Maersk resumes Red Sea passage after two-year halt amid easing Houthi threat A ceasefire reached between Israel and Hamas in October has prompted some shipping companies to consider resuming services, but security concerns persist. Yemen
Analysis How Netanyahu ceded to Trump, agreed to Egypt's $35B gas deal The Israeli prime minister's frustration with Trump administration strong-arming continues, with pressure to sign Egypt gas deal and now a reported push for Sisi meeting. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel's Netanyahu approves $35B natural gas megadeal with Egypt Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu announced Israel will sell Egypt natural gas worth $35 billion, in the biggest-ever deal of its kind for the country. Israel
Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties The economic agenda of the meetings in Moscow and Tehran reflected a deliberate effort by both governments to signal momentum in a partnership increasingly shaped by isolation from the West. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Exclusive Inside Netanyahu’s pressure campaign to block Turkey, Saudi Arabia from acquiring F-35s By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Egypt offers cash for families to control births The Egyptian government intends to pay 1,000 Egyptian pounds to married women with two children or less annually as part of efforts to curb population growth. Tunisia
Iraq marks somber Ramadan amid economic, political crises The holy month used to be a special time for Iraqis, filled with spiritual and social activities. But it has lost meaning due to the ongoing economic crisis and political conflict in the country. Iraq
Elon Musk denies report that Saudi Arabia, UAE intend to invest in SpaceX An arm of Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund and an Abu Dhabi-based company were reported to be looking to invest in Elon Musk’s SpaceX, according to The Information, which cited people familiar with investor discussions. Legacy: Gulf
This Ramadan, food prices change Egypt's longstanding Iftar customs Surging food prices force Egyptians to strictly stick to the basics ahead of Ramadan. Egypt
UAE, Oman call for bids on $3 billion transnational railway project The move aims to expand the role of the private sector in the state-owned project and promote regional integration, with the project connecting Oman’s Sohar Port with the UAE's National Rail Network. Legacy: Gulf
Kuwait’s Agility awarded $1.65 billion in dispute with Iraq's Korek The Kuwaiti logistics firm accused Korek, which is owned by Kurdish military commander Sirwan Barzani, of using corruption to expropriate its stake. Legacy: Gulf
Gulf asks India to increase flights as GCC, Indian officials meet in Saudi Emirates, Jazeera and Turkish Airlines want India to allow more flights, but Indian authorities told Reuters they have no plans to do so. Legacy: Gulf
Pharmacies in Lebanon shut, as bankrupt government plans airport expansion Gas stations are also threatening to close as long as authorities continue to ignore the economic collapse, while protests resumed on Tuesday. Lebanon
Analysis Jordan economic rating shows upswing, but problems remain Jordanians in the private sector are praising their government's ambitious economic strategies, but still see systemic inefficiencies as a barrier to making them a reality. By Salim A. Essaid
Qatar's Manchester United takeover could monetize new Mideast fan base A Qatari takeover of the English soccer club would “turbocharge” the global presence of the English Premier League, analysts told Al-Monitor Legacy: Gulf
Qatar loses 'World’s Best Airport' to Singapore, Turkey's Istanbul climbs to 6 Most Gulf Cooperation Council city airports went up in rank from last year's SKYTRAX’s World Airport Awards. Legacy: Gulf
Egypt signs $1.6 billion deals with China, EU companies to develop sea ports The Egyptian government wants its Red Sea and Mediterranean ports to help boost the economy amid rising inflation and declining foreign currency reserves. Egypt
