OPEC on hunt for new members, secretary-general says The oil cartel currently has 13 members, and 10 more countries form the OPEC+ group. Gulf
Iran needs drastic reforms to mitigate brain drain's impact on economy, tech sector Bijan Khajehpour In Vienna, reporting on Iranian politics
Analysis Iran’s membership in Shanghai Cooperation Organization further aligns it with Russia, China Iran becoming a full member of the China and Russia-led SCO may be more symbolic than beneficial, but could help Iran nonetheless amid international isolations, sanctions and shifting regional dynamics. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
Saudi Arabia to launch new sports investment group: report The Financial Times report follows the merger between the Saudi-funded LIV Golf and the PGA Tour, but challenges remain as the kingdom eyes investment in golf, tennis and possibly American football. Gulf
US, Russia clash over UN's aid lifeline to Syria Ahead of the vote, UN humanitarian leaders are urging the Security Council to keep open “any and all avenues” to deliver aid to Syrians in need. Syria
Turkey, Greece to resume confidence-building talks The resumption of confidence-building negotiations comes as a culmination of the fence-mending steps between Ankara and Athens since the devastating Feb. 6 quakes that hit Turkey. Turkey
Breaking | Last Updated: July 5, 2023, 7:02 pm Elizabeth Tsurkov, Israeli-Russian researcher, kidnapped in Iraq In the first public confirmation of the March abduction, the Israeli prime minister said today that the researcher is alive. Iraq
Canada, Ukraine take case against Iran for downed plane to UN court Iran recently sentenced members of the armed forces to prison for their role in shooting down Ukraine International Airlines Flight PS752 in 2020, but Canada, Ukraine and other countries whose citizens died in the incident continue to reject Iran’s handling of the matter. Iran
Shots fired as Iran tries to seize oil tankers in Gulf of Oman, US Navy says The United States said Iran’s navy opened fire on a commercial tanker while attempting to seize it off the coast of Oman, in the latest tense encounter since Washington has moved to block sanctioned exports of Iranian petroleum. Gulf
UAE awards China’s WeRide first license to operate self-driving cars The UAE permit will allow the Guangzhou-based driving technology company to test its level 4 human-free and fully autonomous vehicles on public roads throughout the emirates. United Arab Emirates