Turkey launches first overseas drilling mission in Somalia: What to know A drilling ship has reached Somalia to start Turkey's first overseas drilling mission as regional rivalry heats up in the Horn of Africa. Turkey
Analysis How fast can Gulf energy production rebound after US-Iran ceasefire? The truce could pave the way for lost oil and LNG supplies to flow back to global markets, but restoring Gulf energy production to normal levels could take months, if not longer. By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
EIA hikes 2026 oil price forecasts 22% as Hormuz fuels long-term market fallout In its latest update, the agency said international benchmark Brent crude is now expected to average $96 per barrel in 2026, up from $79 previously, with higher prices now expected to last through 2027. Iran
Iran threatens energy shock, ups Gulf strikes ahead of Trump deadline: What to know Majid Mousavi, head of the IRGC Aerospace Force, declared the start of a “new phase” of the war in response to US threats to target key Iranian civilian infrastructure. Iran
Analysis How the Iran war can help Syria manage Turkey and its regional rivals By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Egypt ready to pump gas to Lebanon While Syria says the Arab Gas Pipeline on its territory is set and ready, Egypt announces that it is ready to export natural gas to Lebanon in the first quarter of 2022. Egypt
Syria, Iraq discuss boosting trade The two countries also discussed cooperation on oil imports earlier this year. News Brief
The Takeaway: Did Israeli PM help break deadlock over US weapons sale to UAE? Also: The Gulf and climate; Syrian refugees return from Belarus; Israel expands Golan settlements; Egypt wants assurances on gas pipeline; China-Ethiopia ties unsettle Egypt; Iran threatens sanctions on US; Building Sharjah … all in less than 1,200 words! By Andrew Parasiliti , Elizabeth Hagedorn , Joe Snell
Intel: Egypt seeks US sanctions assurance in gas plan for Lebanon Egypt's minister of petroleum and mineral resources says his government needs a guarantee from Washington that Cairo's involvement in the Arab Gas Pipeline project will be exempt from US sanctions on Syria. Egypt
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