Congress grills PGA Tour on relationship with Saudi Arabia’s LIV Golf US Senator Richard Blumenthal, who led the hearing on the deal between the Saudi Public Investment Fund and the US golf circuit, told Al-Monitor that many questions remain unanswered. Gulf
Iran in quest for foothold in Africa as Raisi sets out for landmark visits The Iranian delegation looks to sign agreements in Kenya, Uganda and Zimbabwe, looking also on the horizon to engage in a tight race with such foreign investors as China, Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates. Iran
US, Israel war games underscore warnings to Iran on nuclear enrichment This week's Juniper Oak exercise follows reports that the Biden administration has sought to commit Tehran to an informal arrangement limiting its nuclear enrichment outside of the JCPOA. Iran
Pakistan thanks 'brotherly' Saudis for $2 billion ahead of IMF bailout decision Pakistan received Saudi Arabia's $2 billion deposit a day before the International Monetary Fund is expected to approve a $3 billion bailout on Wednesday that the country desperately needs. Saudi Arabia
Turkey's finance, banking chiefs to visit Saudi Arabia in search of foreign funds The Saudi visit of Finance Minister Mehmet Simsek and Central Bank Governor Gaye Erkan is expected to be followed by the Turkish President's Gulf tour. Turkey
Breaking | Last Updated: July 12, 2023, 5:33 pm UN fails to extend Syria cross-border aid mission after Russian veto Russia killed a compromise resolution that would have kept aid flowing into northwest Syria for another nine months. Syria
Israel's anti-overhaul protesters block roads, clash with police After the approval Monday night at a first reading of the Reasonableness Standard Bill, liming the authority of the Supreme Court, demonstrators are flooding Israeli cities on Tuesday. Israel
Dubai crypto authority suspends BitOasis The cryptocurrency platform BitOasis' license was suspended by Dubai's VARA due to noncompliance of licensing requirements. United Arab Emirates
Qatar Investment Authority buys 5% of NBA's Washington Wizards owner It is the first investment by a sovereign wealth fund in a US sport and the latest move by a Gulf state to increase its influence in sports. Qatar
US to advance Turkey's F-16 sales as Sweden's NATO bid moves forward US Senator Bob Menendez, chairman of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee, says he is in talks with the administration on F-16 sales as the Turkish and US presidents met today. Turkey
Indonesia seizes Iran-flagged ship suspected of transferring oil illegally The 26-year-old tanker was seized and its crew were detained after the vessel was spotted in Indonesia’s North Natuna Sea, suspected of moving oil to Cameroon-flagged MT S Tinos without a permit on Friday. Iran
Analysis Israel-US ties fray as Netanyahu proceeds with judicial overhaul The Biden administration made it clear to Israel that the special relations between the countries are based not only on common security interests, but also on values, currently not respected by the Netanyahu government. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense