Persian Gulf

World

Iran Escalates Diplomatic Row, Summons EU Envoys Over Revolutionary Guard's Terror Listing

Iran has summoned the ambassadors of all European Union member states in Tehran in a sharp diplomatic protest against the bloc's recent decision to designate the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) as a terrorist organization. The move, triggered by the IRGC's alleged role in suppressing protests, deepens Iran's isolation amid heightened regional tensions.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

HSBC Doubles Down on Hong Kong Investment Banking Amid Strategic Pivot

HSBC Holdings is aggressively rebuilding its investment banking operations in Hong Kong and key Asian hubs, reallocating senior talent and capital to capture growth in IPOs and capital markets, as its strategic focus shifts decisively eastward.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Iran Denies Reports of Planned Live-Fire Drills in Strategic Strait of Hormuz

A senior Iranian official has refuted earlier media claims that the Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps (IRGC) Navy would conduct live-fire military exercises in the vital Strait of Hormuz this week, calling the reports inaccurate.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Middle Eastern Penny Stocks Drawing Investor Scrutiny Amid Shifting Markets

As regional markets navigate post-oil volatility and geopolitical shifts, a closer look reveals three penny stocks—from Turkish media to Saudi healthcare—that combine resilient balance sheets with high-risk, high-reward potential for the discerning investor.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Beyond the Headlines: Three Undervalued Small-Caps Shine in a Shifting Middle Eastern Market

As regional markets adjust to easing geopolitical pressures, a closer look reveals resilient performers. We analyze three small-cap stocks—R.A.K. Ceramics, TALCO Industrial, and Emilia Development—that are navigating the current volatility with strong fundamentals and potential for growth.

Feb 2, 2026

Business

Amid Market Volatility, Middle Eastern Dividend Stocks Offer Yields Up to 6.3%

As regional stock markets face headwinds from easing oil prices and shifting geopolitics, income-focused investors are turning to dividend-paying companies for stability and yield. We examine three high-yield opportunities across the textile, banking, and financial sectors.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Ukraine Peace Talks to Resume in Abu Dhabi Amid Ongoing Russian Strikes

Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy confirms a new round of trilateral negotiations with Russia and the U.S. is scheduled for early February, even as drone attacks continue to target civilian infrastructure.

Feb 2, 2026

World

Diplomatic Gambit: Iran Signals Openness to Nuclear Talks Despite U.S. Military Posturing

Amid heightened regional tensions and a visible U.S. military buildup, Iran's Foreign Minister expresses cautious optimism for a nuclear deal, even as Tehran's supreme leader warns of a broader conflict should hostilities erupt.

Feb 2, 2026

World

U.S. Greenlights $6.6 Billion Arms Package for Israel, Including Apache Helicopters

The Biden administration has approved a major arms sale to Israel, featuring attack helicopters and armored vehicles, amid a fragile ceasefire in Gaza and ongoing scrutiny over U.S. military support.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

Chevron Eyes Major Expansion of Venezuelan Oil Imports Following U.S. License Shift

Chevron CEO Mike Wirth signals the energy giant could significantly ramp up processing of Venezuelan crude at its U.S. refineries, following a pivotal Treasury Department license that eases trade restrictions with Caracas.

Jan 31, 2026

Business

BofA Boosts Chevron Target to $188, Citing Geopolitical Shifts and Venezuela Export Surge

Bank of America raises its price target on Chevron (CVX) to $188, maintaining a Buy rating, as geopolitical tensions and a planned ramp-up of Venezuelan crude exports bolster the energy giant's near-term outlook.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Venezuela's Oil Sector: Exxon, Chevron Signal Cautious Interest Amid Political Shifts

U.S. oil giants ExxonMobil and Chevron hinted at a potential future role in Venezuela's energy revival during earnings calls, emphasizing the need for legal stability and clearer political outcomes before any major commitments. While sanctions ease and new legislation emerges, the path to significant investment remains long and fraught with uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Houston Giants Diverge on Venezuela as Profits Slump: Chevron Bets Big, Exxon Stays Out

Amid a sharp drop in annual profits, Chevron and Exxon Mobil chart starkly different courses on Venezuela's oil potential, highlighting the industry's split response to geopolitical risk and economic uncertainty.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Disney Bets Big on Middle East with Abu Dhabi Resort, Appoints New Strategy Chief

The Walt Disney Company announces plans for its first theme park in the Middle East—a full-scale resort in Abu Dhabi—alongside a key executive appointment aimed at refining long-term corporate strategy and investor relations.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Trump's 'Madman' Diplomacy Tests Iran's Limits as Middle East Braces for Escalation

President Trump's revival of Nixon-era 'madman theory' tactics—mixing calibrated military strikes with extreme threats—aims to force Iranian concessions without full-scale war. But as Tehran perceives an existential threat, analysts warn the high-stakes gamble risks a catastrophic miscalculation.

Jan 30, 2026

World

Journalist Arrest, Civil Rights Probe Deepen Crisis in Minneapolis

The arrest of former CNN anchor Don Lemon following his coverage of immigration protests has ignited a fierce debate over press freedoms and federal overreach, as a Justice Department civil rights investigation into the fatal shooting of a local nurse adds fuel to the political fire.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

LyondellBasell Navigates Prolonged Downturn with Strategic Cash Preservation and Portfolio Reshaping

Facing one of the longest downturns in industry history, LyondellBasell reported Q2 2025 earnings of $0.62 per share, outlining a disciplined strategy focused on cash conservation, portfolio optimization in Europe, and a pivot towards circular and low-carbon solutions to emerge stronger from the cycle.

Jan 30, 2026

World

New Camp in Lebanon's Hermel Provides Refuge for Shiite Muslims Displaced from Syria

Thousands of Shiite Muslims who fled Syria following the 2024 fall of the Assad government have settled into a newly opened housing compound in northeastern Lebanon, funded by Shiite institutions and Hezbollah, offering a permanent solution after years of temporary shelter.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Chevron Posts Record Production, Signals Growth from Tengiz to Venezuela in Q4 2025

Chevron capped off a year of strategic execution with record global production and industry-leading free cash flow growth, while outlining ambitious expansion plans from the Caspian to the Caribbean.

Jan 30, 2026

Business

Seacoast Banking Sees Strong Momentum After Villages Acquisition, Sets Ambitious 2026 Targets

Florida-based Seacoast Banking Corporation (SBCF) capped off 2025 with robust loan growth and margin expansion, fueled by its recent acquisition of Villages Bancorporation. Management outlined confident guidance for the coming year, forecasting significant earnings per share growth and improved returns.

Jan 30, 2026