Israel rejects Ukraine's claim that Russian shadow fleet vessel docked in Haifa Ukraine alleges the vessel unloaded wheat taken from occupied territories in Haifa, while Israel says ship had not entered the port. Israel
UAE’s cash request tests US ties as Iran war strains Gulf financial muscle Amid growing economic fallout from the regional war, Abu Dhabi’s bombshell request for a war-time financial lifeline from the United States is less about cash and more about clout — for now. United Arab Emirates
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock ADNOC, Aramco and QatarEnergy have aggressively expanded their international portfolios in recent years, a strategy facing new constraints as the US-Israel-Iran war impacts Gulf production and exposes structural risks. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran turns to economic zones to encourage balanced growth Iranian lawmakers have approved a bill to establish a series of new special economic zones to counter the country's uneven development. Iran
Will Egypt's public sector get longer weekend? The Egyptian government is considering adding Thursdays to the weekend for public sector employees. Egypt
Russia, Turkey seek greater engagement amid US sanctions Russia plans to lift visa requirements for some Turks and to begin delivery of the S-400 missile-defense system to Turkey next year in an attempt to further sway Ankara away from the United States. Turkey
New group forming to alleviate poverty in Palestinian territories As part of the Palestinian Authority's efforts to end poverty, the Islamic Development Bank has set up an investment fund allowing the new Palestinian People’s Economic Empowerment Institution to have its own budget. Palestine
Sanctions, profiteering put Iranian newspapers in a bind A paper crisis exacerbated by US sanctions is weighing down Iranian daily newspapers, which are resorting to everything from closures to online paywalls. Iran
US sanctions put nearly half a million jobs at risk in Iran’s auto parts industry Auto parts suppliers in Iran warn that US sanctions coupled with domestic mismanagement are bringing their industry to its knees. Iran
Who is at the sharp end of Turkey’s currency crisis? After years of bold borrowing from abroad, Turkish conglomerates, including government cronies, are sitting on a powder keg as the country’s currency turmoil keeps augmenting their debt repayment woes. Turkey
Is there hope for reforming Libya’s shattered economy? In an interview with Al-Monitor, Libyan Economy and Industry Minister Nasser al-Dersi talks about the Government of National Accord’s new economic reform program and the challenges it faces. Libya
Saudi Arabia’s diplomacy has costs Saudi Arabia's diplomatic decisions since King Salman took over the rule of the kingdom in 2015 have caused much controversy, with the bombing of a school bus in Yemen and the row with Canada over a tweet as recent examples. Saudi Arabia
The interest group economics wreaking havoc on Iran's currency Absent tackling such root issues as banking and financial sector reform, Iran’s political economy is likely to continue to shape government policy to the detriment of the economy and the society as a whole. Iran
Mainstream Turkish media turn blind eye to country’s worst currency crisis Although Turkey is suffering one of the worst currency crises in its history, no single mainstream Turkish media outlet has covered the development. Turkey
Turkey steps up efforts to shun dollar As the Turkish lira plunges to a record low, some voices in Ankara are warning that the United States is furious over Turkey’s efforts to reduce its dependency on the dollar. Turkey
