Middle East / Africa
Saudi Arabia will keep channels open with Iran
Amid regional escalation, Riyadh and Tehran appear interested in ensuring their rapprochement remains on track
Saudi ArabiaLebanon’s Christians will raise pressure on Hezbollah
A prominent Christian leader has floated the idea of moving to elect a new president without Shiite MPs
LebanonUncertainty could impact Qatar’s regional mediation
Qatar has denied that it is to expel Hamas, while clarifying its role in peace talks between Hamas and Israel
QatarRolling blackouts could provoke protests in Iran
Iran has introduced rolling electricity blackouts in Tehran and a number of provinces
IranJubaland rupture leaves Somalia on the brink of crisis
Another regional state has severed ties with the federal government
SomaliaOman will accelerate its diversification strategies
Oman's sovereign wealth fund is playing a key role in diversifying the economy from its reliance on hydrocarbon revenues
OmanRuling party strains may hurt Sierra Leone governance
The IMF has just agreed a loan of nearly USD250mn to improve debt sustainability, boost revenues and accelerate reform
Sierra LeoneBenin government may seek to pressure opposition
A collection of opposition parties have announced the creation of a new coalition ahead of the 2026 elections
Benin
