Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: June 23, 2025
Oman Plans Income Tax on Top Earners in a First for Gulf States
Oman will introduce a 5% income tax on annual incomes over 42,000 riyals (~US $109k) starting in 2028, marking the first such levy in the Gulf .
Insight
This historic shift indicates a move to diversify revenue and reduce oil dependence; Oman may set a precedent for other Gulf countries facing fiscal pressures.
Gulf allies shaken by Trump’s Iran strikes
Trump’s recent U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear sites have unsettled Gulf countries, which fear reprisals and disruption despite prior warming ties with Iran .
Insight
These reactions underscore the complexity of Gulf diplomacy—balancing relations with both Washington and Tehran—raising concerns over regional stability and energy security.
Airlines weigh Middle East cancellations after US strikes in Iran
Major North American and European airlines are pausing or rerouting flights to Gulf hubs (like Dubai, Doha) following U.S. strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities, disrupting travel routes .
Insight
The suspensions reflect industry caution amid geopolitical risk; they highlight how rapidly conflict zones can disrupt global aviation and trade flow.
Syria announces 200 percent public sector wage, pension increase
Syria issued a decree on June 23 raising all public sector wages and pensions by 200%, aiming to alleviate economic hardship after easing some sanctions .
Insight
While the pay rise may offer short-term relief to state employees, it risks fueling inflation and adding pressure to the country’s fragile economy amid ongoing instability.
Death toll in Damascus church attack rises to 25, says health ministry
A suicide bombing at the Mar Elias Church in Damascus on June 22 killed 25 people, marking the first such attack in the capital since Assad’s fall (reuters.com, reuters.com).
Insight
The attack by an extremist group highlights escalating threats against religious minorities in Syria, amid the country’s fragile security situation.
Israel rejects critical EU report ahead of ministers’ meeting
Israel dismissed an EU diplomatic service report that accused it of breaching human rights in Gaza and the West Bank, calling it a “moral and methodological failure” .
Insight
The rejection signals Israel’s resistance to EU scrutiny, which may strain diplomatic relations ahead of the EU foreign ministers’ meeting.
