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Analysis

As Pakistan military chief holds Iran talks, Israel's Netanyahu fears being left out

US President Donald Trump's comment that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu would do "whatever I want” is troubling the premier's inner circle ahead of the elections in October.

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Republican People's Party (CHP) leader Ozgur Ozel, speaks to the media at CHP headquarters on May 22, 2026, in Ankara, Turkey.

Analysis

Erdogan’s CHP move raises early poll prospects as Iran war bleeds Turkey’s economy

A court move targeting Turkey’s main opposition party, combined with mounting economic pressure linked to the Iran conflict, is raising expectations of an early vote that could extend President Recep Tayyip Erdogan’s rule.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

This handout photo released by the Iranian Foreign Ministry on April 25, 2026 shows Pakistan's Army Chief and Field Marshal Syed Asim Munir (R) meeting with Iran's Foreign Minister Abbas Araghchi upon his arrival in Islamabad. US envoys headed to the Pakistani capital on April 25 in a bid to kickstart a new round of peace negotiations with Iran amid a fragile ceasefire, though the prospect of direct talks remained uncertain. (Photo by Iranian Foreign Ministry / AFP via Getty Images) / XGTY / RESTRICTED TO E

Live Updates

Iran talks see momentum as Pakistani officials visit Tehran

Pakistan’s army chief, Asim Munir, has reportedly departed for the Iranian capital, while Doha dispatched a diplomatic team.

Iran

Ireland joins EU push to ban trade with Israeli settlements amid flotilla backlash

European frustration with Israel intensified this week after a far-right Israeli minister posted a video of the mistreatment of international activists detained in the country.

Israel

This photograph taken during a press tour organised by the Lebanese army shows Lebanese soldiers standing atop military vehicles in Alma Al-Shaab, near the border with Israel in southern Lebanon, on Nov. 28, 2025.

Lebanon’s military hits back at US sanctions, says loyalty 'solely to the nation'

Lebanon’s army and General Security stressed that their members remain loyal state institutions, responding to US sanctions that for the first time targeted security officers for alleged ties to Hezbollah.

Lebanon

Latest News

Feature

With sanctions off, what’s keeping Syria on US terror blacklist?

TOPSHOT - US Secretary of State Marco Rubio (R) meets with Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa at the Lotte New York Palace Hotel on the sidelines of the United Nations General Assembly meeting in New York City on September 22, 2025. (Photo by Bing Guan / POOL / AFP via Getty Images)

By Elizabeth Hagedorn

In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights

In first, US sanctions Lebanon military, intel officials for aiding Hezbollah

Lebanon

Turkish court ousts CHP leadership amid opposition crackdown

Turkey

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Eight French nationals arrived at Charles de Gaulle airport near Paris on Friday afternoon

French Gaza activists arrive home after Israel expulsion

Agence France-Presse

US President Donald Trump and Donald Trump Jr. were seen together at the White House earlier this month

Trump skips son's wedding as Iran talks continue

Agence France-Presse

A handout showing Pakistan's Asim Munir arriving in Tehran

Pakistan military chief arrives in Tehran in push to end Iran war

Agence France-Presse

Director of National Intelligence (DNI) Tulsi Gabbard testifies before a U.S. House Intelligence Committee hearing on worldwide threats, on Capitol Hill in Washington, D.C., U.S., March 19, 2026. REUTERS/Kylie Cooper

Gabbard resigns as Trump's top US intelligence official

Reuters

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On the Middle East with Amberin Zaman

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Interview

UK fintech brings foreign currency accounts to Syrians at home

A Syrian citizen exchanges old banknotes for new notes released and distributed by the central bank, at a bank in the capital, Damascus, on Jan. 3, 2026.

Interview

Syrian Kurdish commander Kobane says Turkey visit ‘in the making,’ Ocalan meeting possible

Mazloum Kobane

SDF commander in chief

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Olmert: Only Israel-Lebanon deal can curb Hezbollah, occupation 'unviable'

Ehud Olmert

Former Israeli prime minister

Interview

Ahmad Tibi says Arab parties in Israel can block Netanyahu without joining next government

Ahmad Tibi

Israeli Arab lawmaker

Arab-Israeli Knesset member Ahmed Tibi takes part in a demonstration against rising crime rates against Arab-Israelis in Tel Aviv, Israel, Jan. 31, 2026.

Analysis

Stay a step ahead of your colleagues.

Analysis

As Pakistan military chief holds Iran talks, Israel's Netanyahu fears being left out

By Ben Caspit

In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense

Analysis

As Gulf crisis reshapes energy markets, experts warn of new normal

Analysis

Azerbaijan envoy hits raw nerve with reminder of Baku’s sway on Turkey-Armenia ties

A roadside sign marks the entrance to Khnatsakh on May 16, 2025, a border village in Armenia's Syunik Province that has become a frontline community amid rising tensions with Azerbaijan.

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Analysis

Erdogan’s CHP move raises early poll prospects as Iran war bleeds Turkey’s economy

By Amberin Zaman

Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture

Speakers from Iran war energy event: Samuel Wendel, Dr. Carole Nakhle, and Noam Raydan

How the Iran war is reshaping energy markets

May 20, 2026