Analysis Algeria hails new $60B energy plan but price slump threatens reform push The OPEC member recently held its first oil and gas licensing round in a decade, attracting significant international interest and awarding five of six onshore blocks, signaling progress in its energy ambitions despite ongoing challenges. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
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
Analysis Egypt’s renewable power jumps 34% as country tackles energy crunch By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Israeli FM Lapid gets warm welcome in Ankara Israeli Foreign Minister Yair Lapid is the latest regional leader to be greeted in Ankara as Turkey takes a fresh approach to its regional ties. Turkey
Egypt looks for boost from gas deal with Israel, EU The EU, Egypt and Israel signed an agreement for the export of natural gas to Europe, which would reduce the latter’s dependence on Russian gas. Egypt
Egypt-Lebanon gas deal awaits US decision on Syria sanctions A State Department spokesperson said the administration will review the final contracts and financing terms to address any sanctions concerns. Lebanon
European Commission head in Israel for talks on energy, natural gas Prime Minister Naftali Bennett and Energy Minister Karin Elharar discussed with European Commission President Ursula von der Leyen possibilities for cooperation on exporting Israeli natural gas via Egypt to Europe. Israel
Biden to meet with Saudi crown prince in July visit The president is expected to meet with Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman in the Saudi Arabian city of Jeddah following a visit to Israel and the West Bank, a senior administration official said. Legacy: Gulf
Maritime dispute with Lebanon threatens Israeli natural gas drilling Israel hopes that a solution can be found to the maritime border dispute with Lebanon so Energean can start drilling in the Karish field in the third quarter of 2022. Israel
Russia launches production for Egypt’s nuclear power plant Ukraine war not stopping Russia’s Rosatom from manufacturing equipment for Egypt’s first nuclear power plant. Egypt
Egypt's gas imports from Israel hit all-time high Gas flows hit a new record in the first quarter of the year and peaked in March, when Cairo purchased above contractual volumes. Egypt
OPEC+ alliance agrees to production increase Pressure on Saudi Arabia, Russia and other major oil producers has boosted production amid high prices. By Al-Monitor Staff
Could Turkey-Israel rapprochement lead to gas agreement? The Cyprus conflict stands as a major stumbling block before potential plans to carry Israeli gas to Europe via Turkey. Turkey
Dispute over Iraqi Kurdistan's energy resources ramps up The Iraqi Ministry of Oil has announced plans to establish a new oil company for the Kurdistan Region. Iraq
