Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: August 27, 2025
China seeks closer trade ties with Saudi Arabia as Gulf trade deal stalls
With a broader China–GCC trade deal stalled, China’s commerce minister met with Saudi counterparts in Beijing to discuss cooperation in new energy, capital markets, and aligning Belt and Road with Vision 2030.
Insight
China appears to be pivoting toward bilateral engagement with Saudi Arabia to sustain momentum in its economic expansion, especially as multilateral negotiations falter.
UN nuclear watchdog chief says inspectors ‘back in Iran’
The IAEA has reinstated inspectors to Iran—the first deployment since the conflict with Israel earlier in the year—marking a resumption of nuclear oversight.
Insight
Restarting inspections suggests a gradual restoration of international nuclear monitoring after disruptions, signaling diplomatic progress amid heightened regional tensions.
After the shock of war, Iranians yearn for change
Iranians, grappling with the impact of regional conflict, express a growing desire for political change and reform in the current system.
Insight
The conflict appears to have catalyzed broader public frustration with the status quo, possibly energizing domestic pressure for systemic reform.
