Oil falls 9.5% in steepest drop in months as Iran, US pause attacks Iran says it is still in control of the Strait of Hormuz and not seeking to resume peace talks with the United States after President Donald Trump halted a two-week bombing campaign. Iran
Analysis How Gulf banks are absorbing Iran war shocks GCC lenders had a strong hand when the Iran war erupted, affording them resilience to shocks, but risks remain. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Oil tops $100 for first time since May after Houthi tanker strikes, Trump threats The Iran-backed rebels said they had targeted two Saudi tankers, the Encelia and the Layla. Yemen
Houthis warn shipping firms to avoid Saudi ports or face attack: What to know The Houthi militia reportedly emailed multiple shipping companies on Tuesday, warning them of the consequences of visiting Saudi ports. Yemen
Egypt closes stores early, Jordan bans AC as Iran war takes toll Jordanian Prime Minister Jafar Hassan announced Monday that the use of air conditioning and heating equipment in ministries, government departments and public institutions will now be prohibited. Egypt
Israel pushes deeper into Lebanon as Iran envoy refuses to go: What to know Israeli forces have reportedly reached the banks of the Litani River as part of a plan to set up a buffer zone between Israel and Lebanon. Lebanon
TotalEnergies reaped more than $1B profit from Iran war: What to know Non-Middle Eastern energy firms have been particularly benefiting as energy flows have been choked off from the Gulf. Iran
Turkey says NATO defenses intercepted fourth missile from Iran Turkey said NATO air defenses neutralized a ballistic munition launched from Iran that entered its airspace, marking the fourth such interception since March. Turkey
Dermer’s return puts Netanyahu’s 'brain' at center of US-Israel calculus Dermer, former Israeli strategic affairs minister, is considered one of Netanyahu’s closest associates, having worked together for over two decades. Israel
Analysis Downturn or pause? Iran war puts Dubai property market to test UAE property transaction volumes fell year-on-year in the first 12 days of March and month-on-month, but analysts have cautioned against overinterpreting early data. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Gulf AI deals continues to lure investors despite US-Iran war Blackstone committed $250 million to a payment infrastructure platform in Abu Dhabi as the US investment firm's president lauded the UAE's strong investment credentials despite the conflict. Saudi Arabia
Ukraine's Zelenskyy capitalizes on Iran war to ink security deal with Saudi Arabia Kyiv is using its domestic production of anti-drone technology and low-cost, AI-enabled interceptor drones to help Gulf states in countering Iranian drones. Saudi Arabia
Turkey confirms Iraq troop withdrawal as NATO pulls back due to Iran war The confirmation of the withdrawal came as part of NATO’s decision to withdraw its forces in its Iraq mission amid Iran war. Turkey
Who was Alireza Tangsiri, Iranian IRGC naval chief said killed by Israel? Tangsiri played a key role in Iran’s operations in the Strait of Hormuz and has a long history of antagonizing the US. Iran
No ships transit Hormuz as Iran plans safe-passage tolls: What to know An Iranian lawmaker told Fars News Agency that Tehran plans to charge ships tolls to ensure safe passage through the Strait of Hormuz, formalizing the country’s control over the strategic waterway. Iran
In Lebanon, deadline looms for expelling Iran envoy amid Hezbollah pushback The Lebanese Foreign Ministry’s decision to expel the Iranian ambassador to Beirut has exposed deep divisions among the political class as Iran-backed Hezbollah remains engaged in a war with Israel. Lebanon
