First Syria delegation under Sharaa visits US, will attend IMF meetings: What to know Syria's new government faces the daunting task of rebuilding an economy shattered by war and burdened with debt, ongoing sanctions and reconstruction costs. Syria
From 2008 to today: Expectations and timeline of US-Iran talks The upcoming talks will be the most significant since negotiations broke down in 2022 and come in the wake of President Donald Trump threatening to bomb Iran if it does not agree to a new deal on its nuclear program. Iran
US sanctions Russia-based network for aiding Houthis as strikes continue The sanctions target several individuals based in Russia accused of assisting Houthi official Sa’id al-Jamal, who has been under US sanctions since 2021. Yemen
US sanctions UAE, China firms in crackdown on Iranian drone supplies The Justice Department also announced criminal charges against two Iranian nationals and an Iranian company over their alleged roles in the drone-procurement network. Iran
Feature Syria’s post-Assad economy falters as US stalls on sanctions relief By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
UAE Central Bank announces more sanctions The Emirates is seeking to improve its record on financial transparency after being implicated in money laundering and sanctions evasion controversies. Gulf
Russia to invest $40 billion in Iran’s oil sector The news came during Russian President Vladimir Putin’s visit to Iran and may have been motivated by US sanctions. Iran
Iraq diversifies, expands sources of energy and electricty Iraq is looking to Arab partners to help expand energy production and imports to meet summer demand. Iraq
US unveils fresh sanctions on Iranian oil trade network The Biden administration designated 15 individuals and entities located in Iran, Vietnam, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates and Hong Kong. Iran
Egypt ready to export gas to Lebanon once US grants waiver Egypt plans to export the agreed-upon 650 million cubic meters of natural gas annually in order to alleviate Lebanon's energy shortage. Egypt
Iran's IRGC says US is retreating from region The head of Iran's IRGC said that the United States is now leaving the Middle East. Iran
Egypt-Lebanon gas deal awaits US decision on Syria sanctions A State Department spokesperson said the administration will review the final contracts and financing terms to address any sanctions concerns. Lebanon
US deputy treasury secretary in Turkey to warn against evading Russian sanctions In a visit to Ankara Wednesday, US Treasury Deputy Secretary Wally Adeyemo plans to remind Turkey that anyone evading US sanctions against Russia will be held accountable. Turkey
Venezuela’s Maduro receives warm welcome in Turkey Turkey and Venezuela have good relations, much to the chagrin of the United States. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
US lawmakers push sanctions for Syria's Tadamon massacre Reps. Adam Kinzinger (R-Ill.) and Brendan Boyle (D-Pa.) called on the Biden administration to sanction four Syrians linked to the 2013 murder of 41 unarmed civilians. Syria
US sanctions international network laundering funds for Hamas In a move aimed at cutting off the militant group’s sources of revenue, the Treasury Department designated a Hamas official, three financial facilitators and six companies. Palestine
