US moves to assuage Lebanon’s concern over pipeline sanctions: The US ambassador to Lebanon has told the country it should not fear punitive measures from the US for receiving natural gas from a pipeline running through Syria, according to a Lebanese Cabinet statement. Lebanon will be importing gas from Egypt via the pipeline through Jordan and Syria, but on Sunday denied reports that it would also receive shipped Israeli gas imports. The upgrade of the Arab Gas Pipeline to begin to export natural gas to Lebanon amidst their electricity crisis is expected to be ready early this year.

On the airwaves: Lebanese Energy Minister Walid Fayyad denied reports in Israeli media that Beirut had agreed to purchase gas from Israel, stressing that it is Egypt that will be the provider. Speaking to Hadeeth Al Kahera last night, the minister said he expects contracts to be signed with the Egyptian government within the next two months (watch, runtime: 3:17).

Also worth knowing this morning:

• Police forces clashed with protestors in Tunisia demonstrating against President Kais Saied’s decision to suspend the country’s parliament and grant himself wider powers. (Reuters)
• Afghanistan’s currency crisis is leaving mns under threat of starvation. The currency has plummeted by about a quarter since the Taliban took power last year. (Financial Times)