Macron secures Gulf diesel supplies as France grapples with fuel costs, unrest France now has commitments for 295,000 metric tons of diesel per month from the Gulf, accounting for just over 10% of the European country’s consumption. Bahrain
Saudi Arabia postpones 'Davos in the Desert' until 2027 amid Houthi attacks The Future Investment Initiative, which typically attracts the CEOs of some of the biggest companies in business, finance, and technology to Riyadh, will now be held next year. Saudi Arabia
Analysis How Hormuz crisis is reshaping economic ties between Iraq and Syria Iraq and Syria are expanding trade and energy cooperation, but security risks, economic challenges and longstanding mistrust raise questions about whether their growing partnership can endure. By Shelly Kittleson In Baghdad, reporting on Iraqi politics
Syria to rejoin Arab group at IMF, leaving Russian-led constituency Syria will rejoin the Arab constituency at the International Monetary Fund beginning Nov. 1 and has applied for membership in the EBRD. Syria
Chinese companies lose tenders for Israeli light rail Chinese companies lost tenders for light rail in the Tel Aviv area, apparently following American pressure against Chinese involvement in strategic projects in Israel. Israel
Israeli consumers angry over cost-of-living hike With the cost of living rising steeply, and with the poor getting even poorer, Israel’s government is facing plenty of angry citizens. Israel
Next phase of China-Iran ties depends on nuclear talks Iran and China's long-term strategic partnership awaits any new outcome of the JCPOA. Iran
Saudi business group touts plan to improve economic ties with Russia Russia is working to improve relations with Saudi Arabia and wants the kingdom to buy its S-400 missile defense system. Russia
Israel, Emirates establish joint R&D, tech investment fund With the export of Israeli high tech surpassing the export of goods, the government invests in a joint fund with the Emirates for technologies and start-ups, and also supports investment funds for developing countries. Israel
Lebanon signs new electricity deal with Jordan, Syria A previously announced agreement to export Egyptian gas to Lebanon has yet to come to fruition. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia reports more non-oil exports, large amount of trade with China The kingdom is trying to reduce its dependence on oil. Legacy: Gulf
Palestinian economic activity with Israel increases Relations between Israel and the Palestinian Authority warmed last year. Palestine
Economic meltdown drives some Lebanese to collect recyclables for a living Lebanon’s increasing poverty and lack of jobs drive desperate people to live off of selling collected recycled materials in kilos to scrapyards, shops and manufacturers. Lebanon
US Treasury sanctions Hezbollah financial network in Lebanon A US Treasury official says the department is targeting Hezbollah's "misuse of the international financial system" to raise funds for terrorism. Lebanon
Putin, Raisi look to boost trade, regional cooperation in Moscow talks Ebrahim Raisi's trip to Moscow is unlikely to further elevate relations between the two countries. Russia
