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
Lufthansa extends Tehran flights ban as Iran-Israel tensions flare The Middle East remains on high alert after a suspected Israeli airstrike killed seven senior Iranian commanders in Damascus April 1. Iran
Analysis After Neom cut, Saudi Arabia expected to scale back more Vision 2030 plans Authorities had originally planned for 1.5 million residents to live in The Line part of Neom, but they scaled back their ambitions to around 300,000. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Northern Cyprus tightens property sales rules amid influx of Russian money Northern Cyprus seeks to tighten its laws on real estate purchases to foreigners amid allegations of Russian black money, Zionist plots and encouragement from Ankara. Turkey
Gulf firms set sights on Western airports with Investcorp, dnata deals The Emirati sovereign fund Mubadala is also reportedly considering an event in London’s Heathrow Airport — another sign of Gulf interest in the West’s airports. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia-South Korea ties grow with industry push, pivot east Saudi Arabia is seeking to become a hub for traditional and electric vehicles, and the kingdom’s relations with South Korea are growing in several sectors. Saudi Arabia
What’s behind Abu Dhabi’s $13 billion investment in gas? The Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC) is seeking more foreign partners as it aims to boost gas production capacity. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Why Houthi Red Sea attacks could inspire more piracy in Indian Ocean Since November, more than 20 pirate hijackings have taken place in the Gulf of Aden and Somali Basin, adding to the current financial burden on shipping companies. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Turkey heads to local elections amid voter apathy, unclarity for Erdogan Melting purchasing power in Turkey looms large over the upcoming local elections. Turkey
Switzerland reports violation by Lebanon’s Audi bank in Riad Salameh probe The action by FINMA concerns connections around disgraced former Lebanese Central Bank governor Riad Salameh. Lebanon
As it looks East, Saudi Arabia strikes delicate balance between India, Pakistan "Shared strategic interests" with India and Pakistan motivate Saudi Arabia to maintain diplomatic relations with both countries. Saudi Arabia
Middle East sees 23% drop in VC funding: Qatar, Bahrain, UAE hardest hit Qatar saw VC investments tumble by 57% to 43 million QR ($11.81 million), eclipsed only by Bahrain with an 82% drop. Qatar
UAE eyes Zambia mine as minerals race heats up against Saudi Arabia, China Wealthy Gulf countries are racing against China, Europe and the United States for minerals critical to powering the global green transition. United Arab Emirates
