Saudi Arabia
Saudi Arabia's First Mills deploys AI agent platform in food production first
Saudi flour giant First Mills becomes the first customer of Glasgow AI startup Kodamai, deploying a mathematically verified autonomous agent platform across its four production facilities.
Trump orders naval blockage of Iran in a new shockwave for energy markets
Following the collapse of ceasefire talks this weekend US President Donald Trump has ordered a full naval blockade of shipping into and out of the Persian Gulf.
US naval showdown with Iran in strait of Hormuz
As talks got underway in Islamabad between Iran and the US to find a ceasefire formula, a dramatic showdown was playing out in the Strait of Hormuz, as several US Navy vessels attempted to sneak through and exit the Persian Gulf,
Naphtha shortages leading to petrochemical plants force majeures and record prices
Petrochemical producers across Asia have begun shutting down operations after disruptions to shipping through the Strait of Hormuz reduced supplies of the critical naphtha and liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) feedstocks.
Iran's military warns forces 'on the trigger' as Islamabad talks set to begin
Iran's central military command says forces remain "on the trigger" and vows to keep control of the Strait of Hormuz, hours before US-Iran ceasefire talks are due to begin at Islamabad's Serena Hotel.
US-Iran ceasefire eases oil prices but Gulf economies showing strain – Oxford Economics
A fragile two-week ceasefire between the US and Iran has led to a sharp fall in oil prices, but fresh data points to mounting economic damage across Gulf economies and rising uncertainty in Egypt.
Shipping begins moving through Strait of Hormuz
Marine data shows vessels beginning to move through the Strait of Hormuz on April 9, a day after the ceasefire, but Iran is pushing ahead with toll plans regardless.
Flydubai flight first to cross Iraqi airspace after 40-day suspension
A Flydubai aircraft became the first commercial flight to pass through Iraqi airspace after a suspension of around 40 days caused by heightened regional security tensions.
US-Europe relations strains bring Nato alliance close to breaking point
The West is discussing a new defence alliance format to replace Nato that would include Ukraine. Nato's current form is ineffective, so it is worth creating a new defence structure.
Ukraine’s hope for a peace deal with Russia rekindled by Iran ceasefire
Ukraine’s hopes for restarting peace talks with Russia have been rekindled after a two-week ceasefire deal in Iran was agreed on April 7.
Oman rules out transit fees in Strait of Hormuz despite ceasefire proposal
Oman has said it will not impose the $2mn transit fees on vessels passing through the Strait of Hormuz that were part of the two-week ceasefire deal agreed on April 7, reaffirming its adherence to longstanding international agreements.
UK ranks 15th globally for tech salaries as AI augments roles rather than replacing them, Hays report finds
UK tech professionals rank 15th out of 34 countries for salaries, with AI augmenting roles rather than replacing them, Hays finds. Security engineers rank fourth globally for pay while Java contractor rates place third.
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Saudi Arabia welcomes US-Iran ceasefire
Saudi Arabia welcomes the US-Iran ceasefire and praises Pakistan's mediation by PM Sharif and Field Marshal Munir.
Ceasefire: Iran, US agree to two-week Gulf War pause and 10-point plan
In a last-minute deal, US President Donald Trump pulled the world back from the brink of a massive escalation in the Gulf War and announced he had agreed to a two week suspension of military operations against Iran after he agreed to a 10-point plan.
Meloni visits Gulf to cement Italy's energy ties as European rift with US over Iran widens
Italian PM Giorgia Meloni concluded a two-day tour of the Persian Gulf on April 4, meeting the leaders of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates in an effort to shore up Italy's energy security as Iranian attacks on GCC countries continue.
Iranian crude trades at a premium to Brent after US waives sanctions
Iranian Light crude is trading at a $1 premium to the benchmark Brent price since the US waived a sanctions-ban on buying Iran crude already at sea to ease prices on the international market.
Saudi development fund signs first-ever $15mn loan with Pacific island nation Palau
Saudi Arabia's development fund signed its first-ever $15mn loan with Pacific island nation Palau, financing local business and climate-resilient housing as Riyadh expands its footprint in the region.
Russia shares Israel key power sector targeting intelligence for a possible Iranian Power Day retaliation
With US President Donald Trump’s Power Day deadline looming, where he has promised to do “irreversible damage” to Iran's power grid, Russia has reportedly provided Iran with intelligence of the weaknesses of Israel’s power system.
Trump’s global disapproval reaches all-time high - Gallup
A record 48% of adults worldwide now disapprove of the United States’ leadership, marking the highest level since tracking began, according to Gallup.
Iran and US-Israeli coalition trade tit-for-tat missiles strikes as Trump’s Power Plant Day deadline looms
The clock is running down on US President Donald Trump’s “Power Day” deadline, where he has threatened to destroy Iran’s entire power sector, that could lead to major escalation in the Gulf war.