UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Egypt seeks foothold in Libya’s reconstruction Egypt and Libya agreed to have Egyptian workers return to the Libyan labor market at a time when Cairo seeks to contribute to the reconstruction of war-torn Libya. Egypt
Egypt, Sudan seek greater cooperation in agriculture, food industries Egypt and Sudan agreed to establish an Egyptian-Sudanese joint stock company on agricultural and animal production and food industries, as they face a threat of shortage of Nile water amid the faltering negotiations on Ethiopia’s controversial Nile dam. Egypt
Iraqi, Syrian oil ministers discuss gas imports The Iraqi and Syrian oil ministers talked about the possibility of transporting Egyptian gas to Iraq through Syria during a meeting in Baghdad. News Brief
As Iran looks to boost production, major political barriers remain Iran’s leaders have put a renewed focus on increasing domestic production, yet to achieve this goal there must be political stability and sincere efforts to push back on corruption. Iran
Egypt promotes economic ties with Sudan Egypt is increasingly seeking to support the Sudanese economy through infrastructure development and the implementation of many industrial and commercial projects. Egypt
Saudi Arabia bans Lebanese produce over drug smuggling concerns The Lebanese Foreign Ministry called on authorities to do more to stop smuggling in response. News Brief
Is opening of Jordanian-Syrian crossing politically motivated? Jordan reopened the Naseeb-Jaber crossing with Syria to restore trade movement, although some do not see any economic benefits for the Syrian government. Syria
JP Morgan listing boosts Egypt’s access to debt markets JP Morgan placed Egypt on its Index Watch Positive on April 9, meaning the North African country should be relisted on JP Morgan’s Government Bond Index Emerging Markets within six months. Egypt
Russia, Iran again promote alternative to Suez Canal Russia and Iran are back to promoting the International North-South Transport Corridor as an alternative future option to the Suez Canal after a giant container ship went aground in the canal last month, disrupting global trade traffic for a week. Egypt
Syria gets new central bank head The last central bank governor was fired as the Syrian pound remains at historic low points against the US dollar. News Brief
Suez Canal receives giant dredger in planned upgrade The Suez Canal Authority is talking about plans to widen the southern section of the canal, only days after the giant Panama-flagged container vessel, Ever Given, went aground and became wedged across the international maritime passageway, causing a weeklong blockage. Egypt
Tuk-tuks become common sight in Lebanon's streets amid economic crisis Amid the devastating economic crisis and the deteriorating living conditions in Lebanon, many have replaced their vehicles with tuk-tuks to run errands, work or deliver goods. Lebanon
