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
Analysis Explainer: Waste-to-energy plant opens in UAE Masdar's new facility in the Emirati city of Sharjah will burn garbage to produce electricity. Some observers believe the process is relatively harmful to the environment due to its carbon emissions, but others say it is a good way to reduce landfill waste. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Iran, Oman to jointly develop oil field Iran's president is in Muscat seeking increased cooperation with Oman on energy and transportation. Iran
Qatar seeks to export natural gas to Germany by 2024 Germany wants Qatari gas as an alternative to Russia’s due to the invasion of Ukraine. Legacy: Gulf
Affiliate of Abu Dhabi oil company to list on stock exchange Borouge is ADNOC’s joint venture with Austrian petrochemical firm Borealis AG. United Arab Emirates
Iraqi Kurdistan government denies taking control of oil fields in Kirkuk An oil company run by the Iraqi Ministry of Oil alleged that the Kurdistan Regional Government’s forces took over some oil fields in the disputed northern province. Iraq
Ukraine war drives more traffic to Egypt's Suez Canal, increasing revenues Although Egypt is being adversely affected by the war in Ukraine, the Suez Canal is benefiting greatly from Western countries sailing into the Gulf in search of oil. Egypt
Kurdistan officials concerned about PKK, Iran and energy sector High-ranking officials from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq have voiced concerns over the lack of effective collaboration from Baghdad and risks to security from the presence of the PKK. Iraqi-Kurdistan
Russian ambassador to Iraq: ‘No objections’ to Kurdistan Region exporting gas to Europe Elbrus Kutrashev spoke to the Kurdish news outlet Rudaw about plans to export natural gas from the autonomous part of northern Iraq to Europe in response to the war in Ukraine. Iraq
OPEC+ alliance endorses slight increase in oil production Saudi Arabia, the UAE and other have largely resisted US calls to boost production but settled on a marginal increase today. Legacy: Gulf
Bulgaria looks to Turkey for help with gas shortage Russia has cut gas exports to Bulgaria, leaving Sofia looking to Ankara, which has some tough decisions to make. Turkey
Israeli cybersecurity firm protects gas transfers between Poland, Lithuania Waterfall deployed its system to the eastern European countries in response to the war in Ukraine. The move comes at a low point in Israel-Russia relations. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
IMF: Oil producers better prepared for Ukraine-related economic downturn The International Monetary Fund’s report also highlighted currency depreciation in Egypt, economic effects of the war in Yemen and Jordan’s fledgling tourism sector. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
