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Analysis

UAE-Iran trade relationship becomes key test of Trump’s wartime strategy

The Gulf state suspended trade with Iran after new attacks in August. Experts point to risks for both sides as the Trump administration seeks to squeeze Tehran economically.

Samuel Wendel

By Samuel Wendel

In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech

Foreign Ministry Spokesperson Lin Jian holds a press conference on Aug. 19, 2026.

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.

Iranians drive past an anti-US billboard at Enghelab Square in central Tehran, Aug. 3, 2026.

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."

Latest News

Explainer

Iraq seeks special Hormuz access from Iran in scramble to keep oil flowing

AHMAD AL-RUBAYE / AFP via Getty Images

Turkey looks to expand Syria energy footprint into oil, gas

President Ahmad al-Sharaa meets Turkish Energy and Natural Resources Minister Alparslan Bayraktar at the People’s Palace in Damascus, Syria, on Aug. 19, 2026.

Oil nears $92 on UAE missile alert as Trump claims Iran talks stuck

Leon Neal/Getty Images

United Arab Emirates

Explainer

What US sanctions on Syria remain as Shibani, Barrack hold talks?

RAMI AL SAYED/AFP via Getty Images

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

US dollar banknotes and Turkish lira banknotes, photo taken in Istanbul, Turkey, Dec. 7, 2021.

Turkey’s 'covert' interest payments on course to exceed regular ones

The cost of state safeguards in a deposit scheme meant to curb dollarization in Turkey has ballooned to alarming levels as the Turkish lira continues to tumble.

A picture taken in the Saudi Red Sea coastal city of Jeddah on July 14, 2022 shows a Saudi host addressing guests

UAE non-oil trade increases as Gulf state seeks reduced oil dependence

The news follows trade agreements the Gulf state made with Israel and India.

United Arab Emirates

Central Bank of Egypt Gov. Tarek Amer speaks during a press conference, Cairo, Egypt, Nov. 3, 2016.

Egypt's Central Bank governor resigns amid economic crisis

The resignation of Egypt's central bank governor has put the country's economy under pressure.

ABBAS MOMANI/AFP via Getty Images

Israel raises interest rates

The Bank of Israel's latest hike to battle inflation was the biggest in 20 years.

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.

ATTA KENARE/AFP via Getty Images

Iran-Pakistan ties tighten in economic commission

Iran has been seeking better ties with the South Asian country since the Taliban takeover in Afghanistan.

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.