France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
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
Explainer King Abdullah visits China as region hedges against US unpredictability With no end in sight to the war in Iran and an unchecked Israeli policy across the region, the kingdom is hedging against future uncertainty and a less predictable US policy. China
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
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Egypt’s foreign reserves drop 19% due to economic crisis caused by Russia-Ukraine war Egypt’s public budget is facing a major deficit due to the increase in expenditures and national currency depreciation. Egypt
Iran's FM seeks Africa ties to boost sanctions-hit economy The Islamic Republic renewed the official line that it won't keep its battered economy waiting on the fate of the nuclear deal. Iran
Iraq's prime minister attends Arab summit in Egypt’s New Alamein Leaders of Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain met today in Egypt's New Alamein city to discuss regional security and cooperation. Iraq
Palestinians working in Israel strike to protest salary payments in banks Palestinian construction workers are suspicious about a new mechanism agreed upon by Israeli and Palestinian Authority administrations, for salaries to be paid directly into Palestinian bank accounts and not in cash. Israel
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. Israel
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. Israel
Culture Cash-strapped Lebanese turn to online civil marriages Najwa Sbeity and Omar Abdel Baki's civil wedding ceremony that they held online went viral, enticing more people to opt for this option despite the religious backlash and bureaucratic difficulties. Lebanon
Israel, Turkey to reappoint ambassadors, opening new chapter in relations After 20 months of courtship, Jerusalem now believes Ankara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are sincere in their efforts to rehabilitate bilateral ties. Israel
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. Syria
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. Israel
Israeli ministers fast-track deepening of ties with Morocco Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Regional Cooperation Minister Issawi Freij and Justice Minister Gideon Saar are only a few of the Israeli ministers and senior officials who have visited Morocco recently. Israel
Family of man who held up Beirut bank stages protest Bassam al-Sheikh Hussein took hostages at gunpoint to get his own money out of the bank. Many Lebanese, who are unable to access their savings amid the economic crisis, called him a hero. Lebanon
