Analysis Saudi Arabia seeks to pressure China over Houthi arms without risking ties Saudi Arabia has signaled its displeasure with China and is pursuing quiet diplomatic pressure as it tries to balance mounting security concerns against its economic and strategic interests with Beijing. By Joyce Karam
Israeli president meets FM Wang Yi as reports link China to Iran’s military buildup Israeli President Isaac Herzog held talks with Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi and discussed topics ranging from economic and cultural cooperation to regional security. Israel
Pezeshkian to meet Putin as Iran looks to Russia for support: What to know Russia has reportedly provided Iran with military materiel, intelligence and diplomatic backing during the war. Iran
Analysis Why renewed Egypt-Ethiopia tensions are a problem for China For Beijing, the renewed Egypt-Ethiopia standoff is a zero-sum bind that threatens vital strategic interests on both sides of the Nile. By Joyce Karam
Analysis Why Trump-Xi summit did not move the China needle away from Iran By Yun Sun In Washington, DC, reporting on China-Middle East ties
Analysis As Iran’s grip on Hormuz weakens, what leverage does Tehran have left? By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Analysis Despite fanfare, Xi shows Trump no sign of breaking with Iran By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
As sanctions bite, Iran's Raisi talks business in China The trip came at a moment of increasing international isolation, which has left Iran with fewer options than ever before in selling its lifeline oil. Iran
US general reveals Chinese balloons have flown over the Middle East A senior CENTCOM official said the high-altitude balloons have posed no threat to troops, and he expressed interest in obtaining similar ones to fill gaps in the United States' intelligence collection. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iran intel official says China in line to buy Tehran's drones Despite growing Western alarm over the Islamic Republic's drone shipments to Russia, the Iranian official said 90 countries were "queuing up" for purchases of the same products. Iran
OPEC+ likely to maintain oil output at meeting, in gesture to US While the OPEC+ group is expected to maintain oil production at its virtual meeting set for Feb. 1, global demand for oil is estimated to reach a record high in 2023. Legacy: Gulf
Senator Van Hollen says no F-16s for Turkey if Sweden, Finland not admitted to NATO The Democratic senator also discussed concerns about Israel’s new government, China’s inroads in the Gulf and more at the Al-Monitor PRO event. Turkey
Iran bolsters ties with China and Venezuela despite US sanctions Iranian oil exports to China are on the rise, and the Islamic Republic’s relations with Venezuela are moving beyond energy matters, as the South American country recently received 1,000 vehicles from the Iranian automobile firm Saipa. Iran
China hackers found to have compromised Iran entities for months A Chinese hacking group targeted multiple Iranian government bodies in 2022 using advanced malware, according to an industry report. Iran
Are China’s growing ties with Gulf states coming at Iran’s expense? Recent trade and geopolitical moves by Beijing in the Gulf leave Iran wondering about the state of their alliance. Legacy: Gulf
Turkey spars with China over Uyghurs, but is it real? Turkey’s opposition and some Uyghur activists remain doubtful on how committed Ankara is to defending the rights of the Uyghurs despite its recent spat with Beijing. Turkey
Turkey airs rare public criticism of China's treatment of Uyghurs Turkey is openly criticizing China's treatment of the Uyghur minority as more tension emerges between Huawei and its Turkish partner telecom operator Turkcell. Turkey
China emerges as lead funder for Egypt's new administrative city This month, President Xi reaffirmed China’s commitment to the project in a meeting with Egypt's president on the sidelines of a Saudi summit. But that commitment may be tested in the coming months as Egypt’s loans come due. Egypt
As US watches, China and Saudi Arabia shy away from defense deals during Xi's visit Pentagon officials are closely watching what deals result from the Chinese president's meetings with Arab leaders. Legacy: Gulf
