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
Will high oil prices setback Gulf reforms? Push harder or take a breath on economic reforms? The question can be tricky for Gulf rulers Legacy: Gulf
Egypt anticipates gains from expanding economic ties with Iraq Egypt, Iraq and Jordan are working to establish an alliance to boost cooperation in various economic fields. Egypt
Islamic State exploits economic downturn in Iraq, Syria, US envoy says John Godfrey said the thousands of suspected Islamic State fighters held in northeast Syria constitute a security threat to the region. Syria
Lebanon's parliament backs $556M cash subsidy As Lebanon grapples with an economic crisis, qualifying families would receive up to $137 per month to help cover basic goods. News Brief
Iraq hosts historic summit with Jordanian, Egyptian leaders The visit by Egyptian President Abdel Fattah Al-Sisi to Baghdad is the first by an Egyptian head of state since 1990. Iraq
Egypt looks to Islamic bond market for foreign investment boost Egypt’s sovereign bonds bill paves the way for Egypt to join the Islamic finance market, allowing foreign investment in national projects such as the Suez Canal and Aswan Dam, which affects Egyptian national security. Egypt
Iraq automates its customs service to reduce corruption at border crossings The Iraqi government has taken several new initiatives to fight corruption, from automating border crossings, arresting corrupt figures and imposing restrictions on the economic interests of militias and political parties. Iraq
Emirates loses more than $5 billion in 2020 The Dubai-based airline's financial struggles amid the coronavirus pandemic has led to job cuts and a massive cash injection from the government. News Brief
Iran's presidential hopefuls promise big on economy, but can they deliver? While candidates for the election this Friday have a long list of promises to fix the economy, inefficiencies in Iran's political structure limit the president's ability to make lasting change. Iran
The reform challenge: What Oman (and others) might learn from Egypt Parallels in experience may offer guideposts for managing change. Oman
Despite blockage crisis, Suez Canal achieves record revenues The Egyptian government announced that the Suez Canal has achieved the highest monthly revenue in its history in April, exceeding half a billion dollars, despite obstruction of navigation in late March after a giant vessel went aground on the international waterway. Egypt
Can modernization of Egypt’s railway network avert train accidents? Egypt signed an agreement worth 145 million euros ($177 million) with the African Development Bank as part of its recent plan to improve its railway system to prevent crashes. Egypt
