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
Will Turkey become haven for sanctioned Russians? Ankara is facing increasing pressure to comply with sanctions imposed on Moscow and to increase scrutiny on Turkish banks to make sure they don’t violate sanctions. Turkey
Israel’s energy minister talks Ukraine, global energy crisis in Paris Leading efforts for Israel to join the International Energy Agency, Energy Minister Karin Elharar is in Paris discussing ways to confront the challenges of the current global crisis. Israel
Analysis The Takeaway: Israel looks to mediate Saudi, Emirati anger over Iran deal Zelenskyy’s Holocaust comparison unsettles Israelis; Islamic State takes advantage of Russian distraction in Ukraine; Egypt, Sudan deepen military ties; Lebanon embraces cryptocurrency amidst crisis; Jenin becomes model of resistance to Israeli occupation — all in less than 1,100 words! By Elizabeth Hagedorn , Tyler Huffman , Andrew Parasiliti , Joe Snell
Russia war forces Iran to relocate Kyiv embassy Iranian authorities face anger at home over their failure to promptly evacuate nationals caught up in the Russian war on Ukraine. Iran
Turkey, Netherlands patch up relations amid Ukraine crisis Arriving for a top-level visit in Ankara after years of tense relations, Dutch Prime Minister Mark Rutte says he would like Turkey to join sanctions against Russia but understands Ankara’s unique position. Turkey
Bennett meets with Egyptian, Emirati leaders on Iran, regional alliances In his meetings yesterday and today in Sharm el-Sheikh with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and Emirati Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed, Prime Minister Naftali Bennett continued his efforts to establish a regional alliance against Iran and a new nuclear deal. Israel
Egypt institutes price controls for bread Bread prices in Egypt have increased considerably since the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Egypt receives the majority of its wheat from the two Eastern European countries. Egypt
Turkish tourism sector scrambles to minimize fallout of Ukraine war Bracing for a big loss of Russian and Ukrainian holidaymakers this summer, Turkey’s tourism industry is looking for replacements in Europe and the Middle East. But few are hopeful that the gap can be closed. Turkey
Israelis taken aback by Zelenskyy’s use of Holocaust-victim rhetoric Israeli politicians criticize ongoing use by Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy and by other Ukrainian leaders of Holocaust terminology, and of them comparing the war to the persecution of Jews by the Nazi regime. Israel
Zelenskyy evokes Holocaust, asks Knesset for weapons, sanctions In a scathing video-screened speech, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy likened the war in his country to World War II and to the Nazi persecution, asking Israel to help Ukraine with weapons and with immediate economic sanctions against Russia. Israel
Russia not sending Syrians to Ukraine just yet, top US general says US CENTCOM has seen no sign of widespread recruitment of Syrians to fight in Ukraine. Syria
Islamic State takes advantage of Ukraine war to increase attacks The Islamic State has recently intensified its activity against the Syrian government forces and its allies, setting up a number of ambushes in the Syrian desert and killing dozens. Syria