US imposes sanctions to curb Iran oil despite talks
The United States said Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on seven companies involved in selling Iranian oil, tightening pressure despite...
Geostrategy
Syria FM says wants to ‘strengthen relations’ with China
Syrian Foreign Minister Asaad al-Shaibani expressed on Monday his government's willingness to build a "strategic partnership" with China, a key...
Geostrategy
Geostrategy
Israel seizes Gaza territory as Macron signals imminent French recognition of Palestinian statehood
French President Emmanuel Macron meanwhile said that France plans to recognise a Palestinian state in the "coming months", a move...
- Israel's Defence Minister Katz said that "large areas are being seized and added to Israel's security zones, leaving Gaza smaller and more isolated."
- Katz emphasised that Israel would keep increasing pressure on Gaza "until the hostages are freed and Hamas is defeated."
Business
China retaliates with 84 percent tariffs on US products
Beijing, China -- China will impose 84 percent tariffs on US imports, up from 34 percent, the finance ministry said...
- US President Donald Trump's latest salvo of tariffs came into effect on dozens of trading partners Wednesday, bringing duties on Chinese products up to 104 percent.
- Beijing has consistently opposed tariff rises and said Wednesday it would take "firm and forceful" steps to protect its interests.
Geostrategy
Saudi foreign minister in US to prepare for Trump visit
Riyadh, Saudi Arabia -- Saudi Arabia's top diplomat is in Washington to lay the groundwork for US President Donald Trump's...
- Last month, Trump said he may visit Saudi Arabia as early as April in a reprisal of 2017, when the kingdom was the first destination of his first term in office.
- Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan arrived in Washington on Tuesday, aiming to "prepare for Trump's visit to Riyadh", the source close to the Saudi government said.
Economy
World Bank approves $1.1 bn in financing for Jordan
The World Bank announced Tuesday it will provide Jordan with $1.1 billion in new financing to support economic reforms and...
- The funding, part of an economic modernization effort, aims to "build socio-economic resilience in the face of continued shocks and crises."
- The investments cover four projects designed to support inclusive growth and job creation, help start-ups and small businesses
Geostrategy
Hamas official says ‘necessary to reach a ceasefire’ in Gaza
A Hamas official told AFP on Tuesday that it was "necessary to reach a ceasefire" in the Gaza Strip, three...
- "This war cannot continue indefinitely, and it is therefore necessary to reach a ceasefire," Hossam Badran, a member of Hamas's political bureau, told AFP
- US President Donald Trump and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu a day earlier said that new negotiations were in the works aimed at getting more hostages freed
Economy
Trump’s new tariffs take effect, with 104% on Chinese goods
US President Donald Trump's punishing tariffs on dozens of economies came in force Wednesday, including over 100 percent in levies...
- China is the hardest hit, with tariffs imposed on its products since Trump returned to the White House now reaching a staggering 104%
- Trump said Tuesday his government was working on "tailored deals" with trading partners, prioritizing allies like Japan and South Korea
Geostrategy
Amid Israeli warning of military action, Iran says deal can be reached if US shows goodwill
Trump made the surprise announcement that his administration would open talks with Iran during a White House meeting on Monday...
- Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi said Iran's principal aim remained the lifting of sweeping US sanctions
- Their reimposition by President Donald Trump in 2018 has dealt a heavy blow to the Iranian economy
Geostrategy
After Instagram restrictions, Meta to introduce teen accounts for Facebook
Paris, France -- Meta on Tuesday announced that it was extending its teen accounts to its social network Facebook, after...
- The accounts were brought in for 13- to 15-year-old Instagram users last September as part of moves to shield underage internet users from online harms.
- Teens are immediately placed in such accounts, with those under 16 unable to change settings without parental permission.
Business
Borouge to increase dividend from 2025
The company okayed $650 million final dividend for 2024.
- At the current Borouge share price, this would give investors a 40 percent minimum cumulative dividend return from 2025 to 2030, the highest in the UAE.
- The AGM also approved a share buyback of up to 2.5 percent of outstanding shares via open-market transactions, subject to market conditions and regulatory approvals.
Geostrategy
Yemen rebels say targeted Israel army site, US warships in Red sea: statement
Yemen's Huthis said they targeted a military site in Israel and attacked two US destroyers in the Red Sea Monday,...
- The Iran-backed group carried out a military operation targeting an Israeli military target in the occupied area of Yaffa (Tel Aviv)
- The Huthis also claimed to have targeted "two US destroyers with several cruise missiles and drones" in the Red Sea
US imposes sanctions to curb Iran oil despite talks
The United States said Wednesday it was imposing sanctions on seven companies involved in selling Iranian oil, tightening pressure despite...
Geostrategy
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Trump confidant Steve Witkoff leads Iran talks amid nuclear tensions, Europe urged to rejoin diplomatic efforts
Witkoff, a businessman friend of Trump who has become his globe-trotting negotiator, last met Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi on Saturday...
Geostrategy
India and Pakistan urged to have ‘maximum restraint’ after Kashmir attack
The United Nations urged India and Pakistan to show "maximum restraint" as the nuclear-armed rivals imposed tit-for-tat diplomatic measures over...
Geostrategy
Israel military issues evacuation order two north Gaza areas
"To all of the civilians of the Gaza Strip staying in the areas of Beit Hanoun and Sheikh Zayed. This...
Geostrategy
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Geostrategy
Lebanon parliament approves changes to banking secrecy law
Beirut, Lebanon -- Lebanon's parliament on Thursday approved amendments to banking secrecy legislation, a key reform demanded by the International...
- The international community has long demanded major fiscal reforms to unlock billions of dollars in aid to restart the Lebanese economy in the wake of a five-year economic collapse
- The crash since 2019 has seen the local currency lose most of its value against the US dollar and has pushed much of the population into poverty.
Business
Nissan forecasts $5.3bn annual net loss
Last year, it announced 9,000 job cuts worldwide.
- One of the top 10 automakers by unit sales, Nissan is heavily in debt, having trouble selling vehicles in the Chinese market.
- In February, the company had projected a much smaller annual net loss of 80 billion yen ($560 million).
Economy
Trump eyes ‘fair deal’ with China, but path to ending tariff war remains unclear
Trade tensions between the world's two biggest economies have soared as Trump ramped up levies on imports from China this...
- But how soon the tariffs can be lowered "depends on them," Trump said, referring to Beijing, even as he maintained that he gets along "very well" with Chinese President Xi Jinping
- But earlier Wednesday, US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent told reporters that the two countries are "not yet" talking when it comes to lowering tariffs