New Turkey maritime draft bill fuels EastMed tensions with Greece, Cyprus Turkey’s draft maritime bill seeks to formalize Ankara’s claims in the Aegean, Eastern Mediterranean and Black seas, raising tensions with Greece and Cyprus over contested maritime boundaries and offshore energy rights. Turkey
After year away, France returns ambassador to Algeria: What to know France and Algeria have made efforts to improve ties recently, with the strain resulting from disagreements over Western Sahara and their shared colonial past. Algeria
EU ministers agree to sanction violent West Bank settlers: What to know European foreign ministers have agreed to sanction extremist West Bank settlers, but are still discussing the list of names. Israel
Iran president says he held official meeting with Mojtaba Khamenei: What to know The president’s announcement marks the first public confirmation of a meeting between a senior official and Supreme Leader Mojtaba Khamenei, who has not been seen publicly since the start of the war. Iran
NATO chief cites 'some progress' in Turkey-Sweden talks in Ankara Turkey sticks with its hardball strategy on Sweden’s pending NATO membership as a historic NATO summit nears. Turkey
Saudi Arabia's MBS heads to France to meet Macron, attend business summits The two leaders will meet Friday and discuss bilateral relations as well as Middle Eastern and international issues including the war in Ukraine. Saudi Arabia
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
