November 2026
Under The Radar
Delegations meet in Iran with Mideast region on edge over potential for renewed fighting
Delegations from Saudi Arabia, Pakistan, and Türkiye met Iranian officials in Tehran to discuss preventing renewed fighting and strengthening regional security. Qatar also sent mediators to support de-escalation efforts in coordination with the United States. The discussions covered tensions involving Iran, Israel, and the United States, as well as the war in Yemen and Houthi attacks against Saudi Arabia. The four countries, as well as Qatar, agreed to continue talks on regional cooperation and regional stability, although no date or location was announced for another meeting. Meanwhile, Iranian and Israeli officials exchanged accusations and warnings, heightening concerns about renewed hostilities ahead of upcoming elections.
Algeria Approves First Overseas Troop Deployment Since 1973, Sending Forces to Niger
Algeria’s parliament approved the deployment of army units to Niger, the country’s first overseas troop deployment since 1973. The decision received approval from both parliamentary chambers following a notification by President Abdelmadjid Tebboune. Senator Belkacem Boulghiti said the mission would protect Algeria’s economic and strategic interests, particularly oil facilities, rather than engage in combat. The deployment follows a military cooperation protocol signed by Algeria and Niger. Authorities have not disclosed the number of troops, deployment locations or timetable. The decision comes amid regional insecurity and efforts to advance bilateral energy cooperation, including the Trans-Saharan Gas Pipeline project.
Assaifa
Egypt, Chevron initial agreement to connect Cyprus’ 3.7TN cubic feet Aphrodite gas field
Egypt and Chevron have initialled a fiscal agreement to advance development of Cyprus’ Aphrodite gas field and connect it to Egypt’s gas infrastructure. The arrangement will support finalisation of the project’s financial, commercial and regulatory framework, enabling gas to be transported through a 280-kilometre offshore pipeline to Egyptian facilities for processing and liquefaction. Supplies could serve Egypt’s domestic market or be exported, subject to market demand and economic viability. Discovered offshore Cyprus in 2011, Aphrodite holds 3,7 trillion cubic feet of gas. The agreement aims to deepen energy cooperation and reinforce Egypt’s regional gas-trading role while attracting international energy investment.
Egypt Today
Iran says deal reached with Iraq to expel Kurdish separatists: What to know
Iran’s ambassador to Baghdad stated that Iran and Iraq had agreed to remove Iranian Kurdish opposition groups from the Kurdistan Region of Iraq or transfer their members to Iran. However, Iraq’s official statement on the meeting referred to implementing the 2023 bilateral security agreement and strengthening coordination, without confirming the reported arrangement. The meeting took place amid intensified Iranian security operations against Kurdish groups and reported drone and missile attacks on their positions in Iraq. In February, six Iranian Kurdish organisations announced the formation of a coalition advocating democracy in Iran and self-determination for Kurdish areas.
Al-Monitor
Qatar plans new defence partnership and warns of energy crisis ‘peak’
Qatar plans to announce a new regional defence partnership and set up a domestic defence and production hub to strengthen protection against ballistic missiles, drones, cyberattacks and water security threats. Deputy Prime Minister Sheikh Saoud bin Abdulrahman Al Thani said Qatar would cooperate with regional partners and allies, including the US, UK, and France. Despite Iranian attacks, Doha has kept contact with Tehran and supports negotiations involving Gulf Cooperation Council countries, Pakistan, and Türkiye. Qatar also warned that energy disruptions had not reached their peak, with further difficulties expected in the coming months, potentially increasing shipping costs and affecting global supply chains.
Euronews
Medusa Cable Arrival Announced in Benghazi
The arrival of the Medusa submarine cable in Benghazi was announced at O3’s launch ceremony on 17 October 2026, marking a development in Libya’s international telecommunications connectivity. O3 also outlined plans for a 16.000 kilometre fibre-optic network and a Tier Ill data centre, with ambitions to extend connections into Chad, Niger, Mali, Burkina Faso, and the Central African Republic. The cable could diversify international data routes and increase Libya’s connectivity capacity. However, its arrival does not confirm commissioning or operational services. The company plans trial 5G operations before the end of 2026 and commercial services in the second quarter of 2027.
SubTel ForumThe strategic importance of submarine cables
From the Mediterranean to the wider global network, undersea cables are reshaping the way we think about connectivity, security and geopolitical influence. But who protects these digital lifelines, and what happens when they become targets?
Stay tuned, keep an eye on our social media channels and mark 19 November in your calendar. More to come in the next few days.
