Araghchi to visit China ahead of US-Iran technical talks: What to know Araghchi’s visit to China follows weeks of trilateral coordination between Iran, Russia and China on the nuclear issue, including a joint condemnation of unilateral sanctions. China
China, Egypt to hold first air force drill as military ties grow: What to know The exercise scheduled for mid-April comes as Egypt-China ties are growing both militarily and economically despite US pressure on Cairo. China
Analysis From Rafales to railways: Egypt walks tightrope between China, West While Chinese investments reshape Egypt’s economy, structural trade imbalances and conflicting regional interests highlight the limits of this “golden decade” of cooperation By Dale Aluf In Amsterdam, reporting on China in the Middle East
IAEA’s Grossi to visit Tehran ahead of second round of US-Iran nuclear talks The IAEA chief’s visit comes just days after nuclear talks between the US and Iran and less than a week after a senior Iranian official threatened to halt compliance with the nuclear watchdog. Iran
Analysis As China opens to Sharaa, Uyghurs and reconstruction shadow future ties with Syria By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Saudi GDP grew 3.2% in 2021, highest in seven years Saudi economic progress includes growth in the non-oil sector, as foreign direct investment moves more slowly. Saudi Arabia
Analysis First female Arab Knesset member to head Israeli diplomatic mission Foreign Minister Yair Lapid has appointed Meretz Knesset member Ghaida Rinawie Zoabi as consul general in Shanghai, sparking an outcry from critics. By Mazal Mualem In Tel Aviv, reporting on politics
US approves plan to build Kuwait’s new defense ministry HQ The $1 billion project is part of Washington's attempt to outmaneuver China's growing influence in the Gulf. Gulf
Chinese companies lose tenders for Israeli light rail Chinese companies lost tenders for light rail in the Tel Aviv area, apparently following American pressure against Chinese involvement in strategic projects in Israel. Israel
Saudi Arabia partners with China’s Huawei on talent development The US government has warned Middle Eastern states against doing business with the Chinese tech firm, which has been accused of intellectual theft and enabling the internment of Uyghur Muslims. News Brief
The Takeaway: Yemen’s future may be affected by Iran talks Iran and Israel; Iran and China; Iran and Turkey; Hamas alternative to "Fauda"; and more … all in less than 1,400 words. Gulf
Next phase of China-Iran ties depends on nuclear talks Iran and China's long-term strategic partnership awaits any new outcome of the JCPOA. Iran
Saudi Arabia reports more non-oil exports, large amount of trade with China The kingdom is trying to reduce its dependence on oil. Gulf
China praises 'innovation cooperation' with Israel on 30th anniversary of ties The United States is concerned about Israel's ties with China, especially aspects of technology cooperation. News Brief
Iran says much of nuclear deal text is ready Iran says progress has been made in Vienna, but the United States must decide on sanctions removal. Iran
Israel pledges to keep US in loop on trade with China In the face of growing American concerns, Jerusalem has reportedly promised Washington it will keep it abreast of any major business deals with Beijing. Israel
Syria joins China’s Belt and Road Initiative The admission of Syria into the Chinese economic project is the latest sign of strengthening relations between Damascus and Beijing. News Brief
