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
Egypt creates independent fund for Suez Canal Egypt has established a new fund for the Suez Canal manage its own revenues independently. Egypt
Egypt-China ties strengthen with recent deals China is also getting closer to Saudi Arabia, Iran and other countries in the region, primarily through economic cooperation. Egypt
Russia-Ukraine war leaves Hamas in financial crisis The fragile Palestinian economy in the Gaza Strip has been largely affected by the Russian-Ukrainian war, which has caused price hikes and an increase in taxes. Palestine
Lavender ecotourism throws lifeline to rural Lebanese villages As Lebanon experiences a tourism hike this summer, rural villages and attractions hope to draw tourists away from the capital with the help of ecotourism companies. A day spent discovering lavender in the south is one example. Lebanon
Netanyahu slams Lapid over Israeli inflation spike Opposition head Benjamin Netanyahu believes the high cost of living is where he can turn Israeli citizens against Prime Minister Yair Lapid and his government. Israel
World Bank blames Lebanon for 'deliberate' economic crisis The World Bank accused Lebanon’s elites of conducting “Ponzi finance” and deliberately pursuing harmful fiscal policies. Meanwhile, the Beirut port has caught fire again. Lebanon
Israel's ultra-Orthodox entrepreneurs ignore internet taboos The leadership of the ultra-Orthodox communities in Israel are against the internet, but more and more ultra-Orthodox businesses find ways to be part of the digital arena. Israel
Lapid’s legacy to include better relations between Israel, Jordan First as foreign minister, and then as prime minister, Yair Lapid identified rehabilitating commercial and diplomatic ties with Jordan as top priority for Israel. Israel
Israeli army on alert after arrest of Islamic Jihad senior official The IDF has reopened some of the roads blocked off near Gaza, but soldiers remain ready for trouble. Israel
Sanctions impact Russian emigres in Israel needing pensions Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman tries helping older Israeli citizens who immigrated from Russia and depend on their modest Russian pension. Israel
Israel tightens ties with Uzbekistan The recently signed agreement over Uzbeki nursing staff traveling to Israel only highlights the rapid growth in economic, diplomatic and cultural relations between the two countries. Israel
Iranian trade with China on the rise China is focused on improving its economic ties with Iran as opposed to security cooperation. Iran
