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
Israel tightens ties with Uzbekistan The recently signed agreement over Uzbeki nursing staff traveling to Israel only highlights the rapid growth in economic, diplomatic and cultural relations between the two countries. Israel
Iranian trade with China on the rise China is focused on improving its economic ties with Iran as opposed to security cooperation. Iran
Israeli government retreats on bread-price controls The global rise in prices of flour and other products havs affected the cost of bread in Israel, some of which has long been regulated. Israel
Culture Lebanese expat influencer runs barefoot marathon for cancer patients Influencer Raymi Naouss, in partnership with NGO Crush Kancer with a Smile, ran over 40 kilometers as part of a barefoot marathon to raise money for patients struggling to find life-saving medicines in crisis-hit Lebanon. Lebanon
Iran says US dollar officially ditched in trade with ally Russia The Islamic Republic took the step following the Russian president's meeting with Iran's leader in Tehran, where the two explored options on how to push back on international sanctions. Iran
Bahrain joins UAE’s industrial partnership Jordan and Egypt are already part of the group, which aims to establish joint industrial projects. Legacy: Gulf
Sisi advances Egypt's bid for BRICS membership President of the BRICS International Forum Purnima Anand revealed Egypt's interest in joining the group along with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and the position is to be discussed at the BRICS summit scheduled for next year in South Africa. Egypt
How realistic are Ankara’s hopes of trading in Turkish liras? While the Turkish lira continues to tumble, Turkey’s currency swaps with China and other countries have failed to live up to their stated objective of boosting trade in local currencies, official data show. Turkey
Iran's middle class priced out of housing market As housing costs in Iran see record increases, officials are exchanging blame. Iran
Israel-EU talks to resume for first time in decade EU foreign ministers agreed today to convene soon a meeting under the EU-Israel Association Council in order to regulate and advance relations between Brussels and Jerusalem. Israel
Lebanese initiative to support struggling zaatar producers Small-scale producers in Lebanon are struggling to stay in business due to harsh economic conditions, but projects like Mazeej are helping them to turn things around for the better. Lebanon
War in Ukraine leaves Lebanon hungry As wheat imports from Ukraine and Russia dwindle, Lebanese people are in danger of going hungry. Lebanon
