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
Israeli budget approved in victory for Arab coalition party The big winner of the approval of Israel’s 2021 state budget is the leader of the Arab coalition party Ra’am, Mansour Abbas. Israel
Middle East economic outlook hinges on vaccinations Five countries to watch: Tunisia, Iran, Iraq, Egypt and Oman. Egypt
Half a million children in Lebanon still 'struggling to survive' after Beirut blast A new report from Save the Children found the families of 564,000 children can't afford sufficient food and other basic goods. Lebanon
Affordable housing for Jaffa’s Arab residents: too little, too late With the prices of houses skyrocketing in the center of Israel, even projects designed for the low-income Arab population of Jaffa have become too expensive for them. Israel
The Takeaway: The roots of Tunisia’s political crisis are economic Also: United States, Iraq stay focused on Islamic State; Gulf eyes solar energy; Russia’s Syria policy puzzles Israel; Afghan refugees trigger backlash in Turkey; Erdogan puts spotlight on Cyprus ghost town. Tunisia
France to host Lebanon aid conference as political crisis deepens French President Emmanuel Macron will host the Aug. 4 conference, which comes a year after the devastating blast at Beirut's port. Lebanon
Hariri steps down as prime minister-designate after dispute with president Lebanon has been without a government for nearly a year as the economic crisis in the country worsens. By AL-MONITOR Staff
Iran presses for visa waiver from Iraq Iranian authorities continue to pressure the Iraqi government into waiving its travel visa between the two countries. Iraq
Report reveals heavy impact of COVID-19 on Israeli Arabs A new report quantifies disparities in how the coronavirus crisis has affected Israel's Arab population. Israel
Saudi Arabia’s race for Gulf economic leadership takes to the sky The kingdom diversification plan goes head-to-head with flag carriers Emirates and Qatar Airways, as intra-Gulf economic rivalries heat up on all fronts. Legacy: Gulf
What does Saudi ban on Syrian produce mean for Assad’s government? The kingdom's decision to ban the import of produce from the government-held areas is viewed as a sign that the kingdom has not changed its position toward the Syrian government. Syria
Suez Canal announces record $5.84B revenue after container ship jam Osama Rabie, head of the Suez Canal Authority, said canal revenues were up 2% from the prior tax year. Egypt
