Middle East & Central Asia News
LAST UPDATE: September 25, 2025
Pakistan PM Shehbaz urges IMF to factor flood impact into review
Pakistan’s Prime Minister Shehbaz Sharif has urged the IMF to consider the impact of recent devastating floods when conducting its next review of the country’s bailout program. He stated that the government would finalize a comprehensive relief package for flood victims after consulting with the IMF to ensure it aligns with the ongoing bailout. The IMF’s resident representative said the organization is assessing the damage and will discuss an appropriate policy response during its next review mission.
Insight
The need for Pakistan to consult with the IMF on flood relief highlights the tight fiscal constraints the country is under due to its bailout agreement. This demonstrates how a country’s vulnerability to climate-related disasters can be compounded by its economic and financial obligations, requiring a delicate balance between humanitarian needs and fiscal discipline.
Macron tells Iran president only hours remain to avert nuclear sanctions
French President Emmanuel Macron told Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian that only a few hours remained to avert the reimposition of UN sanctions. Macron urged Iran to reverse steps taken following an attack in June and allow full access for UN nuclear inspectors. The French, British, and German governments have set a deadline for Iran to comply with the 2015 nuclear deal or face renewed sanctions.
Insight
The high-stakes negotiations between Iran and European powers underscore the persistent fragility of the nuclear deal. The looming deadline and the potential for a return to sanctions highlight the escalating tensions, which could have significant geopolitical and economic consequences, including a rise in oil prices and disruption of global trade.
Iran will never seek nuclear weapons, president tells UN
Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian told the United Nations General Assembly that Iran has never sought and will never seek to build a nuclear bomb. He accused European powers of acting in “bad faith” and criticized recent Israeli and US strikes. The statement comes as Iran faces the threat of new UN sanctions.
Insight
This public declaration from Iran’s president at the UN is a diplomatic effort to counter mounting international pressure. It aims to portray Iran as a responsible actor while deflecting blame for the nuclear stalemate, even as its actions are viewed with suspicion by many Western nations.
Russia and Iran sign memo on building small nuclear power plants in Iran
Russia and Iran have signed a memorandum of understanding to build small nuclear power plants in Iran. The agreement was signed by the head of Russia’s state nuclear corporation Rosatom and Iran’s top nuclear official. The deal is described as a “strategic project” by Rosatom.
Insight
The signing of this agreement between Russia and Iran signals a strengthening of their strategic partnership. This could be a way for both countries to counter Western sanctions and diplomatic isolation, with Russia providing nuclear technology and Iran gaining energy independence and leverage in its nuclear negotiations with the West.
Global Ports Leader Sees Trade Shifting, Not Slowing
A global ports leader believes that trade is shifting rather than slowing, in response to rising geopolitical tensions and tariffs. The shift is being driven by companies rerouting supply chains and looking for new trading partners to avoid tariffs and other trade barriers. The expert noted that while some trade routes are shrinking, others are growing rapidly.
Insight
This insight points to the fundamental re-shaping of global supply chains in response to geopolitical and protectionist forces. It suggests that companies are not just absorbing costs but are actively restructuring their operations, which could lead to a more diversified but potentially less efficient global trade network.
