Breaking | Last Updated: May 18, 2026, 1:36 pm US extends Russian oil sanctions waiver as Iran war squeezes supply The waiver temporarily lifts sanctions on Russian oil for 30 days. Iran
Analysis From hoarding to unemployment: Iran's economy buckles under US pressure Iran's fast-rising inflation is driving aggressive state market controls, exposing deeper structural strains from war, sanctions and declining consumer confidence. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Ports and infrastructure: UAE embraces new economic order in Syria UAE-Syrian ties have moved faster than expected, with Abu Dhabi embracing President Ahmad al-Sharaa and relations shifting from normalization to investment opportunities. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
US hits China-linked Iran oil trade with sanctions ahead of Trump trip The sanctions come after the United States rejected Iran's latest proposal to end the war. Iran
US alleviates Lebanon's sanctions concerns over energy deal US Ambassador to Lebanon Dorothy Shea provided a Treasury Department letter that addressed concerns over the energy plan's potential to violate sanctions on Syria. Lebanon
Soleimani's replacement vows revenge for his killing The replacement for assassinated Quds Force commander Qasem Soleimani has vowed revenge on US officials who were behind the killing. Iran
Venezuela's Maduro plans to visit Iran 'very soon' Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro said the two countries will sign new accords and "speed up processes of cooperation." Iran
Intel: Egypt seeks US sanctions assurance in gas plan for Lebanon Egypt's minister of petroleum and mineral resources says his government needs a guarantee from Washington that Cairo's involvement in the Arab Gas Pipeline project will be exempt from US sanctions on Syria. Egypt
Iran says UK in 'discussions' over paying decades-old debt Iran's Ambassador to the US Mohsen Baharvand said a British delegation had discussed its imprisoned nationals during a recent visit to Tehran. Iran
US to warn UAE banks, firms against sanctioned Iran dealings The Wall Street Journal reports that US officials will warn petrochemical companies, private firms and banks of "extreme risk" for noncompliance. Iran
Iran says window for talks not 'open forever' as Vienna dialogue resumes Iran insists that it wants the original terms of the nuclear deal fully implemented. Iran
Intel: US announces Iran, Syria sanctions ahead of democracy summit The US Treasury Department announced new sanctions on Iranian and Syrian targets in the run-up to the administration’s virtual gathering of the world's democracies. United States
Israel weighs options, timing of possible military strike on Iran Despite deadlock in Vienna, expert/technical talks may have a faint pulse. Israel
US amends sanctions regulations to ease aid delivery in Syria An amended general license allows NGOs in Syria to take part in otherwise prohibited activities, including new investment in Syria and transactions with the Syrian government. Syria
Turkey praises Venezuela for 'peaceful' elections The United States, on the other hand, called the elections in the South American country “flawed.” News Brief
US sanctions senior Houthi leader over Yemen extortion campaign The US Treasury sanctioned the senior Houthi leader for "assets confiscated by Houthi opponents." Yemen
