Rubio hosts Ethiopia’s FM amid push to boost security ties: What to know In response to heightening regional volatility, Ethiopia is prioritizing a strategic partnership with the Washington to secure its geopolitical standing. Sudan
Interview UAE official says opening Hormuz integral to any Iran deal, describes infrastructure damage 'manageable' Abdulla Balalaa, UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability, spoke to Al-Monitor about the situation in the Gulf along with the UAE's focus on promoting privatization in the water sector and the 2026 UN Water Conference. Abdulla Balalaa UAE assistant minister of foreign affairs for energy and sustainability
Oil fires, toxic air and water risks: Environmental cost of Iran war expands to region The bombing of oil facilities in Iran and critical water infrastructure in the Gulf threatens the Middle East with long-lasting environmental destruction, as have similar tactics employed in previous conflicts. Iran
Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted. Iran
Analysis Water for influence: Turkey moves to ease Iraq's water shortages ahead of elections By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Jordan’s water security caught between $5B megaproject, frayed Israel ties By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
RSF hits Darfur hospital as cholera, dengue fever spread in war-torn Sudan A Sudanese medical organization said a dozen people were killed after the RSF shelled one of the last operating hospitals in El Fasher, as Sudan’s collapsing health system battles cholera and dengue fever. Sudan
Egypt steps up alarm on Ethiopia megadam as Sudan battles floods: What to know Sudan’s government earlier this week warned of high risk of floods across six of the country’s 18 states. Sudan
Wildfires ravage Syria’s Latakia for 4th day in row: What to know A Syrian official recently said that 2025 has been the driest year in decades, as wildfires persist along the coast, and the response is being hindered by the effects of the war. Syria
Egypt’s Sisi talks water security with Rwanda's president in wake of Ethiopia’s megadam debut Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi met with Rwandan President Paul Kagame in Cairo to discuss coordination efforts and developments in the Nile Basin region following Ethiopia’s inauguration of its controversial dam. Egypt
Cyprus courts UAE amid Greek pressure on subsea cable: What to know The project has been beset with delays due to longstanding disagreements between NATO members Greece and Turkey over territory in the Eastern Mediterranean. United Arab Emirates
Sudan, Egypt FMs urge Ethiopia to change course ahead of megadam launch Ethiopian Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed announced in July that the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam has been completed and will be formally inaugurated in September. Sudan
Analysis Arid Gulf states pursue global water deals, leveraging desalination expertise After becoming leaders in domestic water desalination, Gulf states are spotting opportunities to generate lucrative returns by exporting their know-how in a world facing growing water pressures. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Yemen: Flash floods injure 10+ in Aden as climate toll mounts Yemen has experienced deadly flooding in recent years, further impacting the ongoing displacement crisis in the country. Yemen
Egypt ramps up East Africa diplomacy before Ethiopia dam launch: Will it matter? Egypt has toughened its public messaging on the Grand Ethiopian Renaissance Dam and sought to present a united front with Sudan against the project as Ethiopia prepares to officially inaugurate it in September. By Jonathan Fenton-Harvey In London, reporting on North Africa and Gulf politics
Tehran’s dams at 19% as Iran water crisis worsens: What to know The water levels in dams across Iran are falling amid hot temperatures, as the government pleads with the public to cut consumption. Iran
Sudan PM visits Egypt as Khartoum claims downing UAE plane: What to know Just a day before the visit, Sudan’s military said it shot down an Emirati plane carrying Colombian mercenaries for the RSF, prompting outrage from Colombia. Sudan
Iran to close public offices as temperatures pass 105 F: What to know Iranian officials are seeking to reduce public energy consumption as water levels decrease throughout the country and power cuts persist. Iran
