Analysis As Iran’s grip on Hormuz weakens, what leverage does Tehran have left? Six months into the war, Iran's grip on the Strait of Hormuz is weakening. The world is slowly learning to live with it, oil flows are recovering, alternative routes are expanding and Tehran's own economy is bearing the cost of keeping the waterway under pressure. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Despite fanfare, Xi shows Trump no sign of breaking with Iran Beijing has significant leverage over Tehran, but little incentive to use it for Washington’s benefit, given its reliance on Iranian oil. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Analysis In Yemen, China exploits US security gap while seeking to curb Houthis The Houthis’ advances around Bab al-Mandab point to another crack in the US-led Gulf security architecture—one China could gain from diplomatically and economically, even as it seeks to prevent a wider regional escalation. By Joyce Karam
China presses Iran, US to reopen Hormuz as disruptions threaten oil supply Conflicts in the region are disrupting two key routes for oil bound for China, with Iranian crude affected by the Strait of Hormuz and Saudi shipments facing growing risks in the Red Sea. Iran
Analysis As Israeli settler attacks mount, Trump avoids public pressure on Netanyahu By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Chinese foreign minister in Qatar for talks with the Taliban Qatar has a history of mediation related to Afghanistan. News Brief
Friday prayers resume in Tehran amid fears of new virus surge Services were held some 20 months after coronavirus concerns forced Iranian Health Ministry officials to bar Muslim worshippers from attending Friday prayers. Iran
UAE, China discuss 'outstanding friendship' in call China is working on improving its relations with Gulf states, primarily focusing on development. News Brief
Chinese-operated port opens in Israel despite American concerns The Biden administration is relaying to Jerusalem the same fears expressed by former US administrations over Chinese investments in Israel. Israel
Egypt to receive Johnson & Johnson vaccine doses Only around 6% of Egypt is vaccinated against COVID-19, though confirmed cases remain relatively low. Egypt
Israel opens Chinese-run terminal at Haifa port Biden's CIA director raised concerns about Beijing's growing investment in Israel, according to a report. Israel
Afghan chaos further incentive for India’s efforts to strengthen ties with Iran The recent rise of the Taliban in Kabul has expedited New Delhi's efforts to boost ties with Iran, which is positioned to be India's main corridor to Afghanistan, yet major challenges remain. Iran
New UN report on Islamic State gives Ankara another headache Security Council report red flags Uyghur diaspora in Turkey as a recruitment source for jihadi networks in Syria and Afghanistan. Turkey
Chinese oil companies fill void in Iraq As major Western oil companies reconsider their positions in Iraq, China is seizing the opportunities offered by their departure. Iraq
Is China ready to intervene in Nile dam crisis? Egyptian Foreign Minister Sameh Shoukry briefed his Chinese counterpart Wang Yi on the latest developments in the Grand Ethiopian Dam crisis — a move that observers believe is aimed at pushing Beijing to pressure Addis Ababa on the dam negotiations. Egypt
Biden administration not trading Syrian oil for aid corridors with Moscow The Biden administration said Syrian oil is for the people of Syria, not for the United States. Syria
Bahraini prisoner's death from COVID-19 prompts protests Husain Barakat received China's Sinopharm vaccine but died anyway after contracting the coronavirus in prison. Legacy: Gulf
