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
Syria’s Sharaa makes fourth visit to Saudi Arabia, first since Iran war: What to know The visit comes in light of the deepening economic relations between Syria and Saudi Arabia post-Assad. Syria
Analysis Ceasefire without relief: How Iranians are grappling with post-war repression By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Bahrain joins UAE’s industrial partnership Jordan and Egypt are already part of the group, which aims to establish joint industrial projects. Legacy: Gulf
Sisi advances Egypt's bid for BRICS membership President of the BRICS International Forum Purnima Anand revealed Egypt's interest in joining the group along with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and the position is to be discussed at the BRICS summit scheduled for next year in South Africa. Egypt
How realistic are Ankara’s hopes of trading in Turkish liras? While the Turkish lira continues to tumble, Turkey’s currency swaps with China and other countries have failed to live up to their stated objective of boosting trade in local currencies, official data show. Turkey
Iran's middle class priced out of housing market As housing costs in Iran see record increases, officials are exchanging blame. Iran
Israel-EU talks to resume for first time in decade EU foreign ministers agreed today to convene soon a meeting under the EU-Israel Association Council in order to regulate and advance relations between Brussels and Jerusalem. Israel
Lebanese initiative to support struggling zaatar producers Small-scale producers in Lebanon are struggling to stay in business due to harsh economic conditions, but projects like Mazeej are helping them to turn things around for the better. Lebanon
War in Ukraine leaves Lebanon hungry As wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia dwindle, Lebanese people are in danger of going hungry. Lebanon
Turkey’s economy stands to suffer from euro’s downturn The ramifications of the euro’s slide threaten to further stoke Turkey’s currency woes and soaring inflation. Turkey
Israel hails Saudi agreement to open skies to all airlines Riyadh has decided to allow flights from Israel to cross Saudi airspace, significantly cutting flight times to the Far East. Israel
Will Tunisia, Algeria relations recover through land border reopening? Several issues, including gas and the dispute over the Western Sahara, continue to linger over the tense Algerian-Tunisian relations, despite the reopening of the land borders between the two countries. North Africa
India’s use of rupee for import, export payments could boost Iran trade Iran is seeking to boost trade with both Russia and India at present. Iran
Iranian pharmacy has new take on 'wall of kindness' The measure helps poor people obtain medicine amid rising inflation in Iran. Iran