Why did the Met Opera lose its Saudi funding deal? The deal, announced as a nonbinding memorandum of understanding last September, would have seen the PIF inject up to $200 million into the opera institution over the next eight years. Saudi Arabia
Which airlines are cutting flights amid Hormuz fuel disruption? European and Asian airlines have been most impacted by the closure of the Strait of Hormuz, which is throttling jet fuel supplies. Iran
How are Iran-linked tankers still moving through Hormuz blockade? At least 19 Iran-linked tankers have passed through the US blockade on the strait to exit the Gulf while at least 15 have entered, according to the cargo-tracking group Vortexa. Iran
Iran seizes two cargo ships in Hormuz after Trump extends ceasefire The IRGC Navy’s seizure of two cargo vessels follows US Navy interdictions of two Iran-linked crude oil tankers in the Arabian Sea and the Indian Ocean earlier this week. Iran
Analysis Gulf energy deals face Iran war stress test as global expansion meets oil shock By Samuel Wendel In Washington, DC, reporting on regional business and tech
Analysis How long can Iran's economy weather US naval blockade? By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Israeli PM acknowledges role of Biden, Macron in Lebanon maritime deal Israel's Prime Minister Yair Lapid confirmed this evening publications in France over the significant role played by French President Emmanuel Macron in reaching the maritime agreement with Lebanon. Israel
Israel moves ahead on maritime agreement with Lebanon A maritime boundary agreement with Lebanon is finally headed for a likely approval vote in Israel. Israel
US touts 'historic breakthrough' on Israel-Lebanon maritime border President Joe Biden called on Lebanon and Israel to now implement the agreement over their long-disputed maritime border. Lebanon
US to 'reevaluate' relationship with Saudi Arabia after OPEC move The White House has nodded to calls among Democrats in Congress for a reappraisal of Washington's seven decades of support to the kingdom. Washington Connection
In win for Lapid, Israel hails imminent maritime agreement with Lebanon Despite threats from Hezbollah, and despite harsh criticism from opposition chief Benjamin Netanyahu, Prime Minister Yair Lapid hopes for the government to soon approve the maritime border agreement with Lebanon. Israel
Analysis US should balance response to OPEC+ oil cuts with other needs Yet again, Iran lurks in background. By Week in Review
Analysis Democrats tear into Saudi Arabia over OPEC+ cut The State Department on Thursday dismissed calls from some Democrats to withdraw US troops and missile systems from Saudi Arabia. By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Turkey's energy deal in Libya fans regional rivalries Turkey is likely to face stronger headwinds in the eastern Mediterranean after signing a controversial energy exploration deal with Libya’s interim government. Turkey
Iraq's commitment to OPEC oil reduction won't affect exports Iraq's oil reduction per the recent OPEC+ agreement will not affect the country's revenues, according to Iraq's oil minister. Iraq
Egypt persuades Israel to extract Gaza’s natural gas Al-Monitor obtained information from Palestinian and Egyptian officials about the success of Egyptian mediation in pushing Israel to allow the start of extracting natural gas off the coast of the Gaza Strip. Egypt
Iraq, Jordan launch electrical grid connection project Iraq and Jordan launched a project for an electrical grid connection between the two countries in order to improve Iraq's electricity situation and boost economic ties between the two countries. Iraq
Israeli defense minister fosters security ties in Azerbaijan Israeli Defense Minister Benny Gantz traveled this week to Azerbaijan on the backdrop of growing tensions with Iran and Jerusalem’s desire to deepen strategic, security and economic ties with Baku. Israel
