US Senate approves repeal of Caesar Act sanctions on Syria: What to know The 2019 Caesar Act imposed sweeping sanctions on Syria to hold the government accountable for human rights abuses committed during the country’s civil war. Syria
Saudi investment minister visits Morocco, Senegal on Africa trade drive Saudi Arabia has pledged more than $41 billion in investment in sub-Saharan Africa over the next decade. Saudi Arabia
Iran, Russia, Central Asia states ink Caspian Sea pact, plan naval drills The navies of Iran, Russia, Azerbaijan and Kazakhstan signed a comprehensive strategic cooperation agreement on Wednesday, aimed at strengthening security in the Caspian Sea basin as the four countries deepen their relations. Iran
World Bank ups Middle East 2025 economic outlook as oil, tourism rebound The lender expects gross domestic product growth in the region to average 2.8% this year, up from its April forecast of 2.6%. Iran
Iran's FM seeks Africa ties to boost sanctions-hit economy The Islamic Republic renewed the official line that it won't keep its battered economy waiting on the fate of the nuclear deal. Iran
Iraq's prime minister attends Arab summit in Egypt’s New Alamein Leaders of Iraq, the United Arab Emirates, Egypt, Jordan and Bahrain met today in Egypt's New Alamein city to discuss regional security and cooperation. Iraq
Palestinians working in Israel strike to protest salary payments in banks Palestinian construction workers are suspicious about a new mechanism agreed upon by Israeli and Palestinian Authority administrations, for salaries to be paid directly into Palestinian bank accounts and not in cash. Israel
Giant retail companies to shake up Israeli market In an effort to lower prices, the Israeli government is encouraging companies such as Carrefour and AliExpress into the domestic market. Israel
Israeli automotive startups dream of becoming next Mobileye Vying for the same success of Mobileye, which was bought by Intel five years ago for $15 billion, Israeli startups are doubling their efforts to appeal to foreign investors. Israel
Culture Cash-strapped Lebanese turn to online civil marriages Najwa Sbeity and Omar Abdel Baki's civil wedding ceremony that they held online went viral, enticing more people to opt for this option despite the religious backlash and bureaucratic difficulties. Lebanon
Israel, Turkey to reappoint ambassadors, opening new chapter in relations After 20 months of courtship, Jerusalem now believes Ankara and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan are sincere in their efforts to rehabilitate bilateral ties. Israel
Syria, Iraq form joint business council Relations between Syria and Iraq were poor in the 20th century but have gradually improved in the security and economic spheres in recent years. Syria
Israeli delegation pays rare visit to Indonesia While Jakarta is reluctant to advance diplomatic ties with Jerusalem, there is room to expand trade and economic relations. Israel
Israeli ministers fast-track deepening of ties with Morocco Defense Minister Benny Gantz, Regional Cooperation Minister Issawi Freij and Justice Minister Gideon Saar are only a few of the Israeli ministers and senior officials who have visited Morocco recently. Israel
Family of man who held up Beirut bank stages protest Bassam al-Sheikh Hussein took hostages at gunpoint to get his own money out of the bank. Many Lebanese, who are unable to access their savings amid the economic crisis, called him a hero. Lebanon
After Hamas sits out latest conflict, Israel expands Gaza economic relief Now that its miltiary operation has ended, Israel is continuing and expanding measures that will help Gaza’s economy grow. Israel
