Shutdown infighting shatters GOP unity in critical stretch for Trump
The Senate GOP leader’s allies insist that he didn’t make the decision unilaterally and that his members agreed by virtue of not stopping the measure. But privately, he and his fellow House GOP leaders believe Thune botched the negotiations and triggered an intraparty clash that could last through the midterms. Some of Thune’s fellow Senate Republicans, however, have previously acknowledged their leader has been dealing with difficult decisions for months. Senate GOP sources, including conservatives, told CNN that is highly unlikely in the coming months. “I understand John Thune and I understand Mike Johnson,” Trump said Friday.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 01, 2026 13:32 UTC
Trump might end his war — but the rest of the world may pay the price
If the war ends with it in control of the critical waterway, it will chalk up a strategic victory. Manuel Balce Ceneta/APAmid fresh signs Trump wants the war over, officials seem to be shaping rhetorical cover for him to end it without fixing the aftermath. Ending the war with Iran controlling the strait would be seen internationally as a strategic defeat for the United States. More broadly, the fallout of the Iran war now threatens another consequence: an even deeper fracture in the transatlantic alliance. So the world ought pay attention and be prepared to stand up,” Defense Secretary Pete Hegseth said Tuesday.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 01, 2026 12:27 UTC
UN expresses concern over Israeli Knesset’s latest proposal
The UN High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, expressed concern about another legislative proposal before the Israeli Knesset to establish a special (military) court to prosecute – exclusively – crimes committed during and after the horrific attacks of October 7, 2023, by Palestinian armed groups. This comes after Türk urged Israel to repeal a law passed by its parliament on Monday that reinstates the death penalty almost exclusively for Palestinians. He described the law as discriminatory, adding it violates Israel’s obligations under international law. Türk’s statement said that this special court would not have jurisdiction over crimes committed by Israeli forces in the occupied Palestinian territory. He stressed the right of all victims to equal protection under the law and the necessity of holding all perpetrators accountable without discrimination.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 01, 2026 12:27 UTC
Trump suggests US considering leaving “paper tiger” NATO
US President Donald Trump suggested in an interview with a British newspaper that the United States is considering leaving NATO over what he cast as the alliance’s lackluster military support for his war against Iran. Asked by the right-leaning Telegraph if he would reconsider the US’ membership of NATO after the war, Trump said: “Oh yes, I would say (it’s) beyond reconsideration… I was never swayed by NATO. I always knew they were a paper tiger, and (Russian President Vladimir) Putin knows that too, by the way.”Members of NATO, a defensive military alliance, have been reluctant to deploy military assets to reopen the Strait of Hormuz, the crucial oil shipping lane that Iran effectively closed after the US and Israel attacked it.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 01, 2026 12:27 UTC
Azhar Grand Imam, UAE envoy discuss expanding coop.
Grand Imam of al Azhar Sheikh Ahmed al-Tayyeb met, Tuesday, March 31, 2026, UAE Ambassador to Egypt Hamad Obaid Al Zaabi to discuss ways to expand cooperation between Al-Azhar and institutions in the United Arab Emirates (UAE). Tayyeb said that ties between al Azhar and the UAE continue to develop, stressing the importance of continued coordination. He also condemned attacks targeting civilian facilities in the UAE and other Gulf countries. The UAE ambassador expressed appreciation for al Azhar’s role in promoting moderation and peaceful coexistence, affirming his country’s interest in strengthening cooperation in religious and academic fields.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 01, 2026 12:21 UTC
PM: Govt prioritizes renewable energy as strategic national pillar
