Analysis Iran currency plunges to historic low amid factional blame game As Iran's judiciary publicly rebukes the central bank over the rial's collapse, the currency crisis is no longer economic and is fast becoming a test of political accountability and regime stability. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Yemeni ministries declare support for STC campaign as Gulf tensions flare Yemen's Saudi-backed government criticized the statements in support of the Southern Transitional Council, which is supported by the UAE, as Gulf states deliberate on how to move forward. Saudi Arabia
Analysis Gulf finance hubs race to expand as hedge funds flock to Dubai, Abu Dhabi The Gulf’s top financial hubs have posted another strong year in 2025, with the UAE spearheading a regional push to attract hedge funds, asset managers, crypto and fintech firms as regional neighbors target growth of their own. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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 By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis Iran’s FM Araghchi in Moscow as biting sanctions drive closer Russia ties By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Iran’s budget banking on US lifting sanctions The projected reliance on oil revenues is wildly optimistic, likely making the budget a wish list, at best. Iran
Iraqi government considers sales tax to relieve budget crisis Iraq is mulling the possibility of imposing a sales tax amid concerns over the consequences of such a move on Iraqis already struggling in a down economy. Iraq
Jordan’s 2021 budget is a harbinger of worse things to come The Jordanian government approved the 2021 draft budget law, which suggests an even tougher and more unstable year for Jordanians, who are witnessing a growing economic crisis worsened by the coronavirus pandemic. Jordan
No relief in sight for Mideast hotspots after catastrophic 2020 Conflict, disease, famine compound crises in Gaza, Yemen, Syria. Regional
Turkish inflation creeps higher as Central Bank pressed to act Turkey’s annual inflation hit 14.03% in November, well above forecasts, raising pressure on the nation’s new Central Bank governor to impose tight monetary policies. Turkey
Cash-strapped Turkey relies on Qatari investments In only five years, Qatar has come to account for 15% of all foreign direct investments in Turkey, second only to deep-rooted Dutch investors. Turkey
Will reopening of border crossing drive Saudi investment in Iraq? Iraq and Saudi Arabia are opening the Arar border crossing, a move that should boost Saudi investment in Iraq. Saudi Arabia
Lebanon’s PM struggles to form Cabinet amid economic crisis Lebanon’s political elite have yet to form a government despite the urgency as the country slides further into economic collapse. Lebanon
Under new leadership, Turkish Central Bank delivers largest rate hike in two years Following a shakeup in Turkey’s economy team, Central Bank policy-makers raised a key interest rate to 15% Thursday, pledging to fight high inflation and bolster the nation’s troubled economy. Turkey
Iraq-Saudi border crossing reopens after 30 years The Arar crossing has remained closed since Iraq's invasion of Kuwait. Saudi Arabia
Iraq increases deficit to pay salaries The Iraqi parliament voted on the funding deficit law so that it can borrow to pay salaries that have been in arrears for more than two months. Iraq
Poverty spikes in Iran as prices for essential goods rise Inflation in Iran continues unabated, forcing further economic pressure and poverty on low-income households. Iran
