As Trump eyes possible Iran exit strategy, China, Saudi Arabia, Turkey push for restraint Iran’s airspace has reopened after a brief closure as Trump softens rhetoric on military action, while authorities report a slowdown in anti-regime protests amid a nationwide internet blackout and a harsh crackdown. Iran
Saudi Arabia and Qatar ink high-speed rail deal advancing Gulf integration Saudi Arabia is seeking to boost its railway infrastructure, and longstanding efforts to connect Gulf states by train are finally gaining momentum. Saudi Arabia
Trump Org, Saudi partner Dar Global launch crypto scheme for Maldives resort The deal marks a notable fusion of the Trump family’s traditional real estate business and its expanding foothold in the crypto world, and arrives a day before Saudi Arabia's Crown Prince arrives in Washington. Saudi Arabia
Middle East commercial aircraft fleet will double in 20 years, Airbus says The European planemaker predicted the Middle East will be one of the world’s fastest-growing aviation regions with 4,080 new passenger aircraft deliveries in the next 20 years. United Arab Emirates
Iraq's security chief visits Iran, steps up border and railway cooperation: What to know Iraqi national security adviser Qasim al-Araji’s trip to Iran focused on efforts to deal with Kurdish groups on the border and a much-delayed railway linkage between the two countries. Iraq
Analysis From flights to electricity grids, Turkey-Armenia ties slowly advance New confidence-building measures are set to roll out between Ankara and Yerevan as experts call on Turkey to do more to support the Armenian government. By Barin Kayaoglu In Ankara, reporting on geopolitics and national security
Interview Al-Futtaim targets 2026 UAE rollout for game-changer ultrafast EV charging The technology, which has only been deployed in China, will enable up to 400 kilometers of car recharging in five minutes, roughly the same time as filling a petrol tank. Lucas Bellieud Al-Futtaim Electric Mobility Managing Director
Ryanair scraps Tel Aviv return amid airport dispute, regional instability The Irish low-cost carrier said Tuesday it would not restart winter flights to Israel, scrapping some 22 routes to and from Tel Aviv and around 1 million seats. Israel
India weighs options as US ends waiver for Iran’s Chabahar Port: What to know India has been working to develop the strategically important Gulf port for close to a decade, but the move has been complicated by US sanctions on Iran. Iran
China-made flying car makes first test flight in UAE: What to know The Chinese company is facing competition from a US firm that is currently developing an air taxi service in Dubai. United Arab Emirates
Turkish, Armenian envoys to meet Wednesday amid renewed peace push The sixth round of Turkish-Armenian normalization talks will follow the Washington peace summit between Armenia and Azerbaijan, which is expected to inject fresh momentum into reconciliation efforts. Turkey
Qataris hail Chinese robotaxis as Gulf embraces driverless cars Three Chinese companies have publicly announced plans to roll out the autonomous vehicles in the Gulf. Qatar
Etihad half-year profit hits record $306M on strong travel demand The Abu Dhabi airline reported a profit after tax of 1.1 billion Emirati dirhams ($306 million), up 32% from the first half of 2024. United Arab Emirates
Turkish Tesla sales soar in August, surpassing European, Japanese rivals Elon Musk’s EV company sold 8,730 Model Ys in August, jumping 86% compared to July, according to data from Turkey’s Automotive Distributors and Mobility Association. Turkey
Turkey, Armenia leaders eye cooperation as Azerbaijan peace process advances The meeting came after the Aug. 8 peace summit in Washington, hosted by US President Donald Trump, between Armenian Prime Minister Nikol Pashinyan and Azerbaijan President Ilham Aliyev. Turkey
Syrian airline Fly Cham launches flights to UAE’s Sharjah as ties warm The United Arab Emirates is relatively bearish on Syria’s Islamist government, though ties are advancing both politically and economically. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
