Strait of Hormuz traffic plunges as Iran, US blockades restrict energy shipments
A total of 89 vessels exited the strait while 103 entered over the seven-day period, the report, based on Automatic Identification System (AIS) data, showed.
Middle East
US treasury secretary says economic D-day against Iran 'begins at dawn,' IDF strikes Lebanon
Treasury Secretary Bessent says US entering 'endgame' with Iran, will sever economic lifelines
US envoy Barrack reverses Golan comments, reaffirms Trump's recognition of Israeli sovereignty
Iraq's 20,000 illiterate electric ministry employees is indicator of larger dysfunction - analysis
The problem is that the 20,000 employees are working in a key energy infrastructure field in a country that is now at the center of the Iran conflict with the US and Israel.
Voices from the Arab Press: The Mecca agreement changes the equation
A weekly selection of opinions and analyses from the Arab media around the world.
Mossad chief, Syria FM hold positive de-escalation talks after Israeli airbase strike, source says
Meeting comes after Shaibani told Reuters Israel has 'historic opportunity' for diplomacy • IDF struck Syrian airbase last week intended to prevent Turkish military presence, sources told the Post
US envoy Tom Barrack’s Israel criticism tests his credibility as a mediator - analysis
Barrack’s apparent support for the Turkish-Syrian account over Israel’s may have undermined his credibility in Jerusalem as a mediator in potential Israel-Syria security talks.
Is the Islamic Republic of Iran afraid of Reza Pahlavi? - analysis
Since Jauary's protests, the Islamic Republic’s media have worked hard to discredit Pahlavi, suggesting Tehran still believes that convincing Iranians not to follow him is worth the effort.
Iranian worker’s suicide attempt exposes Islamic regime's economic crisis, expert says
A 35-year-old man, one of 20 employees laid off because of wartime conditions, attempted to take his life in Mahshahr after the Labor Department failed to respond to his requests.
Here are some of Trump’s options as he prepares to increase economic pressure on Iran
Experts say the Trump administration can also try these options: Sanctions on Chinese 'Teapot' refineries, targeting entities and individuals helping Iran evade sanctions, and a land blockade.
Hamas support plunges among Palestinians as Barghouti emerges as top Abbas successor - poll
New polling presented by Khalil Shikaki shows declining confidence in Hamas and the Palestinian Authority, growing support for negotiations, and a potentially decisive role for Marwan Barghouti.
Lebanese economic recovery in 2025 will be undone by 2026 conflict, World Bank report shows
The report, titled “A Conflict-Torn Economy,” estimated that Lebanon’s real gross domestic product (GDP) expanded by 4.2% in 2025, marking its strongest growth since 2019.
Syria's aviation revival: How the end of Assad and the Iran war brought the industry back
The war-torn nation began its revival effort soon after the ousting of former president Bashar al-Assad, with recent developments including the return of Syrian Airlines to Europe.