Prime Minister Mostafa Madbouly said the government is prioritizing renewable energy as a strategic pillar, emphasizing that carefully expanding clean energy projects will reduce reliance on conventional fuels, lower operating costs, and create a balanced energy mix; supporting Egypt’s goal of becoming a regional hub for green energy. Madbouly made the remarks during a meeting on Tuesday, March 31, 2026, to review plans for adding new and renewable energy projects to the national electricity grid as part of efforts to meet growing demand and ensure a stable power supply. The prime minister directed the ministries of planning and finance to secure the necessary funding to accelerate the integration of additional renewable capacity. The meeting addressed ways to maximize the use of renewable resources and enhance coordination among the electricity, petroleum, and finance sectors, while ensuring adequate financing for clean energy projects. The meeting also discussed renewable energy projects on lands allocated to the New and Renewable Energy Authority in the Gulf of Suez and the Red Sea regions.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 01, 2026 12:21 UTC
Egypt announces 10 percent increase in electrical appliance prices
The head of the electrical appliances division at Cairo Chamber of Commerce, Ashraf Helal, announced that the electrical appliances market has witnessed a significant price increase of up to 10 percent due to several factors. The biggest of these is the US-Israeli war on Iran, which has greatly impacted maritime navigation and consequently the costs of ship insurance, global shipping, and raw materials. Hilal explained that the rise in the US dollar exchange rate at banks from LE47 to LE55 has directly impacted the import of production inputs, which in turn has impacted the price of the final product. This matter is further compounded by the increase in fuel prices, which has negatively impacted domestic transportation costs. The head of the electrical appliances division pointed out that the market has recently experienced a recession exceeding 50 percent, due to the high prices of appliances over the past two years, in addition to citizens being preoccupied with other priorities such as school expenses and food.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 01, 2026 10:41 UTC
Dubai-owned Dragon Oil considering 3 investment opportunities in Egypt
Dragon Oil, wholly owned by Dubai government, is considering three new investment opportunities in Egypt, Asharq News reported, citing the company’s acting CEO Abdulkarim al-Mazmi. Dragon Oil CEO Ali Al-Jarwan said in an interview with Asharq News earlier in February that the company is exploring further opportunities in Egypt’s oil sector as its outstanding receivables from the government have significantly decreased. He added that the company is committed to investing $500 million in Egypt by 2025 for its operating and capital budget. Production increaseThe company is pursuing a strategy aimed at reaching a production level of 200,000 barrels per day by 2030. According to Al-Mazmi, its total investment budget across the three countries where it operates—Turkmenistan, Iraq, and Egypt—amounts to approximately $1.6 billion.
Source:Egypt Independent
April 01, 2026 09:43 UTC
Al-Sisi calls on Putin to support de-escalation in Middle East
Al-Sisi made the remarks during a phone call with Russian President Vladimir Putin, which addressed the latest regional and international developments, according to a statement from the Egyptian presidency. During the call, Al-Sisi outlined Egypt’s ongoing efforts to defuse tensions and safeguard regional security in coordination with regional partners, reaffirming Cairo’s firm support for the security and sovereignty of Arab states. The two leaders also reviewed the economic repercussions of the conflict, stressing the urgency of containing escalation and restoring stability. For his part, Putin commended Egypt’s role in supporting regional stability and expressed Russia’s readiness to continue coordination with Cairo to reach a comprehensive settlement. The call also touched on the Russia-Ukraine crisis, with Al-Sisi reiterating Egypt’s support for a political resolution and expressing readiness to contribute to mediation efforts.
Source:Daily News Egypt
March 31, 2026 20:19 UTC
Egypt’s Abdelatty warns of “total chaos” as Cairo coordinates regional de-escalation
The discussions focused on the dangerous current escalation in the region and ongoing efforts to prevent a total “explosion” of the situation. Abdelatty held the talks with Qatari Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Mohammed bin Abdulrahman, UAE Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Sheikh Abdullah bin Zayed, Saudi Foreign Minister Prince Faisal bin Farhan, and Jordanian Deputy Prime Minister and Foreign Minister Ayman Safadi. Separately, Abdelatty received Charles Fries, the Deputy Secretary-General of the European External Action Service for Peace, Security and Defence, on Tuesday. The Foreign Minister reviewed Egypt’s efforts to support regional stability, noting the intensive contacts Cairo is conducting to contain tensions. Fries praised Egypt’s “pivotal role” in supporting regional security and its movements to contain crises and promote diplomatic paths.
