Explainer UAE-Egypt ties keep growing as Cairo navigates shifting Gulf landscape An Emirati investor could soon strike a $2.7 billion deal to develop another tourism project on Egypt's North Coast, the latest in a string of UAE-linked pacts that have continued advancing despite turmoil from the US-Iran war. Egypt
Analysis Jordan shores up US lifelines as Iran targets Amman’s reliance on Washington Already a leading recipient of US aid, Jordan has secured fresh funds from the United States as the Iran war tests Amman and Washington's partnerships. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
US stock markets soar to new records amid Hormuz deal hopes The S&P 500, Nasdaq Composite and Dow Jones Industrial Average are on track for their best five-day performance since April 2025. Iran
Explainer Iran-Oman Hormuz route talks near 'completion': What to know The new framework would give Iran a greater role in managing one of the world’s most strategically important maritime choke points. Oman
PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli fuel Following the rupture of US-Palestinian ties and Israeli violations to the Paris Protocol, the PA is moving forward with its plan to break free from reliance on Israeli fuel, particularly since the financial crisis requires purchasing fuel at cheaper prices. Palestine
Palestine, Morocco forging first bilateral economic pact For the first time independently of the Arab League, Palestine and Morocco have agreed to develop their trade exchange, which currently favors Morocco heavily. Palestine
Growing esports market has huge potential in Mideast The video gaming industry is gaining ground in the Middle East, as its popularity and prize money continue to grow. Regional
Israel's economy faces uncertain future Employment and wage figures are excellent, inflation is low and the country’s credit rating is high, but the growing deficit will require Israel’s next government to cut expenditures or raise taxes — or both. Israel
Turkey becomes new dump for global plastic waste Due to lax regulations, plastic scrap imports to Turkey have skyrocketed since 2018; why is the AKP letting the country turn into a global wastebasket? Turkey
Egyptian-Turkish trade: A love-hate relationship Egypt's free trade agreement with Turkey ends in 2020, but it is unclear whether it will be renewed in light of the political antipathy between the two countries' leaders. Egypt
Lebanon university strike threatens students’ futures As the Lebanese parliament is considering austerity measures that would see public wages slashed, the Lebanese University continues its open-ended strike, with students missing classes for weeks now. Lebanon
Iran sticks to 'Look to the East' doctrine amid frustration with Europe As Europeans continue to let it down, Iran is increasingly focused on its "Look to the East" doctrine, grabbing every chance to boost trade with China, India and Japan. Iran
Can Erdogan mend fences with US, Europe while saving face? Turkey is seeking to improve relations with the West to stave off further damage to its ailing economy, but wants to do so without appearing to concede any ground or make concessions. Syria
Iran plays Pakistan, China against India as Modi turns to Trump India’s apparent decision to go along with the Trump administration’s “maximum pressure” campaign against Iran could negatively impact its relationship with Tehran, including in regard to the Chabahar port project. United States
Are banks in Gaza jeopardizing economic sector? Banks are limiting their facilities in the Gaza Strip, which reflects badly on the already ailing economy. Palestine
How feasible is Khamenei’s economic doctrine for Iran? In one of his most comprehensive explanations of his economic doctrine, Iran’s supreme leader outlined his focus on self-sufficiency, import substitution, putting an end to oil dependence and prioritizing the agricultural sector. Iran
