Iran claims aluminium plant attacks in Gulf as Houthis join war

Tehran (AFP) – Iran claimed on Sunday attacks on two major aluminium plants in the Gulf, further raising the economic stakes of the Middle East war after Yemen’s Iran-backed Houthis joined the conflict.

Most Gulf markets ease on fears of broader Iran conflict

Most Gulf stock markets slipped in early Sunday trading as fears of a broader Iran-linked ​conflict weighed on investor sentiment after Yemen’s ‌Houthis launched their first attacks on Israel since the conflict began and the U.S. deployed additional forces to the ​Middle East.

Europe seeks to increase deportations as some warn of Trump-like tactics

BRUSSELS (AP) — The European Union is expanding its powers to track, raid and deport migrants to return hubs in third countries in Africa and elsewhere, quietly adopting tactics of the Trump administration that have drawn public criticism across the 27-nation bloc.

The EU continues to tighten migration policies after right-wing parties took power in some countries in 2024. 

Egypt and Pakistan Foreign Ministers discuss strengthening ties, regional developments  

On March 29, Egyptian Foreign Minister Badr Abdel-Aaty met with Pakistan’s Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ishaq Dar in Islamabad during the quadrilateral ministerial meeting on regional de-escalation efforts. The talks highlighted the historic partnership between Egypt and Pakistan, with both sides emphasizing the importance of boosting economic cooperation, expanding trade, and linking strategic logistics hubs such as the Suez Canal Economic Zone and Gwadar Port. 

Classes suspended in Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia due to unstable weather  

On Sunday morning, three major Egyptian governorates—Cairo, Giza, and Qalyubia—announced the suspension of school activities as the country faced a wave of unstable weather. 

Egyptian banks shine in global brand rankings  

A new milestone reinforces the strength of Egypt’s banking sector on the world stage. The Brand Finance 2026 ranking of the top 500 banking brands included three Egyptian institutions—the National Bank of Egypt, Banque Misr, and Commercial International Bank (CIB).