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
How realistic are Turkey’s ambitions over strategic corridor with Azerbaijan Turkey is pinning high economic hopes on a transport link that would connect it to Azerbaijan and beyond, but Russia and Iran have caveats and the viability of Turkey’s projects are open to question. Turkey
OPEC and Russia agree to boost production in 2021 The agreement follows recent increases in global oil prices. The COVID-19 pandemic has hurt oil markets and, subsequently, the economies of several Middle Eastern states. Originals
Islamic State claims sabotage attack on Egypt’s gas pipeline to Israel Egypt's military said it was a "limited explosion." Egypt
Erdogan's call for two-state solution in Cyprus dims hopes for Turkish 'reset' with West Speaking during a visit to Northern Cyprus, Recep Tayyip Erdogan said Turkey would continue drilling in contested waters around Cyprus and the Greek islands “until a fair settlement” was reached. Turkey
Israeli, Greek, Cypriot defense ministers meet, reinforce security ties Defense Minister Benny Gantz meets with his Greek and Cypriot counterparts to reinforce the countries’ security ties and strategic cooperation. Israel
Greece, Egypt expect Biden will be 'decisive' in Mediterranean dispute, Greek PM says Greek Prime Minister Kyriakos Mitsotakis' comments came as Turkey announced it was extending exploratory work in the contested waters. Egypt
Russia, Iraq face OPEC+ cuts, look to new deals While Iraq's dependence on imported Iranian electricity continues to worry Washington, the key to breaking this energy dependence lies in the development of its own gas fields. Iraq
Saudi Aramco sees massive drop in third quarter profits The Saudi oil giant's slump is indicative of the crisis in Middle Eastern and global oil as the COVID-19 pandemic continues. Originals
Elections weigh on US-Gulf economic relations Investments worth billions of dollars in the US market and currencies pegged to the greenback leave Gulf states heavily exposed to the American economy. Legacy: Gulf
US sells seized Iranian fuel, seeks forfeiture of missiles The United States has sold and delivered the 1.1 million barrels of Iranian oil seized from four Venezuela-bound vessels in August. United States
Second round of maritime-border talks between Israel, Lebanon Israel and Lebanon conducted a second round of mediated talks with the goal demarcating the maritime border between the two countries. Israel
Demands for payment from tribes, militias stalling investment in Iraq Economic projects in Iraq are facing major setbacks due to ongoing payment demands from tribes and armed groups. Iraq
