IEA delivers grim gas supply forecast as oil notches 15% weekly rise A wave of new LNG supplies will be delayed for at least two years due to war-related damage to Qatari energy infrastructure, according the International Energy Agency's latest market update. Qatar
Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Israel fears Trump angling for Lebanon deal to offset Iran missteps Some Israelis worry the US president might force them to accept an unsatisfactory agreement driven by his inability to secure a tangible achievement in Iran. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
Iran hopes to get its trains back on track The development of Iran’s railways has been slow in the past decades, but the sector might finally be getting the attention it deserves. Iran
Congress split over Iran's access to the dollar Key lawmakers disagree on whether banking restrictions would violate nuclear deal. Iran
Trump's unlikely Iranian fans Though seemingly opposed to each other, the reality is that US Republicans and Iranian hard-liners play complementary roles for each other, as they give one another excuses to advance their respective domestic agendas. Congress
IRGC rejects Obama's 'spirit' of nuclear deal The head of the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps has rejected calls by the Obama administration to use the comprehensive nuclear deal banner to implement other changes, arguing that the agreement has not benefited the Iranian public. Iran
Why Iraqi-Saudi ties are backsliding yet again After Iraq’s foreign affairs minister defended Hezbollah, which is considered a terrorist group by the Gulf Cooperation Council and the Arab League, Gulf-Iraqi ties may worsen. Saudi Arabia
Iran looks down under for new opportunities Eager to diversify its foreign policy, Iran under President Hassan Rouhani is maneuvering to reach out to Southeast Asian nations as well as Australia and New Zealand. Iran
Will Saudi block Iranians from hajj this year? Iran claims that Saudi officials have refused to issue visas for Iranian officials in order to conduct preparatory talks for Iranian pilgrims. Saudi Arabia
Syrian Kurds proceed with federal structures despite Turkish threats Washington gets the Erdogan treatment; Syrian Kurds establish federal institutions; Hamas closes Iranian charity. Palestine
Are Iranian hard-liners backing Trump? Iranian newspapers have returned after a two-week hiatus, with one hard-line editor offering up what seems to be an endorsement of US presidential candidate Donald Trump. Iran
How united is the GCC? While Gulf states may all be united under the Gulf Cooperation Council name, their individual policies on foreign intervention vary greatly. Saudi Arabia
Why Iran wants Hamas to apologize Hamas representatives remain busy trying to repair relations with Egypt and Iran while not offending anyone in the Gulf. Legacy: Gulf
Will the Russians be able to help Lebanon get a new president? Russia’s withdrawal from Syria and the goodwill it generated in Arab circles, may allow it to play the role of mediator in Geneva and to help Lebanon fill its presidential vacuum. Saudi Arabia