Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction? As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction. Syria
Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted. Iran
Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
Analysis US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Deals and data: Saudi Crown Prince brings growing AI ambitions on US visit By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UAE and Japan agree to visa-free travel The two countries also recently pledged to boost economic, industrial and energy cooperation. United Arab Emirates
Gazan workers fall prey to brokers claiming to offer work permits Amid the poor economic conditions and as thousands of Gazans seek to obtain work permits inside Israel, fraudulent brokers have spread in the besieged enclave claiming to be able to secure permits. Palestine
Egypt venture capital firm for startups develops solutions to climate change The Climate Resilience Fund targets nature-positive and sustainable projects that address mainly land and sea misuse. Egypt
Egypt's released political prisoners get economic aid A presidential initiative puts former political detainees on economic track after their release. Egypt
Egypt freezes Russian MIR payments to avoid US sanctions Acceptance of MIR bank cards would have eased Russian tourists’ payments inside Egyptian hotels and resorts. Egypt
Egypt claims wheat self-sufficiency despite Ukraine war Over the past three months, Egypt has bought 3.5 million tons of wheat from local farmers as it works to achieve self-sufficiency and weather the effects of the global crisis caused by the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Egyptian pound hits nominal record low ahead of IMF deal The global economic storm has put a lot of pressure on the local currency, which nevertheless remains strong against other currencies. Egypt
Saudi minister meets with Google, Zoom in California The official visit comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to grow its industrial sector. Saudi Arabia
Syria and Iran lower tariffs per free trade agreement Syria and Iran signed a free trade deal more than 10 years ago but are still working out the details. The two countries are not major trade partners despite being political and military allies. Iran
From homes to guesthouses: some Lebanese find ways to survive economic meltdown Despite Lebanon's worst financial crisis since its civil war, guesthouse investment is growing as rural tourism soars, generating much-needed revenue for its cash-strapped citizens and empowering local communities and talents. Lebanon
Lebanon to shift to new official lira-to-dollar exchange rate Lebanon is shifting to a new official exchange rate to the US dollar, three years after an unprecedented financial and economic crisis that has plunged a large portion of its population under the poverty line. Lebanon
UAE, Tanzania sign double tax avoidance deal The Emirates is also pursuing renewable energy projects in the southern African country. Legacy: Gulf
