 2, further fueling the ongoing trade war and contributing to market volatility. Saudi Arabia
Egypt, China ink $1.65B deal for steel factories in Suez: What we know The deal was signed by Egypt’s General Authority of the Suez Canal Economic Zone and the Industrial Development Authority with Xin Feng Egypt Steel and its parent company, Xin Feng China as Cairo-Beijing ties grow closer. Egypt
Iran’s currency drops to more than 1 million rials to US dollar: What to know This is yet another record low for Iran’s currency, as the country navigates intense sanctions and US pressure. Iran
Ben & Jerry’s says CEO ousted by Unilever over activism: What to know In an ongoing legal battle, the ice cream maker and its parent company, Unilever, have locked horns over Ben & Jerry’s social activism and particularly its advocacy for Palestinians during the Gaza war. United States
Analysis US stock plunge poses dilemmas for Gulf investors while exposing PIF, Mubadala risks Middle East investors are bracing for steep losses and questioning about their long-term investments in America amid a drop in the US stock market. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Ukraine ceasefire showcases Saudi Arabia's diplomatic role under Trump Ahead of Ukraine's high-stakes negotiations over the Russia-Ukraine war with the US on Tuesday, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy met with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman on Monday. By Rosaleen Carroll , Jennifer Gnana