Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: August 28, 2025
Riyadh’s 19-year wait for financial hub status
Riyadh’s King Abdullah Financial District is finally attracting activity after years of development.
Insight
Symbolizes progress toward Vision 2030 goals to transform Riyadh into a global financial center.
France, Germany and UK prepare to reimpose sanctions on Iran
E3 (France, Germany, UK) are preparing to trigger the UN “snapback” mechanism to reimpose sanctions on Iran if diplomacy fails.
Insight
This move signals renewed Western pressure and limited confidence in Iran’s willingness to return to full IAEA compliance.
Long-awaited pension payments relief for Afghan retirees
The Taliban government has resumed pension payments for nearly 150,000 retired public servants after a four-year suspension.
Insight
The resumption provides critical relief to vulnerable retirees amid Afghanistan’s ongoing humanitarian and economic crisis.
