🇪🇬Week of September 28

The Ethiopian army has taken control of the town of Alamata in Tigray, the first such gain since fighting resumed in the region. The advance followed heavy clashes, and pro-government forces aligned with Addis Ababa announced the seizure of the strategic town.1234567

Ethiopia accused Egypt and Sudan of backing an alliance of armed groups fighting in Tigray as the conflict widened. Sudan's army responded to the accusation and denied supporting Ethiopian opposition groups against Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed's government.27

Eritrea has not ruled out a war with Ethiopia, according to the pro-government outlet Al-Sharq al-Awsat. The warning came as the United Nations cautioned that conditions in northern Ethiopia were deteriorating.87

Attributed claim: Egyptian pro-government broadcaster Ahmed Moussa said Ethiopian regime forces were taking heavy blows and losses, a framing that contrasts with the pro-government and wire accounts of an Ethiopian military advance on Alamata.934

US Central Command (CENTCOM) stated that Iran does not control the Strait of Hormuz and that thousands of ships continue to transit the waterway. CENTCOM described claims by Iran's Revolutionary Guard (IRGC) that it controls the strait as false.123456

Iranian Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi revealed details of a meeting with Qatari mediators in New York, where discussions covered the Strait of Hormuz and the nuclear file. Araghchi said he expects a US response on Tuesday to an Iranian proposal to open the Strait of Hormuz.78

A round of talks between Washington and Tehran took place in New York through Qatari mediation. Despite President Trump's rejection, Iran is awaiting a response to its "seven-day" proposal.910

Attributed claim: Iranian media reported that no talks with Washington are scheduled, following Trump's mention of possible negotiations. A military expert said Washington's rejection of the Iranian proposal indicates a continuation of the maximum pressure strategy.1112

Five people were arrested near the British air base at Fairford, a facility used by US forces, over an alleged plot to attack it. Britain has since released the suspects, drawing criticism from Washington.1234

US Secretary of State Marco Rubio said the incident at the British air base bears the fingerprints of a foreign party. President Donald Trump also criticized Britain's decision to release the suspects.561

Iran denied any connection to the arrest of five people near Fairford air base. The denial came as coverage of the alleged threat at the base continued.4

Britain warned of threats facing Europe and the world following the Fairford base incident. The warning was issued as Washington pressed its criticism of the suspects' release.3

The Egyptian Exchange lost about 254 billion pounds over seven consecutive sessions, with losses recorded across 13 sectors. Building materials and real estate stocks were at the forefront of the shares affected by the decline.12

The market came under pressure from regional tensions and a decline in liquidity. On the morning of the seventh session, the bourse turned green, with 149 shares rising.34

Attributed claim: Capital Financial attributed the decline to profit-taking rather than the interest rate decision, while CNN Arabic linked the pressure to regional tensions and lower liquidity.53

Egypt's Real Estate Tax Authority has made it mandatory for all citizens to register their residential units on the tax platform to prove whether they qualify for an exemption. The head of the authority stated that registration is obligatory for everyone, and residential housing is exempt from tax up to 8 million pounds. A 25 percent discount is available for those who register before September 30.12

Property owners who fail to register on the tax platform face fines of up to 2,000 pounds. The registration requirement applies to all units, and the tax authority has introduced alternatives for paying real estate taxes to ease difficulties with the registration process. The authority also clarified whether registration in the real estate tax application is required for property owners.345

The electronic collection of real estate taxes faces difficulties, according to a state-owned outlet. To address these challenges, the tax authority has provided alternative payment methods to facilitate compliance for taxpayers. The registration process can be completed via mobile phone, from 'Al-Awaid' to 'Rita', as explained in a guide for property owners.647

The head of the Egyptian Tax Authority, Rasha Abdel Aal, has extended the deadline for tax facilitation measures to enhance confidence with the business community. This extension is part of ongoing efforts to support taxpayers and improve the business environment. The move follows the introduction of alternatives for real estate tax payment to overcome registration difficulties.84