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
What now for Turkey in Cyprus and eastern Mediterranean? The election of Turkey’s favorite candidate in the Turkish Cypriot presidential elections may create more problems than opportunities for Ankara in the eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Can Russia benefit from Turkey-Greece spat? In light of the conflict in the eastern Mediterranean between Turkey and Greece, Russia may be looking to strengthen its ties with Greece in order to further its interests in the region. Russia
Iraq invites international bidders to Mansuriya gas field As Baghdad feels added strain from OPEC+ production cuts and continuing economic woes, the country invites international energy companies to compete for oil and gas development. Iraq
Hezbollah rejects Lebanese delegation at maritime border talks with Israel Lebanon's two main Shiite parties said the negotiating team in the border talks shouldn't include civilians. Israel
Turkey resumes energy research in disputed waters A Turkish seismic research vessel has resumed energy prospecting activities in disputed eastern Mediterranean waters, sparking renewed tensions with Greek and EU leaders, who called on Ankara to end its "provocations." Turkey
Turkey eyes economic gains in backing Azerbaijan against Armenia Turkey and Azerbaijan often describe their relationship as “one nation, two states,” but their economic exchanges have remained relatively small despite their close political and ethnic bonds. Turkey
Chevron becomes operator of two Israeli natural gas fields US gas and petrol giant Chevron is now the owner of Nobel Energy and the operator of Israel natural gas fields Tamar and Leviathan. Egypt
NATO chief presses for calm in East Med, cease-fire in south Caucasus During a visit to Ankara Monday, NATO Secretary General Jens Stoltenberg voiced support for de-confliction efforts between Turkey and Greece in the eastern Mediterranean while calling for a cease-fire in the southern Caucasus. Turkey
Two Iranian fuel tankers reach Venezuelan territory The Associated Press reported that two Iran-flagged ships reached Venezuela and a third is on its way without US interference. Together they are carrying 815,000 barrels of fuel. United States
Iranian tanker reaches coast of Venezuela Other Iranian ships are bringing fuel to and from the South American country, despite a US seizure of such vessels in August. Iran
US mediation pushes Israel, Lebanon on marking maritime border Reports say that following US mediation, Israel and Lebanon are now ready to discuss the marking of their maritime borderline. Israel
Egypt leads international coalition to confront Turkey in eastern Mediterranean Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Cyprus, Greece and Italy signed the charter to transform the EastMed Gas Forum into a regional organization based in Cairo, in an attempt to form an international lobby capable of confronting Turkish ambitions in the eastern Mediterranean. Egypt
