Suez Canal traffic soars as Hormuz disruptions reroute energy trade The canal generated $419 million in revenue in April, up 27% year over year. Egypt
Syria says Iraqi oil shipments surge as Damascus courts foreign energy investment Speaking at the Atlantic Council Global Energy Forum in Washington on Tuesday, Syrian Petroleum Company CEO Yousef Qiblawy said Iraq's overland oil exports through Syria have expanded rapidly in recent months. Syria
Explainer Saudi Arabia, Turkey advance plans to revive historic Hejaz Railway Turkish and Saudi officials signed agreements as part of a Turkish push to revive the Hejaz Railway linking Turkey to the Gulf through Syria, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Turkey
Analysis Turkey pushes Iraq, Syria trade routes as Hormuz crisis disrupts Gulf shipping Turkey is using the Hormuz crisis to promote Iraq- and Syria-based Gulf-Europe corridors, but experts say the routes remain too costly, underbuilt and politically fragile to rival maritime shipping. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Analysis Why Turkey sees opportunity in Hormuz crisis to boost Middle Corridor By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Misfiring trade policies could lead Iran to deeper trade deficit Iran is working to develop non-oil exports in the face of US sanctions, but the country's trade policies are in dire need of reform before real progress will be feasible. United States
Middle East’s chronic woes exacerbate COVID impact, IMF says Also: Israelis back Trump, Palestinians (kind of) tilt toward Biden. Regional
As China-Iran talks continue, Beijing keeps up outreach to Gulf While Iran and China are still working to finalize a 25-year strategic partnership plan, Chinese officials continue to expand bilateral ties with the Gulf, something that could have unexpected implications for Iran-GCC ties. United Arab Emirates
Jordanians cautious about prospects of new government Jordan’s King Abdullah II swore in the new government of Bisher al-Khasawneh amid a series of economic and health challenges facing the kingdom. Jordan
As US elections near, GCC states chart middle course between US and China Former Vice President and Democratic candidate for president Joe Biden's previous statement to make Saudi Arabia a 'pariah' hangs over the region. Saudi Arabia
For Arab youth, the future is in the Gulf The most recent Arab Youth Survey shows the United States is gaining ground on Russia and China as perceived "allies." United Arab Emirates
Israel hopes aviation agreement warms up ties with Jordan Israel and Jordan sign agreement to allow overflights flights through each other's airspace. United Arab Emirates
India works to boost influence in Iran as Beijing-Tehran ties warm India is seeking to remain involved in the development projects at Iran's ports, especially since Chabahar Port helps India gain access to an important geopolitical region. Iran
Turkey eyes economic gains in backing Azerbaijan against Armenia Turkey and Azerbaijan often describe their relationship as “one nation, two states,” but their economic exchanges have remained relatively small despite their close political and ethnic bonds. Turkey
Iranian currency dips to historic low amid sanctions, pandemic, foreign policy decisions Iran has seen the rial’s value fall by almost half this year as the currency now stands at a record low against the US dollar, triggered by ongoing sanctions, coronavirus restrictions and, according to some experts, Iran's foreign policy adventures since the 1979 revolution. Iran
Syria resumes commercial flights out of Damascus The first international flight in six months departed today for Cairo. Syria
Egypt cracks down on Syrian businesses allegedly tied to Brotherhood Egypt is going after certain Syrian businesses that have flourished, citing national security. Egypt
