Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: August 28, 2025
Europeans likely to initiate UN sanctions process on Iran on Thursday, sources say
Britain, France, and Germany plan to begin the U.N. “snapback” sanctions process against Iran, targeting its nuclear activities.
Insight
This move increases diplomatic pressure on Iran and underscores European impatience with Tehran’s nuclear noncompliance.
Egypt signs $220 million solar project with UAE, China and Bahrain
Egypt signs deal to build a 2 GW solar cell and panel manufacturing complex in Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Insight
Represents a significant investment in regional renewable infrastructure and energy self-sufficiency.
Kyrgyzstan begins mining gold at Kumtor deposit after nationalisation
Kyrgyzstan has begun underground gold mining at the nationalized Kumtor site, adding 147 metric tons of reserves.
Insight
Marks a critical step in monetizing national assets and increasing state revenue, with long-term extraction potential.
Europeans likely to initiate UN sanctions process on Iran on Thursday, sources say
Britain, France, and Germany are expected to trigger the UN “snapback” sanctions mechanism against Iran over nuclear activities.
Insight
Demonstrates unified European action increasing pressure on Tehran amid frustration with its nuclear trajectory.
Egypt signs $220 million solar project with UAE, China and Bahrain
Egypt signed an agreement to build a 2 GW solar cell and panel manufacturing facility in the Suez Canal Economic Zone.
Insight
A strategic investment in renewable energy infrastructure aimed at regional manufacturing and energy autonomy.
Kyrgyzstan begins mining gold at Kumtor deposit after nationalisation
Kyrgyzstan has started underground gold extraction at the nationalized Kumtor mine, adding significant new reserves.
Insight
The operation marks a major step in asserting state control over strategic resources and boosting national revenue capacity.
No Evidence Iran Nuclear Material Has Moved, UN Watchdog Says
The IAEA stated there is no sign that Iran has relocated near-bomb-grade nuclear material from the Isfahan site after a U.S. strike.
Insight
The finding tempers fears of immediate escalation but also underscores limits in verifying Iran’s nuclear activities without full inspection access.
