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
From PKK to corridor project: Ambitious agenda awaits Turkey’s Erdogan in Iraq Security cooperation and transport corridor plans are expected to top the agenda of the Turkish president’s visit to Iraq in April, the first of its kind since 2011. Turkey
Saudi Arabia, UAE amp up Africa investments amid growing competition Africa is seeing a major uptick in investments from the UAE, Qatar and Saudi Arabia, which presents the possibility of 'greater returns' for the Gulf states. Saudi Arabia
What’s behind Iran’s $13B investment in domestic oil industry? Iran’s oil exports are on the rise, particularly to China, though the country faces challenges in maintaining its oil production levels. Iran
Analysis What does US sanctions waiver mean for Iraq’s energy dependence on Iran? Iraq is seeking to boost its domestic natural gas sector and find alternatives to Iranian electricity but has not made significant progress, according to one expert. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Israel’s NewMed Energy says UAE deal suspended amid Gaza 'uncertainty' Israel-UAE relations have been negatively impacted by the war but still remain intact. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey doubles down on coal despite European efforts to decarbonize Turkey has been importing around three quarters of its coal from Russia as prices have fallen since the Ukraine war began in Feb. 2022. Turkey
Saudi Aramco turns to China for future oil demand as profits fall 25% China is the biggest customer for Saudi crude but is also crucial in Aramco’s ambitions to convert 4 million bpd of its oil production into petrochemicals by 2035. Saudi Arabia
Kuwait's Durra gas dispute puts Iran in new showdown with Gulf rivals The issue has added to a list of already existing tensions between Iran and other Persian Gulf states, with Kuwait and Saudi Arabia upping the rhetoric over the past year, denying any Iranian share in the vast reserve. Iran
Iran, Algeria to build closer energy, tourism ties Europe is increasingly interested in Algeria as an alternative to Russia for gas supplies, while Iran is seeking to boost its own gas output amid continued US sanctions. Iran
South Sudan’s oil at risk due to Sudan civil war South Sudan depends on its northern neighbor to export its oil and is facing difficulties with the exports due to the war there and the conflict in the Red Sea. Sudan
Qatar places major bet on gas as Saudi Aramco scores new find in Jafurah Asian liquefied natural gas prices have fallen to a nearly three-year low as warmer winter temperatures have dampened demand. Qatar
Iran-Pakistan gas pipeline gets a reset, can it overcome sanctions? As Tehran and Islamabad work to make progress on the Iran-Pakistan natural gas pipeline that has been decades in the making, the threat of US sanctions and financing challenges still remain. Iran
