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Economy & Business

Indian vessel 'Nanda Devi' carrying liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) arrives at Vadinar Port in the Jamnagar district of Gujarat state on March 17, 2026 after Iran allowed it to pass through the Strait of Hormuz, a key energy corridor that remains disrupted by the Middle East war.

Iran’s Hormuz choke hold leaves West divided as energy markets reel

Between March 1 and March 19, there were only 114 crossings of the strait, according to analytics firm Kpler — 95% less than prewar traffic.

Excess gas is burned at the oil refinery in Israel's northern city of Haifa late on March 19, 2026.

Analysis

Iran expands energy targets beyond Gulf as Red Sea and East Med come into play

In retaliation for strikes on its energy sector, Tehran's campaign against regional oil and gas infrastructure has intensified and broadened to include Saudi Arabia's Yanbu port and an Israeli refinery in Haifa.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent arrives to attend an event in the East Room of the White House, Washington, DC, March 5, 2026.

US weighs easing Iran oil sanctions amid Hormuz crisis: What to know

A possible move by the Treasury would reduce pressure on Iranian crude as Washington seeks to offset supply losses tied to Iran's virtual closure of the strait.

A picture of Qatar Energy's operating facilities on March 3, 2026 in Ras Laffan Industrial City, Qatar.

Analysis

How Iran's strike on Qatar gas field could impact LNG market for years

Damage from an Iranian strike on the world's largest LNG export hub could take significant supply offline for years as Qatar considers whether to declare force majeure on long-term contracts supplying Europe and Asia.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Latest News

After 35% surge, how far could Gulf disruptions push European gas?

In this aerial view, Storage tanks at Grain LNG importation terminal, operated by National Grid Plc sit near the River Medway in the Thames Estuary on March 12, 2026, in Isle of Grain, England.

UAE steps in to support banks as war pressure builds: What to know

AFP via Getty Images

United Arab Emirates

Analysis

Iran war tests Gulf dealmaking as foreign investors assess risks

The city skyline is pictued in Dubai on March 11, 2026. The oil-rich Gulf has borne the brunt of Iran's attacks in response to US-Israeli strikes that sparked the Middle East war, with Tehran targeting US assets but also civilian infrastructure. (Photo by Giuseppe CACACE / AFP via Getty Images)

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Samuel Wendel

Senior Market Research Analyst

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Adam Lucente

News and Business Correspondent

In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change

Jack Dutton

Chief Business Correspondent

In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech

Sabena Siddiqui

In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran

Vanessa Ghanem

In Dubai, reporting on business, energy and politics

Francisco Serrano

In Lisbon, reporting on North Africa business

GIUSEPPE CACACE/AFP via Getty Images

UAE-Israel trade already tops last year

The increase in bilateral trade follows the signing of a trade agreement.

SAM YEH/AFP via Getty Images

Giant retail companies to shake up Israeli market

In an effort to lower prices, the Israeli government is encouraging companies such as Carrefour and AliExpress into the domestic market.

A display highlights Mobileye's autonomous driving technology.

Israeli automotive startups dream of becoming next Mobileye

Vying for the same success of Mobileye, which was bought by Intel five years ago for $15 billion, Israeli startups are doubling their efforts to appeal to foreign investors.

Women walk past a vegetable stand, as workers clear the rubble of a building destroyed by Israeli bombing in May 2021, Rafah, southern Gaza Strip, Sept. 30, 2021.

Israel considers issuing work permits to Gazan women

Israel announced it was considering issuing work permits for women in the Gaza Strip, a move Palestinian official and popular bodies questioned the objectives behind, while many women consider it a step toward financial independence.

Egypt power

Egypt creates plan to reduce electricity consumption

The government's plan to reduce wasted electricity is meant to boost natural gas exports to Europe but is receiving some pushback from domestic users.

Negotiations between President Shavkat Mirziyoyev and Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman Al Saud took place in Jeddah Aug. 18, 2022.

Saudi Arabia strengthens ties with Uzbekistan via wind power, investment deals

Uzbekistan’s relations are also improving with the United Arab Emirates and Israel.

OZAN KOSE/AFP via Getty Images

Turkey cuts interest rates as Erdogan continues to defy economic wisdom

President Recep Tayyip Erdogan continues to lower interest rates to stimulate economic growth as inflation runs rampant in Turkey.

A flame from a Saudi Aramco oil installation known as Pump 3 is seen in the desert near the oil-rich area of Khouris, 160 kilometers east of Riyadh, on June 23, 2008.

Oil prices fall to another low

Saudi Arabia has benefited from high oil prices this year, though prices appear to be falling somewhat on the back of production increases.

A sculpture of an Israeli soldier standing guard is seen next to a sign for tourists showing the distance to Damascus and Baghdad.

Syria, Iraq form joint business council

Relations between Syria and Iraq were poor in the 20th century but have gradually improved in the security and economic spheres in recent years.

Jordan tourism

Jordan’s tourism revenue triples

The increase follows Syrians being able to travel easily to Jordan again.

BAY ISMOYO/AFP via Getty Images

Israeli delegation pays rare visit to Indonesia

While Jakarta is reluctant to advance diplomatic ties with Jerusalem, there is room to expand trade and economic relations.

Drew Angerer/Getty Images

Saudi Public Investment Fund acquires shares in Amazon, Google, Uber

The sovereign wealth fund led by the crown prince has shown a strong interest in technology such as video games.