Trump Confirms US to Send Second Aircraft Carrier to Middle East to Pressure Iran
US President Donald Trump confirmed that the US military will dispatch a second aircraft carrier strike group to the Middle East as a means of pressuring Iran into reaching an agreement with the United States. Trump stated that if the US and Iran fail to reach a deal, “we will need it,” and warned that the outcome will be “bad” if negotiations are unsuccessful. The USS Abraham Lincoln carrier strike group is currently deployed in Middle Eastern waters.
Top Iranian Leader’s Aide Denies Iran Sent Letter to US
The Secretary of Iran’s Supreme National Security Council denied claims that Iran had sent a letter to the US, stating that Tehran has transmitted no messages to Washington. Following visits to Oman and Qatar, he emphasized in media interviews that the timing for the next round of Iran-US negotiations has not yet been set, though both sides wish to continue talks.
Saudi Arabia Launches 2026 Human Capability Initiative Conference
Saudi Arabia’s Human Capability Development Program announced that the third Human Capability Initiative conference will be held in Riyadh from May 3-4, 2026, under the theme “Human Code,” bringing together global leaders to advance human capital development. The UK has been designated as the guest of honor for this edition, with expectations to attract over 15,000 global leaders focusing on creating learning and working environments that unleash human potential in the AI era.
Saudi Aramco and Microsoft Sign MoU to Explore AI Industrial Solutions
Saudi Aramco announced the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with Microsoft to support Aramco’s advancement of digital projects in Saudi Arabia, aimed at accelerating industrial AI applications, enhancing digital capabilities, and strengthening talent development. The two parties will explore AI-driven industrial solutions based on the Microsoft Azure cloud platform to improve operational efficiency and enhance global competitiveness.
Qatar Sovereign Fund Partners with Franklin Templeton to Launch $200 Million Equity Fund
The Qatar Investment Authority has jointly launched an equity fund with an initial size of $200 million in partnership with US asset management firm Franklin Templeton. This initiative is part of the sovereign wealth fund’s strategy to continuously enhance liquidity and promote trading activity on the Qatar Stock Exchange, aiming to boost market vitality.
UAE Announces Reduced Working Hours for Private Sector Employees During Ramadan
The UAE Ministry of Human Resources announced that working hours for private sector employees will be reduced by 2 hours during Ramadan. During the prescribed daily working hours in Ramadan, private companies may allow employees flexible work or remote work arrangements, with additional working hours considered overtime entitling workers to extra compensation.
Turkey Continues Tight Monetary Policy to Combat High Inflation
The Governor of the Central Bank of the Republic of Turkey announced that the country will continue its tight monetary policy to consolidate the declining trend of inflation, projecting that inflation will fall to between 15% and 21% by the end of 2026. Data from the Turkish Statistical Institute shows the country’s consumer price index rose 30.65% year-on-year in January 2026, with a month-on-month increase of 4.84%.
Turkish President Visits Saudi Arabia, Issues Joint Statement on Strengthening Bilateral Relations
Following Turkish President Erdoğan’s visit to Saudi Arabia, both sides issued a joint statement emphasizing continued joint efforts to develop non-oil trade volumes based on deep-rooted historical ties and brotherhood. Both sides also stressed the importance of organizing trade events through the “Saudi-Turkish Business Council” and completing the “GCC-Turkey Free Trade Agreement.”