Syria's Shibani updates Turkey on Kurds' integration, slams Israel during Ankara visit The visit highlighted Ankara's growing influence in post-Assad Syria, with the two neighbors expanding strategic coordination on security and regional affairs. Syria
Analysis Netanyahu’s Gaza double game: Back Trump, reassure Israel’s right Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is trying to both give the impression that Israel retains total freedom of action in Gaza while allowing the Board of Peace to move ahead with President Donald Trump’s peace plan. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
What to know about Lebanon-Israel 7th round of talks held in Rome The US, Israel and Lebanon have sent expanded delegations to the talks, set to continue for three days and expected to focus on security arrangements, border issues and reconstruction. Lebanon
Analysis How Hamas disarmament deal may test Iran's regional strategy A possible Hamas decision to disarm would represent more than a Gaza development, testing Iran's decades-old strategy of projecting power through regional allies. By A correspondent in Tehran In Tehran, reporting on politics
Explainer Tankers keep sailing Red Sea despite Houthi threats as Saudi oil lifeline faces strains Yemen
Yemen's Houthis claim responsibility for deadly drone attack in Israel One man was killed and ten injured when a drone exploded Friday morning in the center of Tel Aviv. Israel
Hezbollah airs drone footage of Israeli military sites in Golan Heights The conflict between Israel and Hezbollah has escalated in recent weeks, including with the Israeli killing of one of the Iran-backed group’s commanders. Lebanon
In navigating return of Taliban, will Saudi reopen embassy in Afghanistan? If the reported push to reopen materializes, it could help provide some legitimacy to the Taliban government. Saudi Arabia
After Qatar's $20M aid to army, Saudi relief agency grants $10M to Lebanon Saudi Arabia is opening up to Lebanon following years of tensions over Hezbollah’s growing influence in the country. Lebanon
Analysis Somalia eyes fresh external support amid fears of al-Shabab takeover Mogadishu’s counterinsurgency effort appears to be faltering as African peacekeepers prepare to leave, fanning fears of an Afghanistan-like collapse. By Cagatay Cebe In Istanbul, reporting on security and counterterrorism
As Lebanon braces, four scenarios for Hezbollah's confrontation with Israel As US officials press their leverage to prevent an Israeli war inside Lebanon, fears of a miscalculation have grown in the last few weeks as both Hezbollah and the Israeli military intensify their clashes. Lebanon
Lebanon holds airport tours to dispel weapons report amid Israel-Hezbollah tension Lebanon has responded to a report that Hezbollah is moving weapons through its international airport with a tour for foreign diplomats and journalists. Lebanon
What's behind Taliban's decision to attend UN conference in Qatar? The attendance in and of itself signals progress and the possibility that the international community might find better ways to deal with the de facto rulers in Kabul. Qatar
US Navy rescues 24 crew members after Houthi attack, 1 lost at sea Two cargo ships are at risk of sinking in the Red Sea, abandoned by their crews after Houthi missile strikes triggered US airstrikes on radar sites controlled by the Yemeni rebels. Yemen
Do Lebanon's US Embassy attack, border clashes signal rise in extremism? While armed groups are becoming more active in Lebanon in the wake of regional tensions resulting from the Gaza war, some believe the country is not prone to rise of extremism. Lebanon
Hamas figure says 'no one has any idea' how many hostages left alive Hamas criticized US Secretary of State Antony Blinken’s recent remarks on the cease-fire and blamed Israel for the failure to reach a deal, while a senior official said the group wants more clarity on the Biden administration proposal. Palestine
In Turkey, Qatar defense chief says no plans to expel Hamas The Qatari minister’s remarks came in response to increasing reports that the Gulf state is considering shuttering Hamas’ political headquarters in Doha. Turkey
