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
Lapid’s legacy to include better relations between Israel, Jordan First as foreign minister, and then as prime minister, Yair Lapid identified rehabilitating commercial and diplomatic ties with Jordan as top priority for Israel. Israel
Israeli army on alert after arrest of Islamic Jihad senior official The IDF has reopened some of the roads blocked off near Gaza, but soldiers remain ready for trouble. Israel
Sanctions impact Russian emigres in Israel needing pensions Finance Minister Avigdor Liberman tries helping older Israeli citizens who immigrated from Russia and depend on their modest Russian pension. Israel
Israel tightens ties with Uzbekistan The recently signed agreement over Uzbeki nursing staff traveling to Israel only highlights the rapid growth in economic, diplomatic and cultural relations between the two countries. Israel
Iranian trade with China on the rise China is focused on improving its economic ties with Iran as opposed to security cooperation. Iran
Israeli government retreats on bread-price controls The global rise in prices of flour and other products havs affected the cost of bread in Israel, some of which has long been regulated. Israel
Culture Lebanese expat influencer runs barefoot marathon for cancer patients Influencer Raymi Naouss, in partnership with NGO Crush Kancer with a Smile, ran over 40 kilometers as part of a barefoot marathon to raise money for patients struggling to find life-saving medicines in crisis-hit Lebanon. Lebanon
Iran says US dollar officially ditched in trade with ally Russia The Islamic Republic took the step following the Russian president's meeting with Iran's leader in Tehran, where the two explored options on how to push back on international sanctions. Iran
Bahrain joins UAE’s industrial partnership Jordan and Egypt are already part of the group, which aims to establish joint industrial projects. Legacy: Gulf
Sisi advances Egypt's bid for BRICS membership President of the BRICS International Forum Purnima Anand revealed Egypt's interest in joining the group along with Saudi Arabia and Turkey, and the position is to be discussed at the BRICS summit scheduled for next year in South Africa. Egypt
How realistic are Ankara’s hopes of trading in Turkish liras? While the Turkish lira continues to tumble, Turkey’s currency swaps with China and other countries have failed to live up to their stated objective of boosting trade in local currencies, official data show. Turkey
Iran's middle class priced out of housing market As housing costs in Iran see record increases, officials are exchanging blame. Iran
