Exclusive Iraq's Kurds air fury over PM Sudani's stance after attack on gas field “We were shocked at Sudani’s audacity. Imagine the state we would have been in had he gotten his way,” a senior Iraqi Kurdish official speaking not for attribution told Al-Monitor. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
UAE pledges up to $50B for Canada during Carney's Abu Dhabi visit The agreement was signed by Canadian Prime Minister Mark Carney and UAE President Mohammed bin Zayed Al Nahyan on Friday, during the former’s official visit to Abu Dhabi. United Arab Emirates
Syria signs deals with ConocoPhillips, Novaterra Energy: What to know Syria signed a memorandum of understanding with US energy companies ConocoPhillips and Novaterra Energy to develop and explore gas fields as Damascus works to revive the country’s battered natural gas sector. Syria
Egypt, Russia advance construction at Dabaa nuclear plant: What to know The Dabaa nuclear plant could help Egypt address its energy woes while boosting cooperation with Russia. Egypt
Oil prices fall for 3rd straight month as Saudi-led OPEC+ weighs more cuts The falling oil prices are being driven further down by China’s slowdown and are affecting Saudi Arabia’s diversification plans. Saudi Arabia
US energy secretary scraps visit after Israel puts $35B Egypt gas deal on hold Despite US pressure, Energy Minister Eli Cohen refuses to approve a $35 billion gas deal with Egypt until "a fair price for the Israeli market" is secured. Israel
Turkey seeks to bolster Eastern Med foothold in new Libya energy talks The talks between the Turkish ambassador in Libya and the Tripoli government’s energy minister come as Turkey seeks to reduce dependence on energy imports and bolster its energy security. Turkey
Algeria's Sonatrach latest foreign oil major to resume Libya drilling Libya has Africa’s largest proven oil reserves, with approximately 48.4 billion barrels, but political instability had led international energy firms to avoid it for more than a decade. Algeria
Egypt discovers 18 oil, gas wells as Cairo looks to up energy output The discoveries support the government's ambition to increase Egypt's domestic energy supply. Egypt
Bahrain joins Gulf’s late movers in the solar race with 150 MW project If completed on schedule, the Bilaj Al Jazayer solar plant would more than double the kingdom’s total installed renewable capacity, which stood at just 69 MW in 2024. Bahrain
Egypt overtakes Kuwait as MENA’s biggest LNG importer: What to know Last year, the North African country shifted from being a net exporter to a net importer of LNG, due to soaring demand and production declines. Egypt
Analysis Algeria hails new $60B energy plan but price slump threatens reform push The OPEC member recently held its first oil and gas licensing round in a decade, attracting significant international interest and awarding five of six onshore blocks, signaling progress in its energy ambitions despite ongoing challenges. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations. Iran
World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Supreme Court clears path for Turkey’s Halkbank trial over Iran sanctions The Turkish president personally raised the Halkbank case with US President Donald Trump at the White House, as Ankara pushes for a settlement to avoid a drawn-out legal battle. Turkey
Kuwait seeks renewable energy boost as 14 GW power expansion plan takes shape Kuwait, historically lagging in the Gulf’s energy transition, is moving ahead with plans to expand renewable energy amid efforts to banish power crunches. Kuwait
