Turkey eyes offshore energy pact with Syria in 2026 amid East Med isolation Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has offered up details on a deal with Syria that could unsettle regional rivals in the gas-rich Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Analysis France seeks to bolster Lebanon's army through UNIFIL coordination, donor conference France believes that the key to stabilizing the region is bolstering the Lebanese military so it can regain control over the south of the country. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Germany makes first deportation to Syria since 2011: What to know There are roughly 1 million Syrians in Germany, most of whom fled there during the country’s civil war. Syria
Italy pledges to maintain troops in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL withdrawal Italy plays a crucial role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, with an Italian leading its command and the country contributing over 1,000 troops to the mission. Lebanon
Analysis Israel likely to strike Iran in 2026, European diplomats say By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
3 British tourists killed in boat fire off Egypt’s Red Sea coast The fire comes days after a Russian tourist was killed during a shark attack in the Red Sea, a popular destination for European tourists. Egypt
Analysis European aid, pressure on Tunisia’s IMF deal unlikely to allay migration concerns European leaders visited the North African country over the weekend, hoping to work with Kais Saied's populist government to reach an agreement with the International Monetary Fund while reducing migration in the Mediterranean. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
UK MPs alarmed by report on British colleges helping Iran develop drones British lawmakers demand that the government provide answers about whether international sanctions were breached. Iran
Israel advances EastMed undersea electricity cable connecting with Europe In Paris meetings with international bodies, Energy Minister Israel Katz is promoting Israel's plans for a subsea electricity cable that would connect to other countries in the region and Europe. Israel
UK introduces $13 online visas for GCC, Jordanian nationals Gulf nationals previously paid £30 ($37.63) per visit to the UK, while Jordanians paid £100 ($125.42) for a visit visa. Legacy: Gulf
Analysis One year on, Algeria-Spain blockade shows little sign of easing Since Algeria imposed trade sanctions on Spain on June 8, 2022, both economies have lost out on billions of dollars in business. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Qatar Airways first in Mideast to sign Shell deal for 3K tons of sustainable fuel The airline said that the deal will allow it to reduce emissions on flights from Amsterdam by approximately 7,500 tons of CO2 for the fiscal year. Qatar
Morocco’s textile industry rebounds, as demand spikes from Northern Europe The head of Morocco's textile association said there is growing demand from Northern European buyers for locally made knitwear and corporate apparel. Morocco
Iran, Belgium complete prisoner swap mediated by Oman Belgian national Olivier Vandecasteele was released from prison in Iran in an Oman-mediated exchange deal. Iran
Syria's Assad accuses France of 'hysteria' for calling to put him on trial Damascus is furious after French Foreign Minister Catherine Colonna said she thinks Syrian President Bashar al-Assad should stand trial for his role in the Syrian war. Syria
French navy in Mideast seizes $108M drug shipment in Indian Ocean The seizures mark the latest sign of US and allied cooperation on interdiction in Gulf waterways. Legacy: Gulf
Germany, Italy hold talks with Saudi Arabia, Qatar to strengthen energy ties Italy is looking for capital from Saudi Arabia's Public Investment Fund for a new fund Rome is setting up to help domestic companies in strategically important sectors. Saudi Arabia
