Syria’s top Islamic body issues decree against honor killings: What to know US special envoy to Syria Tom Barrack referred to the decision as “great first steps,” though concerns persist about the new Islamist-led government. Syria
Analysis ‘A wild gamble’: Will Israel's arming of Gaza militia backfire? In a move critics have called dangerous and risky, Israel is now supplying weapons to an independent Gaza militia in a bid to weaken Hamas. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Israel strikes Beirut, targeting underground Hezbollah drone facilities This marks the first time Israel has struck Lebanon’s capital city since April. Lebanon
Trump travel ban 2.0: Assessing the impact on Mideast nations Trump’s new decision excludes Syria and Iraq, both of which were part of his previous ban issued during his first term in 2017. Syria
Syria front on edge as Israel targets airports, US hits Iran-linked groups Israel's continued airstrikes targeting Damascus and Aleppo airports arise from the threat Israel feels following attacks from within Syria on border areas led by Iranian-backed groups. Syria
Hezbollah fighters killed in Syria as conflict with Israel rages Clashes between Israel and Hezbollah are continuing, though the Iran-backed group has signaled that it is being deterred from engaging in a full-blown war with Israel. Lebanon
Analysis Iraq struggles to thwart Iran proxies' attacks as US ups rhetoric The Iraqi government is trying to avoid becoming a battleground in the Israel-Hamas war as Iran-backed militias continue to attack US forces there, but Baghdad has limited options to deter them. By Adam Lucente In New York City, reporting on regional news, militancy, climate change
US launches new airstrikes against IRGC facility in Syria as attacks continue US F-15s bombed a facility in eastern Syria as the Pentagon's Middle East policy director openly warned that the US military may target Iranian IRGC personnel in a bid to halt militia attacks on American troops. Iran
Iran's Khamenei urges Iraq PM to pressure US over Gaza Iraqi Prime Minister Mohammed Shia al-Sudani's Tehran visit came only one day after US Secretary of State Antony Blinken was in Baghdad, amid an uptick in Iran-backed militia attacks on US bases in the region in response to Israel's war on Hamas. Iran
