Analysis Saudi Arabia seeks to pressure China over Houthi arms without risking ties Saudi Arabia has signaled its displeasure with China and is pursuing quiet diplomatic pressure as it tries to balance mounting security concerns against its economic and strategic interests with Beijing. By Joyce Karam
Israeli president meets FM Wang Yi as reports link China to Iran’s military buildup Israeli President Isaac Herzog held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed topics ranging from economic and cultural cooperation to regional security. Israel
Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
Analysis Why renewed Egypt-Ethiopia tensions are a problem for China For Beijing, the renewed Egypt-Ethiopia standoff is a zero-sum bind that threatens vital strategic interests on both sides of the Nile. By Joyce Karam
Analysis Why Trump-Xi summit did not move the China needle away from Iran By Yun Sun In Washington, DC, reporting on China-Middle East ties
Analysis As Iran’s grip on Hormuz weakens, what leverage does Tehran have left? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Despite fanfare, Xi shows Trump no sign of breaking with Iran By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Biden's CIA nominee stresses China over Iran during Senate hearing Ambassador William Burns said that China is the biggest challenge for the United States, but that Iran and Russia cannot be overlooked. Regional
Report: Israel turned down US request to inspect Haifa port after deal with China Officials warned the US Navy may not visit the Haifa area if a Chinese state-run company takes up management of the city's port. Israel
As China-Iran talks continue, Beijing keeps up outreach to Gulf While Iran and China are still working to finalize a 25-year strategic partnership plan, Chinese officials continue to expand bilateral ties with the Gulf, something that could have unexpected implications for Iran-GCC ties. United Arab Emirates
Dubai company to work on direct trade route between UAE and Israel DP World is partnering with Israeli companies to establish a trade route between Dubai and Eilat and to bid on the strategic Port of Haifa. Originals
Egyptian schools to add Chinese language China is growing its ties to Egypt with a deal with the government for Egyptian schools to offer the Chinese language. Egypt
Potential China-Iran pact has major implications for Pakistan As speculation abounds over a leaked draft of an economic and security deal between Iran and China, its potential effects on Pakistan stand out as particularly dramatic. Iran
Trump loosens rules on armed drone exports amid rivalry with China The new US policy will allow the United States to export armed drones after reinterpreting a 35-nation agreement aimed at limiting the proliferation of rocket-based weapons. Business
What China-Iran deal means for Washington China's reported multibillion economic and security deal with Iran could be a double-edged sword. United States
Iranian officials defend deal with China Iranian officials say they are still working out the details of the Iran-China agreement but defended the agreement on principle. Iran
Iran government squeezed over ‘secretive’ deal with China Pressure is mounting on the Iranian government to release specifics of a contentious, long-term partnership agreement with Beijing, which some critics fear could effectively turn Iran into a Chinese “colony.” Iran
China’s 'Belt and Road' push brings risks, rewards to Mideast China's digital and satellite advances offer new regional opportunities and challenges for the United States in countering Beijing's economic influence in the region. Saudi Arabia
Has China gained an edge on the US in the Gulf? China has upped the ante, but the United States holds the winning hand; Oman weighs risks and benefits of Gulf bailout; will migrant workers return to GCC? Legacy: Gulf
