Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
What role is Jordan playing in Syria's reconstruction? As Syria’s southern neighbor, Jordan is already positioning itself as a logistics hub and diplomatic broker for Syria’s reconstruction. Syria
Iran currency dips to new low of 1.2M per dollar as sanctions bite: What to know Since US President Donald Trump took office in January, the rial has plummeted. Iran
Meloni to attend GCC summit in Bahrain as Italy deepens Gulf ties The summit is expected to focus on economic integration in the Gulf, but regional issues will likely loom just as large, including post-war Gaza and the conflict in Sudan. Bahrain
Analysis US-Gulf critical minerals ties grow in bid to weaken China’s grip on industry By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Deals and data: Saudi Crown Prince brings growing AI ambitions on US visit By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
MBS and Modi discuss expanding trade goals as Saudi-India ties grow The two leaders attended the Saudi-Indian Strategic Partnership Council where they convened on various fields of cooperation and reviewed regional and international topics of mutual interest. Saudi Arabia
Analysis India's economic corridor to Europe via Saudi, UAE: a win for US, West Asia In reflection of the emerging multipolar world, Riyadh and Abu Dhabi aim to transform their bilateral relations with Washington, Brussels, and Delhi into multidimensional partnerships by joining the IMEC, with energy serving as a core pillar but not the sole one. By Mohammed Soliman In Washington, DC, reporting on Gulf politics
Qatari investors in talks with Daily Mail owner to buy rival newspaper group The influential Telegraph Media Group, which will come up for auction in a few weeks, has strong links to the ruling Conservative government. Qatar
Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 will benefit Islamic finance sector, says Moody’s The kingdom has the largest Islamic banking market in the world, and roughly 83% of its total assets are Sharia-compliant. Saudi Arabia
World Bank official says Turkey's economic U-turn 'step in right direction’ The comments from the institution’s Turkey director follow the Turkish government finally raising interest rates to battle inflation. But the Turkish economy is still struggling. Turkey
Israel's foreign investments drop 60% in first quarter of 2023 A report published by Israel's Finance Ministry suggests that foreign investments are decreasing, as are the number of Israeli startups sold to foreign companies. Israel
Spain investigates Saudi Arabia’s 9.9% acquisition of Telefonica Saudi Arabia’s STC Group announced a 9.9% purchase in the $2.1 billion telecom company, but the Spanish government must approve the plan. Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia, UAE, Iran give BRICS economic boost, but won’t rival US leadership Tangible economic benefits may be some distance away, experts say, but the symbolic benefit is joining an alliance separate from, or opposed to, Western interests. Iran
UAE trade offensive continues, this time with New Zealand deal The UAE is looking to secure its sixth trade agreement of the year as it increases its non-oil trade globally, with intentions to reach $1.09 billion by 2031. United Arab Emirates
Saudi sovereign wealth fund invests in US mixed martial arts league The new area of sports investment follows major Saudi investments in golf and soccer. Legacy: Gulf
UAE’s non-oil trade hits record $340B in first half of 2023 Trade is set to increase after the BRICS bloc of major developing economies announced last week that the United Arab Emirates was among the list of countries invited to join the group. United Arab Emirates
