Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters Gazans fear that Israel could exploit the wider regional war to reenter Gaza, especially as buffer zones along the border continue to expand and civilians are targeted to keep them away. By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Israel energy minister says gas flowing to Egypt, Jordan despite shutdown reports Israeli Energy Minister Eli Cohen told Al-Monitor that despite security concerns and partial shut down of marine gas platforms, Israel continues to supply gas to Egypt, Jordan and Israeli consumers. Israel
Saudi Arabia launches new Bahrain maritime link as Hormuz routes strain The service connects King Abdulaziz Port in Dammam with Bahrain’s Khalifa Bin Salman Port. Saudi Arabia
How Egypt is navigating limited options in Iran war to stay neutral Egypt, so far spared from Iranian retaliatory attacks, is pushing for a diplomatic solution as the war with the US and Israel threatens its already fragile economy. Egypt
Analysis How Iran's strike on Qatar gas field could impact LNG market for years By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How long can markets hold their bet on Gulf resilience as war drags on? By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis On Gulf tour, Japan's PM secures energy ties as China’s influence grows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s three-day trip that began Sunday to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar — its key energy suppliers — is seen as a crucial move to secure Japan’s energy future. By Salim A. Essaid
Work on Israel-Saudi land bridge has begun, Israeli Foreign Ministry confirms The project will facilitate the transfer of goods in trucks intially between the UAE, Israel, Jordan and Saudi Arabia. Israel
Analysis Israel-Morocco security ties set to deepen after Western Sahara recognition The last two years have seen a quantum leap in the security and strategic cooperation between Israel and Morocco. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Turkey’s Erdogan arrives in Saudi Arabia, first stop on Gulf tour Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan said his three-day Gulf tour, which includes Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates, will focus on economic cooperation. Turkey
Japan’s PM visits UAE after Saudi Arabia, talks green energy, supply sources Japan is trying to move away from fossil fuels toward greener energy, which it plans to promote in the region during Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s visit to the Gulf this week. Saudi Arabia
EU, Tunisia ink 'strategic partnership' to help economy, stem migrants It comes after weeks of talks between the two parties about the EU providing around 1 billion euros in aid, which would be dependent on Tunisia's IMF bailout. Tunisia
Can Iran balance dependence on China with economic openness on India? The International North-South Transport Corridor project has become a matter of urgency for Russia, India and Iran, as it would help Moscow and Tehran develop new markets and evade sanctions. Iran
Is Turkey ready to join European Union as Erdogan jump-starts its bid? In line with its founding father Mustafa Kemal Ataturk’s vision, Turkey had historically positioned itself as a part of the Europe. Erdogan’s unexpected push may lead to some progress in certain avenues, experts and observers believe. Turkey
Iran’s Raisi seals 21 deals on Africa trip, attends drone exhibit in Kenya Iran is seeking stronger ties to sub-Saharan Africa but faces competition from the Gulf and China. Iran
Iran in quest for foothold in Africa as Raisi sets out for landmark visits The Iranian delegation looks to sign agreements in Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe, looking also on the horizon to engage in a tight race with such foreign investors as China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Iran
Turkey's finance, banking chiefs to visit Saudi Arabia in search of foreign funds The Saudi visit of Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek and Central Bank Governor Gaye Erkan is expected to be followed by the Turkish President's Gulf tour. Turkey
In Moscow, Russia's Lavrov welcomes Gulf states' rapprochement with Iran Russia’s Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov said that Russia and GCC countries will expand their cooperation together in areas of economic trade, defense, security, energy and politics. Legacy: Gulf
