Iran warned on Friday it would treat any military strike as “total war” and has placed its armed forces on high alert as a US carrier strike group and thousands of troops approach the region. Trump reiterated warnings to Tehran against the killing of protesters or the resumption of its nuclear programme. The arrival of the carrier group adds approximately 5,700 personnel to the US regional footprint. Rapidan Energy Group placed the likelihood of a strike within the coming weeks at 70%. The current tension follows US strikes on Iranian nuclear facilities in June 2025, which were met with an Iranian volley of 12 missiles against Al-Udeid air base in Qatar.

Egypt and Japan have secured the joint chairmanship of the third interactive dialogue track at the United Nations Water Conference 2026, titled “Water for Planet”, Egypt’s Ministry of Water Resources and Irrigation said on Saturday. The ministry said the track will focus on protecting ecosystems and biodiversity, restoring the natural water cycle, and enhancing resilience to climate change and water scarcity, in line with Sustainable Development Goal 6 on clean water and sanitation. Minister of Water Resources and Irrigation Hani Sewilam said the achievement reflects sustained institutional coordination between the water ministry and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. Sewilam added that Egyptian-Japanese cooperation on water and climate issues has evolved into a model partnership, building on previous collaboration during the UN Water Conference 2023. The UN Water Conference 2026 will be jointly hosted by the United Arab Emirates and Senegal and is scheduled to take place in the UAE in December 2026, according to the statement.

Global foreign direct investment (FDI) rose 14% to an estimated $1.6trn in 2025, though growth was concentrated in developed economies while Africa saw inflows plummet by approximately one-third. African Regional TrendsFDI flows to Africa were marked by significant volatility and regional disparities. Global TrendsThe data centres sector accounted for one-fifth of global greenfield project values, surpassing $270bn. The boom in renewable energy projects appeared to “run out of steam,” with global values in this sector dropping by 28%. In developed economies, FDI rose 43% to $728bn.

Egypt is continuing the implementation of monitoring and follow-up programmes for coastal water quality across its shores to assess the environmental status of the water, the Ministry of Environment said on Saturday. The periodic monitoring of coastal water quality is conducted in cooperation with the Institute of Graduate Studies and Research at Alexandria University and the National Institute of Oceanography and Fisheries. According to Awad, the programmes involve periodic measurements and analyses of physical, chemical, and biological water quality indicators. The ministry added that the monitoring programmes rely on the latest scientific methods and modern technologies for sample collection and data analysis. By providing decision-makers with accurate and reliable information, the ministry aims to support the protection of coastal ecosystems and the preservation of marine biodiversity.

Soha El-Turky, Deputy CEO of the bank, said NBE’s corporate finance and syndicated loans portfolio reached around EGP 4.8trn in 2025, representing growth of nearly 18% compared to 2024. Syndicated loansEl-Turky added that the National Bank of Egypt remains the largest bank financing syndicated loans in the Egyptian banking market. The National Bank of Egypt participated in 23 issuances with a total value of EGP 70bn, with the bank’s share amounting to EGP 14bn. Financing directed towards environmental and social projects reached approximately EGP 428.8bn by end-September 2025. The awards also recognise the bank’s prominent role in financing sustainable banking transactions, environmental initiatives, and best practices in managing green finance.

Nasser Social Bank (NSB) has announced the launch of a new one-year “Sanad” savings certificate, offering an annual return of 18% paid yearly, or 17% paid monthly, as part of its efforts to provide highly competitive returns in the banking market. She noted that NSB continues to develop its savings instruments in line with current economic requirements, balancing both social and economic objectives. The three-year certificate offers an annual return of 18.25% paid yearly, or 16.75% paid monthly, with the aim of supporting decent living standards for elderly citizens. These are in addition to a three-year certificate with an 18% annual return, 17% paid quarterly, or 16.5% paid monthly, as well as the continued availability of the “Yom Beyom” account, which offers a cumulative daily return of 11.75%. He stressed that these offerings are part of Nasser Social Bank’s broader strategy to expand access to banking services, widen the beneficiary base, support the state’s sustainable development goals, and strengthen social protection.

The United Bank has announced the launch of a dedicated Doctors’ Financing Product aimed at supporting physicians and strengthening the healthcare system by helping to establish and expand clinics and medical centres, as well as enhance the efficiency of healthcare services provided to citizens. Targeting doctors across all specialisations nationwide, the product caters to both early-career physicians and those seeking to expand existing clinics, establish medical centres, or upgrade medical facilities. This initiative reinforces the United Bank’s role as a developmental, economic and social partner committed to improving the quality and sustainability of the healthcare sector. The Doctors’ Financing Product offers flexible and competitive financing solutions, featuring an interest rate of 5%, repayment periods of up to seven years, and simplified procedures tailored to the nature of medical practice and its operational and investment requirements. Against this backdrop, The United Bank has moved to help narrow this gap and improve efficiency in addressing the challenges facing this vital sector.

