Middle East

Policy & Legal Updates

US Treasury Cites UAE and Regional Restrictions in Iran Sanctions Campaign

US Treasury Secretary Scott Bessent stated that international diplomatic pressure has led regional partners to impose banking and aviation restrictions on Iran. The measures include flight bans on Iranian carriers by the UAE, Turkey, and Oman, alongside UAE Central Bank transaction blocks on Iran's Bank Melli. US officials reiterated warnings that foreign entities servicing Iranian aircraft face secondary sanctions risks.

Industry News

Saudi Arabia Posts $3.8bn Trade Surplus With China and UAE as Top Destinations

Saudi Arabia recorded a merchandise trade surplus of $3.8 billion according to official government figures. China remained the primary international destination for Saudi exports in July at 13.4 percent, while the UAE ranked second.

China–UAE News

Trump Confirms Iran War and Hormuz Discussions During Xi Visit

US President Donald Trump stated he discussed the Iran war with visiting Chinese counterpart Xi Jinping following allegations of Beijing supporting Tehran. Trump also expressed optimism when asked about progress toward reopening the Strait of Hormuz. The exchange occurred during a tour of the National Archives in Washington.

Industry News

Tankers Transit Strait of Hormuz on First Day of US Blockade

Shipping tracking data shows three Iran-linked tankers transited the Strait of Hormuz during the initial day of a US blockade targeting vessels calling at Iranian ports. Because the vessels were not sailing to Iranian docks, they were not covered by the maritime blockade. Among the transiting ships was a Chinese-owned tanker carrying methanol loaded at the UAE's Hamriyah port.