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
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
Newsletter: Business & Tech UAE-Iran trade freeze raises economic stakes The UAE is a critical trade partner for Iran and has been its largest source of imports for five consecutive years. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Explainer Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing As Iran's parliament speaker holds talks in Baghdad, Iraq has asked Tehran for special consideration for its oil exports. Iraq
Turkey, Saudi Arabia ink critical mineral cooperation deal Green energy investments will have an important share in cooperation between Turkey and Saudi Arabia, said the Turkish energy minister. Turkey
Will BRICS throw a lifeline to dollar-strapped Egypt? Economists believe BRICS membership will give Egypt a chance to ease pressure on the dollar, but is not a quick remedy for the country’s economic woes Egypt
Drought puts Morocco’s water infrastructure projects into overdrive Morocco’s budget for water infrastructure is rising as desalination and dam projects advance amid droughts and increasing international partnerships. North Africa
Analysis Tadawul posts losses but Saudi markets remain fundamentally strong 'A bit of a correction' sheds some prior gains on the Saudi stock index, but professionals see reasons to keep investing in the kingdom. By Harry Clynch In London, reporting on Middle East economics
Turkey ends lira protection scheme as banks tally up damage With Turkey’s inflation on course to hit 70% by the year-end, the plan to convince depositors to shift to regular deposits with yields well below the inflation rate appears unviable. Turkey
Saudi Arabia’s soccer spending spree reshapes Middle East sports sector The kingdom is gunning to become a professional sports powerhouse.
Lebanon’s acting central bank chief pleads for reform as crisis continues Wassim Mansouri has been urgently calling on the Lebanese government to enact reforms since becoming acting governor of Banque du Liban following the end of the embattled Riad Salameh’s term. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia mulls Chinese bid to build nuclear plant The news will irk Washington, which wants Riyadh to not be able to develop nuclear weapons. Saudi Arabia
Iraq to receive gas from Turkmenistan Iraq is largely dependent on Iran for gas, despite having its own sizable reserves. The relationship has been complicated by US sanctions on Iran, and Iraq is also seeking international help to utilize its gas reserves. Iraq
Fossil fuel subsidies in Middle East nearly doubled since 2020, says IMF The fund said that fossil fuel companies globally benefited from $13 million in subsidies per minute last year. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey’s Central Bank shifts gears, hikes interest rates to 25% The 750 basis point rise was higher than analysts' expectations, prompting lira to rebound from a record low. Turkey
Egypt, Iran, Saudi Arabia, UAE to join BRICS The Shanghai-headquartered New Development Bank, or so-called “BRICS bank”, had already admitted the UAE and Egypt as shareholders. Iran