Source:Daily News Egypt
March 31, 2026 20:18 UTC
Brent crude eyes 60% March surge as Trump considers ending military campaign
While the May contract expires on Tuesday, the more actively traded June contract rose slightly to trade near $108. The US President has reportedly decided that the United States should instead focus on crippling the Iranian navy and missile stockpiles before scaling back current combat operations. Prices fluctuated in early Tuesday trading after Iran targeted a Kuwaiti oil tanker in a drone attack. Tehran has frequently targeted vessels across the Gulf since the conflict began, including attacks on two ships near Iraq. “There is a possibility of a quick operation, quick entry, making some noise, blowing something up,” as the United States seeks a path out of the conflict.
Source:Daily News Egypt
March 31, 2026 20:18 UTC
Industrial Control Authority steps up oversight with over 1,000 factory inspections in Q1 2026
Egypt’s Industrial Control Authority (ICA) significantly expanded its regulatory and inspection activities during the first quarter of 2026, according to its latest performance report submitted to Minister of Industry Khaled Hashem. The report highlights the government’s continued efforts to strengthen industrial oversight and ensure compliance with quality standards across manufacturing sectors. The report further showed that the ICA prepared 745 specialised technical studies during the quarter. Ihab Amin, Head of the ICA, said the authority plays a central role in strengthening oversight of factories and production processes. He added that inspection activities are conducted through joint technical committees to ensure accuracy, transparency, and full adherence to ministerial regulations governing industrial operations.
Source:Daily News Egypt
March 31, 2026 20:03 UTC
Regional escalation deepens as Tehran hit by blasts, diplomacy stalls
Military escalation between the United States and Israel on one side and Iran on the other is intensifying, as diplomatic efforts falter amid continued strikes, mounting casualties, and growing attacks on critical infrastructure. A desalination plant on Qeshm Island was rendered fully inoperable, while a maritime dock sustained damage without casualties. In western Iran, a building linked to a water transport company was struck, killing one employee and injuring eight others. The conflict’s regional spillover was underscored in the Gulf, where debris fell on residential homes in Dubai, injuring four people. Iranian media also reported a cyberattack targeting a Saudi oil company, allegedly compromising sensitive data, though this has not been independently verified.
Source:Daily News Egypt
March 31, 2026 20:02 UTC
BP to invest $1.5bn in Egypt gas projects for fiscal year 2026/27
British energy giant BP plans to invest approximately $1.5bn in Egypt during the 2026/2027 fiscal year to fund gas development, exploration, and the drilling of new wells, the company’s executive vice president for gas and low carbon energy, William Lin, said on Tuesday. Madbouly said the government values its strategic partnership with BP and expressed a desire for increased investment in the coming period. Lin confirmed BP’s commitment to expanding cooperation with the Egyptian government, citing the company’s strong local and regional presence. Lin noted that the company, which has a long history in the Egyptian market, is also targeting energy projects in the Red Sea. Lin concluded by reiterating BP’s commitment to continue pumping investments and expanding its scope of operations within the Egyptian market.
Source:Daily News Egypt
March 31, 2026 20:02 UTC
Egypt-UK trade reaches £2.8bn in 2025: Investment Minister
Egypt’s Minister of Investment and Foreign Trade Mohamed Farid said Egypt and the United Kingdom are working closely to strengthen their strategic partnership and drive investment in the green economy, reflecting deep-rooted historical and economic ties. Trade between the two countries reached approximately £2.8bn in 2025, including £1.5bn in Egyptian exports and £1.3bn in UK exports. The minister made the remarks during his opening speech at the Climate Finance Accelerator conference, implemented through cooperation between the British Embassy in Cairo and Flat6Labs. The event was attended by Rachel Kyte, Catherine Carr, as well as investment experts, international partners, and founders of start-ups operating in climate-aligned sectors. Farid also highlighted the importance of developing regulatory and supervisory frameworks that align with the evolving nature of climate finance.
Source:Daily News Egypt
March 31, 2026 19:49 UTC