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 freezes Russian MIR payments to avoid US sanctions Acceptance of MIR bank cards would have eased Russian tourists’ payments inside Egyptian hotels and resorts. Egypt
Egypt claims wheat self-sufficiency despite Ukraine war Over the past three months, Egypt has bought 3.5 million tons of wheat from local farmers as it works to achieve self-sufficiency and weather the effects of the global crisis caused by the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Egyptian pound hits nominal record low ahead of IMF deal The global economic storm has put a lot of pressure on the local currency, which nevertheless remains strong against other currencies. Egypt
Saudi minister meets with Google, Zoom in California The official visit comes as Saudi Arabia seeks to grow its industrial sector. Saudi Arabia
Syria and Iran lower tariffs per free trade agreement Syria and Iran signed a free trade deal more than 10 years ago but are still working out the details. The two countries are not major trade partners despite being political and military allies. Iran
From homes to guesthouses: some Lebanese find ways to survive economic meltdown Despite Lebanon's worst financial crisis since its civil war, guesthouse investment is growing as rural tourism soars, generating much-needed revenue for its cash-strapped citizens and empowering local communities and talents. Lebanon
Lebanon to shift to new official lira-to-dollar exchange rate Lebanon is shifting to a new official exchange rate to the US dollar, three years after an unprecedented financial and economic crisis that has plunged a large portion of its population under the poverty line. Lebanon
UAE, Tanzania sign double tax avoidance deal The Emirates is also pursuing renewable energy projects in the southern African country. Legacy: Gulf
UAE, Oman boost ties with deals on high-speed rail, combating financial crimes The agreements are in line with the UAE’s foreign policy, which prioritizes regional partnerships. United Arab Emirates
Saudi Arabia partners with Senegal on railway, desalination plant The UAE, Israel and Turkey have also upped their engagement with African states in recent years. Saudi Arabia
Egyptian households turn to credit as inflation bites In the past, locals used to buy only durables in installments. Today, breadwinners buy clothes, schoolbooks, stationery and groceries on credit. Egypt
Lebanese depositors irate over closed banks Banks in Lebanon have been shut down for nearly a week amid fears of a bank run. Lebanon
