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
Lebanon’s Riad Salameh hospitalized as arrest roils Beirut: What to know Lebanon's former Central Bank governor, Riad Salameh, was taken from prison to a hospital over his deteriorating health. Lebanon
Saudi Arabia's economy shrinks by 4.8% amid Iran war: What to know The kingdom saw a 24.7% year-on-year decline in its oil sector for the April 1 to June 30 period due to the closure of the Strait of Hormuz. Saudi Arabia
Explainer Saudi airlines outbuy Gulf rivals at Farnborough air show: What to know United Arab Emirates
UAE police arrest three suspects in attempted $25M diamond heist Three men were arrested after attempting to smuggle a 21.25-carat pink diamond from Dubai, now a major global diamond hub. United Arab Emirates
Egypt to open four new free trade zones by end 2026: What to know The zones will be in 10th of Ramadan City, New October City, New Borg El Arab City, and New El Alamein City. Egypt
Syria, Saudi Arabia sign mutual investments deal: What to know The deal came during a Saudi-Syrian meeting in Riyadh that was held in continuation of the Syrian-Saudi Investment Forum held in Damascus last month that saw the signing of 47 deals worth $6.4 billion. Syria
Analysis As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay? A potential US crackdown on Russian oil buyers could disrupt global trade flows — and the Middle East stands to both benefit and lose. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
UAE looks to boost Russia trade to $23B despite Trump tariff threats The two countries signed a trade agreement focusing on several key sectors, including fintech, health care, logistics, transportation and services. United Arab Emirates
Iran’s president to visit Armenia, China: What to know Tehran is looking to strengthen ties with regional and Asian powers as Western sanctions continue to squeeze its economy. Iran
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
UAE’s ADNOC inks 10-year gas deal with India: What to know The UAE is seeking to export more gas to India as domestic consumption is projected to rise in the South Asian country. United Arab Emirates
Iran mulls nixing zeros from currency as value plunges: What to know Iran has experienced massive inflation in recent years and is now contending with an energy crisis as well. Iran
Turkey’s inflation falls to four-year low of 33.5%: What to know Treasury and Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek said on X that annual inflation had fallen to its lowest level in 44 months. Turkey
Analysis Netflix teams up with MBC’s Shahid in Saudi Arabia: An end to streaming wars? A new agreement between MBC Group and the US industry giant appears to signal a shift in the Middle East's streaming market, with top players opting for collaboration over competition. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Egypt inks offshore oil and gas deals with Eni, BP: What to know Egypt faces growing energy vulnerability due to declining natural gas production and heavy reliance on imported supplies. Egypt
