Palestine

IMF: How the war in the Middle East is affecting energy, trade, and finance

IMF Ben Aris in Berlin March 31, 2026

Energy prices, supply chains, and financial markets are the main transmission channels, but the regional effects will vary significantly. The world faces yet another shock.

Heavy strikes on Isfahan trigger huge column of fire

bno - Taipei Office March 31, 2026

The city, which has a population of around 2.3mn and plays host to the Badr military airbase, was rocked by a series of powerful explosions that illuminated the night sky and set off widespread fires.

US-Israel plan for Kurdish incursion into Iran collapses

Ben Aris in Berlin March 30, 2026

A joint plan by the US and Israel to support a Kurdish ground incursion into Iran has collapsed following leaks and regional opposition, according to The Times of India, which reported that the proposal had been under development for several years.

IRGC chief tells Netanyahu to accept "new regional order"

bnm Gulf bureau March 30, 2026

Quds Force commander Qaani has posted a taunt to Netanyahu saying the resistance "war room is one" and telling Israel to accept a new regional order, as questions over Qaani's own fate remain unresolved.

Iran’s shadow fleet and shadow banks keeps the money pouring in

Ben Aris in Berlin March 30, 2026

Iran has doubled its oil exports since the start of Operation Epic Fury, sustaining flows of between 2.4mn and 2.8mn barrels per day (b/d), including 1.5mn to 1.8mn b/d of crude. It has also doubled the amount of money it’s earning.

Iran could earn $60bn a year from Strait of Hormuz tariffs, economist says

bnm Gulf bureau March 30, 2026

An Iranian economist says controlling the Strait of Hormuz could generate $60bn a year in transit tariffs for Tehran.

Israel now occupies more of Lebanon than Russia does of Ukraine

Ben Aris in Berlin March 30, 2026

Israel has occupied more of Lebanon’s territory after three weeks of fighting than Russia controls of Ukraine after four years of war.

Global fertiliser market starting to feel the pinch as stockpiles run low

Ben Aris in Berlin March 30, 2026

Disruptions to the fertilisers market are starting to bite as stockpiles run low in Asia and beyond just as the spring planting season gets underway.

Iran causes widespread destruction with a weekend of attacks

Ben Aris in Berlin March 29, 2026

Iran launched a barrage of missile strikes and drone attacks on US military and high value assets across the Gulf region over the weekend, scoring many successes, as the war goes into its fourth week.

Iranian strikes on Gulf aluminium plants raise supply concerns

Ben Aris in Berlin March 29, 2026

Two major aluminium production facilities in the Middle East were hit by Iranian strikes on March 28, raising concerns over global supply as disruption in the region intensifies.

Satellite imagery confirms extensive damage at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG plant

Ben Aris in Berlin March 29, 2026

Satellite imagery indicates significant damage at Qatar’s Ras Laffan LNG plant that was hit by Iranian missiles on March 18, including the apparent collapse of primary heat exchangers at Train 6 and structural damage to adjacent facilities.

Pashtun leaders express support for Iran at Pakistan meeting

Ben Aris in Berlin March 29, 2026

Pashtun tribal leaders in Pakistan voiced support for Iran during a gathering at the Iranian consulate in Peshawar, signalling the potential for broader regional unrest.

Iran navy commander threatens to strike USS Abraham Lincoln

bnm Gulf bureau March 29, 2026

Iran's navy commander has threatened to strike the USS Abraham Lincoln with shore-to-sea missiles along the Makran coast.

Ukraine and Qatar sign defence cooperation agreement

Ben Aris in Berlin March 29, 2026

Ukraine and Qatar have signed a defence cooperation agreement covering joint projects, technology development and investment in missile and drone defence, according to a statement released during a Ukrainian delegation’s visit to Doha.

Iran says US soldiers ‘will become prey for sharks of Persian Gulf’

bnm Gulf bureau March 29, 2026

Iran's military and parliament speaker have warned that US troops attempting a ground operation will "burn," with Ghalibaf saying fighters are waiting and that missiles, protests and the Strait of Hormuz have America "by the throat."

Kremlin says Trump's Gaza peace council has 'lost relevance'

bnm Gulf bureau March 29, 2026

The Kremlin says Trump's Gaza peace council has become less relevant amid the wider Middle East war, as Russia continues to hold off on a decision over whether to join the initiative.

Saudi Arabia warns filming missile interceptions is ‘treason’

bnm Gulf bureau March 29, 2026

Saudi Arabia has warned that filming missile and drone interceptions is tantamount to treason.

Yemen’s Houthis enter the Gulf war on Iran's side

Ben Aris in Berlin March 28, 2026

Yemeni Houthis officially entered the war on March 28 and announced its first operation, firing a ballistic missile against "Israeli military targets."

Israel hits Iran’s biggest steel plants, Tehran to retaliate

Ben Aris in Berlin March 28, 2026

Three co-ordinated Israeli strikes hit all of Iran’s largest steel plants simultaneously on March 28. Iran issued evacuation orders for six of the largest steel plants in neighbouring Gulf countries as well as Israel as it prepared to retaliate.

Iran oil revenues surge as exports rise despite regional tensions

bne IntelliNews March 28, 2026

Iran’s oil revenues have climbed sharply in March, rising by an estimated $25mn per day from the previous month to reach $139mn per day, as exports increase and price discounts narrow despite tensions in the Middle East, says Goldman Sachs.

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