Iran increases trade with BRICS including China as it looks to join bloc Iran has seen a 14% year-on-year increase in non-oil trade with members of the five-state alliance, which includes Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa. Iran
Analysis Assad’s comeback and the Erdogan suspense Having been rehabilitated by the Arab League, the Syrian president is poised to wield influence in post-election Turkey, regardless of who wins. By Gilles Kepel
Germany arrests two suspected Hezbollah members over 'recruiting activities' Germany designated the Lebanese militant group a terror organization in 2020 and has seen its relations with Iran sour in the last year. Lebanon
First Turkey-Syria FM meeting in Russia agrees to work on refugees, terrorism Ankara, for its part, stressed the need for cooperation on the return of Syrian refugees, the top Turkish diplomat said ahead of Turkey's crucial elections. Turkey
Over 200 rockets hit Israel, 20 Palestinians killed in Gaza escalation Over 200 rockets were fired at Israel from Gaza on Wednesday, and 20 people were killed in the Gaza Strip after Israeli airstrikes as Egypt tries to broker a ceasefire. Israel
Islamic State claims Damascus car bomb as Assad invited to Saudi The Syrian President's formal invite to the upcoming Arab League summit in Saudi Arabia marks a shift in Riyadh's relations with Damascus. Syria
Analysis UAE-China nuclear deals signal evolving energy relationship Emirates Nuclear Energy Corporation, which is developing the UAE’s nuclear energy sector, signed the three agreements with Chinese nuclear energy organizations on Sunday. By Salim A. Essaid
Egypt inflation drops to 31.5%, but food prices still rising Annual inflation fell slightly in April compared to the previous month as the central bank readies its next decision on interest rates. Egypt
UAE axes $879m military helicopter deal with Airbus Muammar Abdulla Abushehab, defense and security industry affairs sector chief for the UAE’s Tawazun Council, stressed that the decision was not a political one. United Arab Emirates
Turkey Elections: Elders still committed to Erdogan, but are their children? The children of some Erdogan loyalists defy their parents’ political preferences and say they would vote for his rival. Turkey
