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
Lebanese parties distribute food baskets as economy continues to sink Lebanese parties are distributing aid and food baskets to people suffering under difficult economic and social conditions but at the same time are ignoring the root of the crisis. Lebanon
New loan fund could save small Arab-Israeli businesses Already fragile small Arab-Israeli businesses were hit especially hard by the pandemic and the ensuing economic crisis. Israel
Can Chinese investment provide boost to Iran’s Chabahar port? As US-Iran ties deteriorated, India slowed down work at Iran’s Chabahar port; yet Chinese investment could bring it back to life. By Sabena Siddiqui In Karachi, reporting on South Asia, Middle East, Iran
French FM visits Lebanon to send message of ‘great firmness’ to bickering politicians French Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian met with President Michel Aoun, who briefed him on the stalled efforts to form a government. Lebanon
Turkish Central Bank keeps interest rates high as inflation weighs on economy Cornered by rising inflation and a weakening currency, Turkey’s Central Bank kept its benchmark interest rate steady at 19% on May 6 as policymakers await positive signals. Turkey
Intel: Biden dispatches US senators to forge further ties with Sudan Two US senators met with Sudan’s interim leaders in Khartoum on Tuesday as the Biden administration seeks to forge lasting ties with the new government. Washington Pulse
Saudi Arabia buys into e-commerce A crown prince bent on modernization, young and tech-savvy consumers, and a global pandemic are transforming commerce in the desert kingdom. DONT USE - Gulf Pulse
French FM says some Lebanese politicians banned from France over failure to form government Lebanon has been without a Cabinet since last year, and France does not want to provide the country much-needed aid until economic reforms are implemented. News Brief
Egypt seeks foothold in Libya’s reconstruction Egypt and Libya agreed to have Egyptian workers return to the Libyan labor market at a time when Cairo seeks to contribute to the reconstruction of war-torn Libya. Egypt
Egypt, Sudan seek greater cooperation in agriculture, food industries Egypt and Sudan agreed to establish an Egyptian-Sudanese joint stock company on agricultural and animal production and food industries, as they face a threat of shortage of Nile water amid the faltering negotiations on Ethiopia’s controversial Nile dam. Egypt
Iraqi, Syrian oil ministers discuss gas imports The Iraqi and Syrian oil ministers talked about the possibility of transporting Egyptian gas to Iraq through Syria during a meeting in Baghdad. News Brief
As Iran looks to boost production, major political barriers remain Iran’s leaders have put a renewed focus on increasing domestic production, yet to achieve this goal there must be political stability and sincere efforts to push back on corruption. Iran