Beijing AP — The Chinese military’s top general is being investigated for suspected serious violations of discipline and law the Defense Ministry said Saturday. Zhang Youxia, the senior of the two vice chairs of the powerful Central Military Commission, is the latest figure to fall in a long-running purge of military officials. Analysts believe the purges are designed both to reform the military and to ensure loyalty to Chinese leader Xi Jinping, who also chairs the military commission. Another member of the commission, Liu Zhenli, has also been placed under investigation by China’s ruling Communist Party, a Defense Ministry statement said. The Communist Party expelled the other vice chair of the commission, He Weidong, last October and replaced him with commission member Zhang Shengmin.

Those heading to the protests were expecting violence, but what transpired that evening went beyond what they had imagined. It was the twelfth day of nationwide unrest, yet the atmosphere at demonstrations remained upbeat and determined – at least initially. “Life was normal in the morning, but at night everyone was out for the protests.” CNN is using a pseudonym for her and other protesters quoted in this piece for their safety. As protesters rallied in more than 100 cities across the country after nightfall, Iran went dark. Blood-covered streetsOther videos show blood-covered streets, protesters lying motionless with apparent gunshot wounds, green laser dazzlers designed to disorient crowds, the sound of semi-automatic gunfire, and screams.

Egyptian Football Association President Hani Abu-Rida announced that the Egyptian national team will play several friendly matches against Spain, Brazil, and Saudi Arabia as part of national team’s preparations for the 2026 World Cup. We support the staff with everything we have and will provide them with everything they need before the World Cupm,” he added. The Egyptian national team will participate in the Qatar Football Festival, to be held in March. It will play Saudi Arabia at Ahmed bin Ali Stadium on March 26, before facing European champions Spain at Lusail Stadium on March 30. The draw for the 2026 World Cup placed Egypt in Group G with Belgium, Iran, and New Zealand.

Egyptian TV host Amr Adib on Friday criticized the property tax imposed on private residential units. During his show “al-Hekaya” (the story) on MBC Masr channel on Friday evening, Adib said: “This is my own home. !”Adib stated that imposing a tax on private residences, in addition to fees for phones coming with Egyptian expats, will not make a significant difference to the state budget. “Today you want tax me because my apartment’s rent is LE 8,000 it is now eight million LE. Or is your role to make things more expensive for the people?”He continued, “Please, let’s focus on politics, not just economics.

He reiterated his warnings to Tehran against continuing to suppress protesters or reactivating its nuclear program, Reuters reported. Trump claimed that his threats prompted Iranian authorities to halt the execution of approximately 840 protesters. Iran respondsIranian authorities denied Trump’s claims regarding a decision to halt executions. Iranian Attorney General Mohammad Movahed emphasized that the Iranian judiciary operates according to domestic laws and is not subject to foreign interference. Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araqchi said that Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy had “shamelessly” called for illegal US aggression against Iran, in violation of the UN Charter itself.

The 57th Cairo International Book Fair, held at the Egypt International Exhibition Center, witnessed a large turnout with up to 245,099 visitors. The exhibition attracted hundreds of visitors from Arab and Asian countries, amidst a heavy security presence. Families enjoyed a variety of activities within the exhibition. Some visited the play area, while others flocked to the children’s hall, which featured interactive events, storytelling workshops, traditional games, and arts and crafts. He added that this has contributed to providing a distinguished cultural experience befitting the history of the CIBF and its leading position, both locally and across the Arab world.

Professor of Water Resources at Cairo University, Nader Nour-Eddin said that Ethiopia has proposed selling water to Egypt in the future, emphasizing that the UN has not yet approved the sale of river water, as it is a natural resource. The Nile is the primary source of silt that formed the fertile agricultural lands of Egypt, he explained. He said that these dams, in addition to the GERD’s existing capacity of 74 billion cubic meters, will raise the total storage to approximately 200 billion cubic meters. The expert pointed out that Ethiopia has nine river basins, while Egypt relies on only one river, and it is only fair that this river be left to those who have no alternative. He noted that the Blue Nile originates from Lake Tana with an inflow of approximately five billion cubic meters, but reaches the Sudanese border with about 50 billion cubic meters thanks to its tributaries, reflecting a significant water abundance in Ethiopia.

The Old Rent law crisis has returned to the forefront of the national agenda, driven by parallel movements from both the Supreme Constitutional Court and Parliament. Constitutional Court challengeIn a significant legal development, the Board of Commissioners of the Supreme Constitutional Court has decided to adjourn the hearing of an execution dispute lawsuit filed against the constitutionality of the Old Rent Law (Law No. New lawmakers call for amendmentsIn tandem with the ongoing judicial appeals, several Members of Parliament have called for amendments to the Old Rent Law, with a specific focus on Article 7. This would ensure that support is directed to those who truly need it, fostering genuine equity in the pricing of “Old Rent” units. Landlords’ Union rejects amendment demandsConversely, the head of the Landlords’ Union rejected parliamentary calls to amend the law, asserting that the Old Rent Law is being implemented smoothly on the ground.