Exclusive 'King of Iraq': Top judge Zaidan played key role in Shelly Kittleson's release Officials say Faiq Zaidan leveraged his influence with Iran-backed militias to help secure the US journalist’s release, underscoring his outsized power in Iraq’s fractured political landscape. By Amberin Zaman Reporting on geopolitics, minorities, human rights, culture
Analysis Trump ceasefire leaves Netanyahu flustered as Iran gains politically US President Trump’s decision on a ceasefire with the Tehran regime leaves Israel far away from its Iran war objectives. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
US journalist Shelly Kittleson released by Iran-backed Kataib Hezbollah in Iraq Two officials confirmed to Al-Monitor that Kittleson had been released. Iraq
One gunman killed during attack near Israel’s consulate in Istanbul Three assailants opened fire outside Israel’s consulate in Istanbul, wounding two police officers before being "neutralized" by security forces, authorities said. Turkey
Iran war deepens Gaza crisis as prices soar, aid falters By Daoud Kuttab In Amman, reporting on Palestinian politics
Exclusive Senior Houthi official says Bab el Mandab closure an option if any Gulf states join war By Elizabeth Hagedorn In Washington, DC, reporting on diplomacy, regional politics, human rights
Trump hails Gaza hostage deal in Knesset speech, vows to expand Abraham Accords In a triumphant speech at the Knesset, US President Donald Trump hailed the release of surviving hostages from Gaza and pledged support for Gaza’s reconstruction and the expansion of the Abraham Accords. Israel
Analysis Netanyahu gamble appears to pay off as Israelis cheer Gaza retreat, planned hostage release The Israeli military started its withdrawal from the Strip even before receiving a formal order to do so. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Pentagon bolsters Gaza ceasefire oversight with 200-troop mission to Israel US military officials will help coordinate everything from logistics of humanitarian aid deliveries to building security force teams, but doubts remain as to whether any side can force Hamas to disarm. Palestine
Israel's cabinet convenes to ratify Trump Gaza deal, military readies for retreat Israeli officials are preparing for the release of 20 living hostages held in Gaza either on Saturday or Sunday and for a possible visit by the US president on Sunday. Israel
US sanctions firms in China, Turkey, UAE over Iran drone network The entities are accused of facilitating the purchase of American electronic components found in weaponized drones used by Iran-backed groups such as Yemen’s Houthi rebels and Gaza-based Hamas. By Jack Dutton In Bristol, reporting on regional business, climate change, AI, tech
Israel says Iran weapons plot foiled in West Bank: What to know The third alleged Iranian smuggling plan in the past two years comes amid escalating violence in the Palestinian territory. Iran
Syria: Siege persists in Aleppo’s Kurdish enclaves despite SDF-Damascus truce Tensions are rising over plans to integrate the Kurdish-led SDF into the new Syrian military amid clashes between government-affiliated and Kurdish forces in Syria’s largest city. Syria
US strike in Syria kills al-Qaeda-linked planner, hints at changing militant networks Members of Syria’s al-Qaeda branch, Huras ad-Din, have been joining Ansar al-Islam as US drone strikes have continued to pick off Huras ad-Din's leaders, a report to the UN Security Council noted in July. Syria
RSF hits Darfur hospital as cholera, dengue fever spread in war-torn Sudan A Sudanese medical organization said a dozen people were killed after the RSF shelled one of the last operating hospitals in El Fasher, as Sudan’s collapsing health system battles cholera and dengue fever. Sudan
Egypt's Sisi says Gaza deal in sight as Witkoff, Kushner, Qatari PM join talks As chief negotiators gather in Egypt, negotiations between Israel and Hamas are expected to accelerate. Israel
Grenade attack on IRGC kills 2 in Iran’s Kurdistan province: What to know The deadly assault comes amid recurring tensions and clashes in Iran’s Kurdish-majority western region. Iran
Damascus declares truce with Syria’s Kurdish forces after Aleppo skirmishes US military helicopters delivered Syrian Kurdish commander Mazlum Kobane to Damascus in push to halt a burst of fighting overnight in Aleppo that risked unravelling the fragile rapprochement between Syria's two largest post-Assad forces. Syria
