Analysis New nuclear deal is no silver bullet for Iran's untapped gas reserves Iran has an estimated 32 trillion cubic meters of natural gas reserves, but it has been unable to exploit them under the weight of international sanctions. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Analysis Why IRGC’s shadow empire is set to endure even as Iran’s economy spirals With the ability to operate clandestinely, the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps wields significant power across Iran's most important sectors — insulating the organization from current economic turmoil, according to experts. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Syria to develop first offshore oil, gas field with US’s Chevron, Qatar’s UCC In 2013, Russian firm Soyuzneftegaz signed a deal to explore for oil and gas in Syrian waters, but the project was dropped two years later due to the civil war. Syria
Kuwait to open offshore oil, gas fields to foreign firms: What to know The Gulf country and OPEC member has made significant oil and gas discoveries since 2023. Kuwait
Is Saudi defense reform a win-win for Washington and Riyadh? The US should consider a shift from arms sales to supporting Saudi defense industry reform and expansion. Legacy: Gulf
The Takeaway: Iran nuclear talks resume next week — What you need to know Turkish lira crisis hits Syria; Saudi, Syrian intel chiefs talk; Netflix drama evokes memories for Izmir’s Jews; Oman bets on logistics; Egypt, Tanzania deepen ties; Gaza’s women skateboarders — all in less than 1,500 words. By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Oman invests in ports with eye to becoming Gulf gateway Oman is betting on strategically located ports and container terminals to expand its logistics sector, hoping to serve as a prime gateway to Gulf markets. Legacy: Gulf
UAE foreign minister visits Cyprus The UAE has grown closer to Cyprus on energy and defense issues. By Al-Monitor Staff
Iran claims it stopped US from seizing oil tanker Iran said the US had attempted to steal an Iranian ship carrying oil but was thwarted by the Iranian military. Iran
Egypt aims for petroleum self-sufficiency Egypt is moving forward to produce sufficient fuel to cover its needs, taking advantage of its new projects and development operations in the oil sector, bringing the country closer to achieving self-sufficiency in petroleum products by 2023. Egypt
Protests break out in Syrian city controlled by jihadist faction Protests erupted in Idlib against the Syrian Salvation Government, affiliated with Hayat Tahrir al-Sham, amid high inflation and deteriorating living conditions. Syria
Saudi Aramco close to retaking Apple as most valuable global company The recent surge in oil prices has lifted Aramco from the low point of its valuation during the COVID-19 pandemic. News Brief
Oil minister says Iran capable of resolving global fuel ‘crisis’ Iran’s oil minister said if sanctions targeting his country’s lifeline crude are lifted, the Islamic Republic will have every capability to tackle the world’s energy supply shortages. Iran
Hezbollah announces arrival of second Iranian fuel delivery The shipment could help Lebanon grapple with its worsening fuel crisis and also again defies US sanctions on Iran. News Brief
Lebanon raises fuel prices again The Lebanese government previously subsidized fuel prices amid the country's worsening economic crisis. Lebanon
Israel’s natural gas wealth fund disappoints Despite grand promises that billions of dollars would pour into Israel's sovereign wealth fund from maritime natural gas fields, little money has arrived. Israel
