Pakistan, Oman push for Gulf de-escalation amid U.S.-Iran tensions
Pakistan and Oman called for restraint and diplomacy on Wednesday as they discussed the U.S.-Iran conflict, Houthi attacks on Saudi Arabia and thre...
President Donald Trump ended his Gulf tour with announcements of major U.S.-UAE cooperation on AI semiconductors and energy, reinforcing economic ties amid broader regional developments.
President Donald Trump concluded a four-day tour of Saudi Arabia, Qatar and the United Arab Emirates (UAE) on Friday, highlighting a series of high-value agreements between the U.S. and Gulf nations. Among the key outcomes was a preliminary agreement that paves the way for the UAE to purchase advanced AI semiconductors from American firms, supporting Abu Dhabi’s ambition to emerge as a global centre for artificial intelligence.
The AI deal comes as the UAE seeks to balance its longstanding alliance with the United States and its expanding economic partnership with China. The agreement includes provisions that data centres involved in the technology transfer be operated by U.S. companies, reflecting concerns about security and strategic oversight.
President Trump described the agreement as “a very big contract,” adding that it would contribute “billions and billions of dollars in business” and accelerate the UAE’s AI development goals.
Alongside the AI initiative, the UAE announced plans to increase its investments in the U.S. energy sector to $440 billion by 2035, up from $70 billion at present. This commitment was presented by Sultan Al Jaber, CEO of Abu Dhabi National Oil Company (ADNOC), who also noted reciprocal investments from American energy firms in UAE-based projects. Key U.S. companies involved include ExxonMobil, Occidental Petroleum (Oxy), and EOG Resources.
The trip also marked follow-up actions from a previously announced $1.4 trillion UAE investment framework targeting U.S. sectors such as energy, AI, and manufacturing. A new $14.5 billion deal was confirmed between Etihad Airways and Boeing for the purchase of 28 aircraft.
On the diplomatic front, Trump met with Syria’s interim leader and confirmed the U.S. decision to lift sanctions on the country. This move, supported by Saudi Arabia, enabled an $800 million agreement between Syria and UAE-based DP World to develop the port of Tartous. Trump stated that the policy shift was unilateral and not discussed with Israel.
Commenting on broader regional policy, Trump expressed optimism about future cooperation between Syria and Israel and encouraged Syrian participation in the Abraham Accords. He also noted progress in discussions with Iran regarding a potential nuclear agreement, stating that Tehran had received a U.S. proposal and acknowledged the urgency of negotiations.
The Saudi-led coalition in Yemen said late Monday that it intercepted and destroyed two ballistic missiles launched by the Houthi group toward Khamis Mushait in southwestern Saudi Arabia.
Yemen’s Houthis have claimed responsibility for the recent drone and missile strikes on Saudi Aramco facilities in Dhahran and Riyadh and at King Khalid International Airport in Saudi Arabia, vowing to carry out more attacks in the coming days.
Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy says Russia hit at least six energy targets in deadly strikes across Ukraine, showing Moscow is unwilling to accept the energy ceasefire announced by U.S. President Donald Trump.
Thousands of young Georgians leave the country each year in search of better economic opportunities, with many moving west. As questions grow over Georgia’s European path, AnewZ spoke to people who have emigrated about what it would take for them to return.
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to pilot drones. A source in Ukraine's Defence Ministry said the restrictions would make it harder for Kyiv's army to down Russian drones.
Ukraine's soldiers have had their access to Starlink satellite internet restricted. Kyiv's troops use the terminals, made by Elon Musk's SpaceX, to pilot drones. A source in Ukraine's Defence Ministry said the restrictions would make it harder for Kyiv's army to down Russian drones.
A 62-year-old man died on Wednesday after floodwaters swept his car into the sea on the Greek island of Rhodes, as torrential rain flooded roads, stranded vehicles and disrupted transport across the island.
A failure by the U.S. and Iran to reach an agreement on a UN-backed fertiliser shipping plan for the Strait of Hormuz within weeks could trigger a food security crisis in parts of Asia and Africa, a senior UN official has warned.
Pope Leo has been diagnosed with lung adenocarcinoma, the most common type of lung cancer, after surgeons removed the lower lobe of his right lung. The Vatican says the tumour was detected during a routine health check, but its stage and whether it has spread remain unknown.
Greek students braved heavy rain to pitch tents outside parliament in Athens on Tuesday, demanding affordable housing and more education funding as rising living costs put university places beyond the reach of some students.
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