Analysis Lebanon key to Trump plan for turnaround in Middle East The final "This Week" column reflects on US policy toward Lebanon, Syria, Iraq and Gaza. By Andrew Parasiliti In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, national security
Analysis As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay? A potential US crackdown on Russian oil buyers could disrupt global trade flows — and the Middle East stands to both benefit and lose. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Landmark $18.7B Santos-ADNOC takeover delayed: What to know Santos said in a statement that the due diligence period, initially set for six weeks, has been extended until Aug. 22. United Arab Emirates
$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
Iran's oil shipments to China triple in 3 years despite sanctions Iran’s strengthening ties to China have prompted some senators to call for more sanctions. Iran
In Gaza, pressure builds on Hamas to solve power crisis amid heat wave Palestinian activists in the Gaza Strip are launching campaigns to pressure Hamas into resolving the power crisis, which has worsened this past month due to a severe heat wave. Palestine
Kuwait to begin drilling in disputed gas field with Iran Kuwait and Saudi Arabia’s dispute with Iran over the Durra gas field is coming amid improved ties between Iran and the Gulf. Legacy: Gulf
UAE joins India's Global Biofuel Alliance on clean energy ahead of COP28 The UAE minister of energy and infrastructure announced Wednesday that his country is a willing participant in the global alliance and has been investing heavily in biofuels. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi oil exports hit new low, dropping by more than one-third In May of this year, Saudi Arabia’s value of oil exports hit a low of just over $19 billion, reported the kingdom’s General Authority for Statistics. This includes both crude and refined products. Saudi Arabia
Dampened China demand driving up Middle East purchases of Russian oil China's appetite for fuel oil has been slowly increasing since the COVID-19 pandemic when the country implemented some of the strictest lockdowns in the world. Legacy: Gulf
Saudi Aramco acquires $3.4 billion stake in a China petrochemical firm The world’s biggest oil exporter is making further inroads in China, Saudi Arabia’s top customer for crude. Saudi Arabia
Algeria, China sign 19 agreements during Tebboune's visit, including energy, technology Xi Jinping received Abdelmadjid Tebboune and his delegation at Beijing's Great Hall of the People to discuss bilateral relations. Algeria
Analysis On Gulf tour, Japan's PM secures energy ties as China’s influence grows Prime Minister Fumio Kishida’s three-day trip that began Sunday to Saudi Arabia, the United Arab Emirates and Qatar — its key energy suppliers — is seen as a crucial move to secure Japan’s energy future. By Salim A. Essaid
Kuwait's new sovereign wealth fund Ciyada to boost foreign investment The Gulf country already has the Kuwait Investment Authority with assets of about $803 billion, making it the fifth-largest sovereign wealth fund globally. Legacy: Gulf
Can Iran balance dependence on China with economic openness on India? The International North-South Transport Corridor project has become a matter of urgency for Russia, India and Iran, as it would help Moscow and Tehran develop new markets and evade sanctions. Iran
Republican lawmakers urge sanctions over Iran oil sales to China Senate Republicans are pushing for harsher penalties against Chinese-linked actors involved in Iran’s oil and petrochemical trade. Iran
