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
Egypt looks to India for wheat to make up losses from Ukraine war A potential deal between Egypt and India to import 500,000 tons of Indian wheat in exchange for Egyptian fertilizers is in the works amid ongoing global wheat shortages. Egypt
African Union chief says Israel has role to play in Africa Participating at the OECD Africa Forum, African Union Chief and President of Senegal Macky Sall acknowledged Israel’s engagement in Africa, especially on the backdrop of the crisis generated by the Ukraine war. Israel
After IAEA criticizes Iran, Israeli prime minister meets with Emirati leader Prime Minister Naftali Bennett made a quick visit to the Emirates, where he met privately with Emirati President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed. Israel
Liberia, Suriname pledge to open offices in Jerusalem The announcements come as Israel seeks to reinforce and expand its relationships in Africa. Israel
Retirees join Iran protests over economic grievances The rallies were sparked by unprecedented rising prices across the food sector under President Ebrahim Raisi's economic policies. Iran
Saudi Arabia, Cyprus set up joint business council Cyprus has important relationships with several Middle Eastern states, including Egypt. Legacy: Gulf
Pakistan’s new premier looks to Turkey for political, economic boost Shahbaz Sharif, who needs international economic and political support to stabilize his coalition government, is busy making deals with Ankara. Turkey
With free trade agreement, Israel hopes to triple trade with Emirates Israel and the United Arab Emirates already established a large scope of bilateral trade, but officials and businesspeople on both sides are persuaded that this is only the beginning. Israel
Israelis begin doing deals in Saudi Arabia Following a change in Saudi Arabia’s entry requirements, dozens of Israeli businesspeople arrived recently to Riyadh and even closed deals there. Israel
Culture Lebanon’s economic crisis threatens education sector Lebanon’s education sector, once prized throughout the Middle East as a regional leader, has been witnessing an irreversible mass exodus with hundreds of professionals in the teaching sector leaving. Lebanon
Abraham Accords accelerate Israel-Africa rapprochement Israeli and African diplomats are engaged in expanding bilateral relations and taking them much further then ever before in many fields. Israel
Israel interest rates to continue upward trend Battling growing inflation, the Bank of Israel has significantly raised the country’s interest rates twice in recent weeks. Israel