UAE, Russia host first joint business forum despite Ukraine war sanctions Trade between the two countries is projected to exceed $10 billion in 2025. United Arab Emirates
Analysis Russian leak signals Su-35s for Iran moving to production: What to know Recently leaked documents suggest 16 fighters are already on Russian assembly lines, with deliveries slated through 2027. For Tehran, it would be the first meaningful fighter upgrade in decades. By Francesco Schiavi In Bologna, reporting on security, defense, economy, governance
Iran rial hits record low 1.13M to dollar as UN snapback sanctions resume: What to know The sanctions, which were trigged by the three European signatories to the nuclear deal, will not hinder Iranian oil exports to China, an official said. Iran
From F-35s to Ukraine: Erdogan-Trump talks signal reset, but sanctions obstacles remain The summit underscored both leaders’ personal chemistry while highlighting the limits of what the partnership can deliver. Turkey
Analysis As Trump plays Russia oil sanctions gambit, will Middle East profit or pay? By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis Erdogan’s high price for Sweden, Finland joining NATO The Turkish president senses an opportunity to finally settle scores regarding perceived previous slights by NATO powers. By Week in Review
In Washington, Israeli defense minister reiterates warnings on Iran The Iranian nuclear program and its support of regional and global terror were the focus of the meeting in Washington May 19 between Israel’s Defense Minister Benny Gantz and Secretary of Defense Lloyd Austin. Israel
How Sweden, Finland’s NATO membership could impact Turkey If Ankara can be tactful about Stockholm and Helsinki’s possible membership in NATO, it has a chance to see its concerns addressed. Turkey
Debate in Israel continues over Ukrainian refugees The Tel Aviv District Court ordered yesterday the State to offer Ukrainian refugees working permits, so they can live in dignity. Israel
Egypt looks to Gulf to revive tourism sector affected by Russian-Ukrainian war Egypt is seeking to increase Arab tourism from the Gulf at a time when this vital sector has struggled to overcome the recession it suffered with the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt
How long can Erdogan sustain threat to veto Finnish, Swedish NATO bids? Erdogan shakes up otherwise unified Western alliance on Ukraine war. Turkey
What do rising wheat prices, India’s export ban mean for Egypt? Egypt is seeking to import wheat from India due to the Russian war on Ukraine. Egypt
Harris stresses US-Emirati partnership after MBZ meeting The visit by Vice President Kamala Harris and other US officials come as relations between Washington and Abu Dhabi hit a rough patch. United Arab Emirates
Turkey continues to play hard ball over Sweden, Finland NATO membership Turkey’s Islamic-leaning Justice and Development Party government is demanding that both countries end their arms embargoes on Turkey over its military intervention in 2019 against the Kurds in northeast Syria. Turkey
Global energy crisis opens possibilities for Israeli natural gas Experts say that the global energy crisis is exactly the moment when Israel must expand its natural gas export quotas. Israel
Syrians dodge military conscription Syrian military-age men are fleeing conscription, forcing them to defer their future or pay back the government. Syria
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
