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
PA wants to break free from reliance on Israeli electricity Jordan and the Palestinian Authority are about to sign an agreement under which the kingdom would supply electricity to the West Bank. Palestine
Istanbul election rerun brings Turkey fresh economic turmoil The cancellation of the opposition victory in the mayoral race in Istanbul has raised the specter of more trouble for the Turkish economy, which is already grappling with recession and currency-related tumult. Turkey
Egypt’s private sector to revamp 150 historic buildings in Cairo The Egyptian government is drawing up a plan to turn over historic buildings to the public sector to help refurbish them and rent them out Egypt
Will Gaza contractors be able to resolve their crisis? The losses incurred in the construction sector in the Gaza Strip since 2007 have prompted the Palestinian Contractors Union to plan a September exhibition with the goal of promoting this sector; success in this endeavor, however, may hinge on the Palestinian Authority. Palestine
Boys' rescue from forest provides bright spot for Turks The rescue of two boys, ages 4 and 5, from a forest brought a modicum of hope the day after May Day to Turkish union members and others who have seen their buying power dwindle and are still seeing the nation's governing party trying to reverse the results of the March 31 Istanbul mayor election. Turkey
Intel: How Russia and Turkey are growing closer at US expense The April 30 phone call between Russian President Vladimir Putin and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan covered a broad range of topics, from trade to military cooperation to Syria, as the two countries continue to grow closer amid US-Turkey tensions. Syria
Russia consolidating its position in Iraq amid anti-Iran sanctions Russian and Iraqi officials convened in Baghdad for another bilateral commission session to discuss energy and security cooperation amid US anti-Iran sanctions. Iraq
Gaza’s Justice Ministry has a new delivery service For the first time, judicial notification and papers in Gaza will be delivered by a private company. Palestine
High cost of death haunts Egyptians The high cost of living in Egypt has extended to dying, and burial has gotten too expensive for the poor. Egypt
Iranian hard-liners leverage IRGC terrorist designation to kill FATF bills The US designation of the IRGC as a foreign terrorist organization has empowered Iranian hard-liners seeking to halt the passage of bills that would have Iran meet international standards for combating money laundering and terrorism financing. United States
Shtayyeh government to focus on economy of resistance New Prime Minister Mohammed Shtayyeh is trying to connect with the Palestinian people to prepare them for austerity measures to withstand the economic pressure being exerted by Israel and the United States. Palestine
What does timing of Lavrov’s visit to Cairo mean? Russian Foreign Minister Sergey Lavrov held talks with Egyptian President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi and other officials during his visit to Cairo, focusing on political, economic and security ties between the two countries. Egypt
