Iran dodges sanctions using barter system to buy billions of dollars of Chinese goods
The secretive trade mechanism, in which Iranian oil is exchanged for credits for Chinese imports, has provided a financial lifeline for Tehran in recent years.
Middle East
Somaliland willing to send up to 2,000 troops to Gaza force, president says
US military jets reportedly damaged after Iran launches missile barrage at airbase in Jordan
Iran's Pickaxe Mountain nuclear site sees surge in construction activity, analysts say - report
US military aircraft damaged in strikes on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan - report
An A-10 Thunderbolt and roughly eight F-15s were damaged in overnight strikes on Muwaffaq Salti Air Base in Jordan.
Projectiles hit several areas in southern Iran's Sirik - report
Further details regarding the strikes, including the extent of the damage or potential casualties, were not immediately available.
IAEA passes resolution reporting Iran to UN for breaching non-proliferation obligations
The International Atomic Energy Agency resolution follows a previous one passed on June 12 last year that found Iran in "non-compliance" with its non-proliferation obligations.
Bipartisan House group warns PA fiscal collapse could strengthen Hamas, Iran-backed groups
In a letter to Rubio and Bessent, US lawmakers said a fiscal crisis weakening the PA would create “exactly the kind of vacuum” Hamas and other Iran-backed actors seek.
Blinken denies telling Qatar to delay Israel-Hamas hostage mediation
Blinken called a conversation between him and Qatari Emir al-Thani a "complete fiction" after Haaretz claimed that he told the emir to wait to make a deal between Israel and Hamas.
Sa'ar confirms Israel will not expel Palestinians from Gaza Strip during visit to Slovenia
Sa’ar was present in Slovenia for the opening of the first Israeli embassy in the capital of Ljubljana and to meet with his Slovenian counterpart for the signing of a cooperation agreement.
USAID watchdog says UNRWA Oct. 7 staff investigation had ‘major deficiencies’
Though OIOS complained that it had only been provided copies of the evidence because the originals remained in Israel’s custody, USAID OIG said that there was no reason to doubt their authenticity.
Arab League adopts resolution rejecting Hezbollah military activities in Lebanon - report
The Arab League Council adopted a resolution on Monday affirming solidarity with Lebanon and rejecting Iranian foreign influence and Hezbollah’s continued military activities.
Houthi attack on Saudi Arabia is a test of new Saudi-Turkey-Pakistan pact - analysis
Now there are questions about whether Pakistan or Turkey will respond to the Houthi attacks. Both Pakistan and Turkey have been wary of any conflict with Iran.
IAEA board draws a line under past Syrian nuclear activities, says outstanding questions resolved
In a confidential report to member states last week, the IAEA said it had resolved all its questions on the outstanding issues regarding Syria that it had originally reported to the board.
