DUBAI  - Here are some factors that may affect Middle East stock markets on Thursday. Reuters has not verified the press reports and does not vouch for their accuracy.

INTERNATIONAL/REGIONAL

* GLOBAL MARKETS-Asian shares mixed, U.S. dollar near 2-1/2 year lows 

* Oil drops as OPEC+ resume talks on output cut extension after impasse

* PRECIOUS-Gold prices slip as vaccine progress dents bullion's appeal 

* MIDEAST STOCKS-Saudi ends lower on weak oil, others gain on UK vaccine nod 

* SPECIAL REPORT-Iran expands shrines and influence in Iraq 

* Gulf area is still the place to be - Eni exec 

* Iran watchdog passes law on hardening nuclear stance, halting U.N. inspections 

* Iran outlines budget, promises less reliance on oil amid U.S. sanctions 

* IMF says Lebanon needs fiscal framework, strategy to fix bank sector 

* No global financial support for Lebanon until govt in place -French presidency 

* Lebanon says difficulties in sea border talks can be overcome 

* Israel edges towards early election amid Netanyahu-Gantz feud 

* U.N. refugee agency for Palestinians pays salaries, but crisis persists 

* Israel hands over $1 bln in Palestinian tax backlog in sign of warming ties 

EGYPT

* Chairman of Egypt's Juhayna Food Industries arrested 

* Rise in executions in Egypt in past two months-Amnesty 

* Foreign holdings in Egyptian treasuries rise to $23 bln - minister

 

SAUDI ARABIA

* Saudi Aramco says pump malfunctioned at petroleum derivatives distribution station in Jazan -SPA  

* Saudi Arabia agrees to allow Israeli commercial planes to cross its airspace -senior Trump official  

KUWAIT

* Coronavirus vaccines will be optional, free to all in Kuwait - PM 

* Kuwait's KPC signs deal to store 3.14 mln barrels of oil in Japan, news agency reports 

 

BAHRAIN

* Israel expects $220 million in non-defence trade with Bahrain in 2021 

* Blom Bank in talks with Bahrain's Arab Banking Corp to sell Egyptian unit 

 

(Compiled by Dubai newsroom) ((dubai.newsroom@thomsonreuters.com))