China warns US not to interfere with Iran trade: What to know China's Foreign Ministry said Beijing was firmly opposed to what it called “illegal unilateral sanctions” and would take “all necessary measures” to safeguard its rights. Iran
Large UAE delegation set to arrive in Lebanon in major investment push A large Emirati delegation of around 70 business leaders and government officials is heading to Beirut, in the latest sign of thaw between the United Arab Emirates and Lebanon. Lebanon
France, Saudi Arabia announce more than $10B in deals on MBS visit Among the deals included a 6 billion euro ($7 billion) pledge from the Public Investment Fund in three manga-themed amusement parks on the outskirts of Paris. Saudi Arabia
China slams Trump over economic war on Iran: What to know China’s once significant oil imports from Iran have been impacted by the war in the region and increasing US sanctions. Iran
What impact will Lebanon’s looming debt crisis have on its society and economy? Lebanon’s government is still negotiating the issue of Eurobonds maturing next week, with analysts saying that whatever the steps, Lebanon will face an even more agonizing economic downturn. Lebanon
Mountain couriers brave bullets along Iran-Iraq border As the economic crisis deepens in Iran, more people are risking their lives to earn money by transporting goods through the mountains of the Kurdistan region on the Iraq-Iran border. Iraq
Coronavirus puts more pressure on Iran’s already strained economy Amid ongoing economic strain due to sanctions, mismanagement and corruption, the ongoing outbreak of coronavirus presents additional challenges. Iran
Socks for tourists, jobs for refugees in Jordan Two young entrepreneurs in Jordan get women in refugee camps to knit socks for tourists. Jordan
Art, culture victims of Lebanon's economic crisis Lebanon’s cultural organizations, which have long been regional models, struggle to keep their heads above water as economic and political crises deepen. Lebanon
Why is the steel industry in Egypt declining? Egypt's steel industry has generally been lowering prices as a result of an oversupply in inventories and lower raw material prices just as a new steel factory comes online. Egypt
Edelman strikes $6 million deal with Saudis to promote G-20 business summit Saudi petrochemicals company SABIC has hired the Chicago-based PR giant to support this year’s Business 20 gathering in Riyadh. Saudi Arabia
Syrian crossings reopen, freeing up flow of people, goods The closed crossings that have separated Turkish-affiliated forces in Syria from those of the Kurds have reopened, allowing for trade and travel in those areas for the first time in months. Syria
Palestinian-Israeli agriculture exchange hits a snag The normal exchange of agriculture and animal goods between Israel and Palestine has hit a snag, causing economic and social interruptions and possibly pushing Palestinians to become less dependent on Israel. Palestine
Lebanon’s new government has its work cut out for it The newly formed Lebanese government is in for real challenges, mainly the crisis of the collapsing Lebanese pound and debt that has reached a record level. Lebanon
Lebanon to ask IMF for technical help with economic crisis Amid a deepening financial and monetary crisis plaguing Lebanon, a government source announced that the country is to officially request the IMF’s help. Lebanon
Egypt’s non-oil private sector activity declines despite banking flourishing Egypt's non-oil private sector growth has decreased to its lowest level in three years, affecting the country's private sector and undermining a campaign to boost private sector companies. Egypt
