Gas-rich Iran apologizes to citizens over chaotic shortages Despite sitting on the world's second-largest gas reserves, Iran has in recent days witnessed the chaotic management of its household gas heating, which is adding further to a host of unaddressed public grievances. Iran
Al-Monitor/Premise poll: Majority in Egypt, Turkey and Tunisia on edge over food access In an exclusive poll in five countries across the Middle East and North Africa, 68% majority of the population worried about their ability to access food. By Al-Monitor Staff
Turkey, Iran to step up cooperation on Ankara-Damascus thaw While the top Turkish and Iranian diplomats appear to be on the same page over the ongoing Damascus-Ankara rapprochement, both foreign ministers also raised contentious issues during the Iranian foreign minister’s visit to Turkey. Turkey
Jordan envoy's visit to Temple Mount delayed by Israeli police The Jordanian Foreign Ministry has summoned the Israeli ambassador in Amman after its envoy in Israel was briefly prevented from entering the Temple Mount compound. Israel
Women's campaign in Yemen protests Houthi dress code rules Houthi forces require women to wear a black abaya that covers their entire bodies. Gulf
Davos 2023: Saudi Arabia 'open' to discuss trading in non-dollar currencies Qatar also voiced support for Elon Musk’s leadership of Twitter at the annual forum in Davos, Switzerland. Gulf
Iraq's PM Sudani hosted US envoy ahead of meeting Iran's Quds commander Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani received high-ranking US and Iranian envoys separately for discussions of bilateral issues related to both countries. Iran
South Korea-UAE visit showcases alignment on arms, energy deals A $30 billion pledge from the UAE to invest in South Korean industries was one outcome of the four-day visit By Salim A. Essaid
UAE to store carbon dioxide in rocks The carbon mineralization project is part of the Abu Dhabi National Oil Company's $15 billion investment in decarbonization initiatives. Gulf
Lebanon’s cultural scene roars back, defying the economic meltdown After years of dramatic political events and economic struggles, the Lebanese cultural scene is regaining its local footing, reopening museums and launching new ones. Lebanon
Israel's new army chief Herzi Halevi forced to navigate multiple bosses, far-right whims Israel's incoming IDF Chief of Staff Hezri Halevi will have to deal with the fallout from the whims of a new government run by Israel’s most right-wing, regressive and ultra-nationalist forces. Israel
Turkish FM travels to Washington seeking to seal deal for F-16 fighter jets Mevlut Cavusoglu’s meeting with Antony Blinken comes as Washington reportedly ties warplane deal to NATO expansion. Turkey
