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
Supreme Court clears path for Turkey’s Halkbank trial over Iran sanctions The Turkish president personally raised the Halkbank case with US President Donald Trump at the White House, as Ankara pushes for a settlement to avoid a drawn-out legal battle. Turkey
Kuwait seeks renewable energy boost as 14 GW power expansion plan takes shape Kuwait, historically lagging in the Gulf’s energy transition, is moving ahead with plans to expand renewable energy amid efforts to banish power crunches. Kuwait
Analysis Egypt’s renewable power jumps 34% as country tackles energy crunch By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis After $20B deals unravel, will Gulf oil majors scale back abroad? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
$35B gas deal underscores Egypt’s energy reliance on Israel despite Gaza tensions Israel and Egypt have finalized a $35 billion gas deal that will double Israeli gas exports by 2029, highlighting Cairo’s growing energy dependence on its neighbor, even as political tensions rise over Gaza. Egypt
China's oil imports fall 5.4% as Iranian flows recede from June highs US President Donald Trump has intensified pressure on Iran’s economy, clamping down on its oil sector, a critical component of the state budget. Iran
UAE president heads to Russia to meet Putin as ties grow: What to know UAE President Sheikh Mohammed bin Zayed al-Nahyan is heading to Moscow on Thursday for an official visit, his second in less than a year as Russian-Emirati relations continue to develop rapidly. United Arab Emirates
Iran to close public offices as temperatures pass 105 F: What to know Iranian officials are seeking to reduce public energy consumption as water levels decrease throughout the country and power cuts persist. Iran
Aramco's Q2 profits fall 22% as lower oil prices weigh on earnings Saudi Arabian crude exports have been soaring, hitting a three-month high last month, though oil prices remain low. Saudi Arabia
UAE’s ADNOC inks 10-year gas deal with India: What to know The UAE is seeking to export more gas to India as domestic consumption is projected to rise in the South Asian country. United Arab Emirates
Iran mulls nixing zeros from currency as value plunges: What to know Iran has experienced massive inflation in recent years and is now contending with an energy crisis as well. Iran
Egypt inks offshore oil and gas deals with Eni, BP: What to know Egypt faces growing energy vulnerability due to declining natural gas production and heavy reliance on imported supplies. Egypt
Trump admin unveils largest-to-date Iran sanctions on oil 'shipping empire' The sanctions target more than 115 individuals, entities and vessels that the Treasury Department has linked to a network transporting oil from Iran and Russia. Iran
Turkey to begin natural gas exports to Syria on Aug. 2: What to know Turkey will supply gas via a swap deal with Azerbaijan, backed by Qatar financing, the Turkish energy minister said. Turkey
Turkey secures $2.8B green financing for Azerbaijan railway: What to know The 223-kilometer railway will connect to the existing train route that joins Turkey’s northeastern city of Kars and the Georgian and Azerbaijani capitals of Tbilisi and Baku. Turkey
Saudi crude oil exports hit 3-month high as production soars: What to know The increase comes as the kingdom is reeling from negative effects of lower oil prices and production boosts from OPEC+ under US pressure. Saudi Arabia
