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
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
Morocco’s economy to benefit as EU drops it from money laundering list The North African country was removed from the list of high-risk countries for money laundering and terrorism financing in a decision announced by the European Commission on Wednesday. Morocco
Analysis Meet Italy’s Luigi Di Maio, EU’s first envoy for Gulf region Not everyone in Italy and France is welcoming the nomination of former Italian Foreign Minister Luigi Di Maio as the European Union's new envoy to the Gulf region. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Sweden-Iran ties strained even more after resolution to blacklist IRGC Following the execution of Iranian-Swedish dual national Habib Chaab, the Swedish parliament adopted with an overwhelming majority a resolution calling to blacklist the IRGC. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Germany arrests two suspected Hezbollah members over 'recruiting activities' Germany designated the Lebanese militant group a terror organization in 2020 and has seen its relations with Iran sour in the last year. Lebanon
UAE axes $879m military helicopter deal with Airbus Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, defense and security industry affairs sector chief for the UAE’s Tawazun Council, stressed that the decision was not a political one. United Arab Emirates
EU cancels Israel's Europe Day reception over Ben-Gvir participation The EU mission in Israel announced that it was canceling its Europe Day reception to avoid hosting far-right National Security Minister Itamar Ben-Gvir. Israel
Italy and UAE push reset button, boost strategic partnership under Meloni The government of Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni seeks to boost ties with the UAE, which Rome views as a strategic partner in the region. Legacy: Gulf
Iran's SAIPA signs $497 million car deal with Russia, Belarus Iranian carmaker SAIPA will export vehicles to Belarus and Russia following a similar agreement with Venezuela. Iran
Israel, EU reconcile, agree to hold summit after Cohen-Borrell meeting In a surprising move, Israel's Foreign Minister Eli Cohen and EU's foreign affairs chief Josep Borrell agreed in Brussels to hold an association council meeting by the end of 2023. Israel is also advocating for more EU sanctions on Iran. Israel
Belgium looking into Iran's request for prisoner swap Belgium and Iran seemingly advance toward a prisoner exchange deal, though Brussels is warning that contrary to Tehran’s statements this could take time. Iran
