Iran’s Larijani in Qatar, meets Hamas leadership: What to know Qatar and Oman have played a vital role in mediating between Iran and the United States to avoid military confrontation that would spill over to the rest of the region. Iran
Kuwait blacklists eight Lebanon hospitals over alleged Hezbollah ties: What to know The affected hospitals, located in areas where Hezbollah has a heavy presence, are believed to be run by Hezbollah-affiliated institutions. Lebanon
US troops pull out of Shaddadi base in Syria: What to know The base has been a hub for American troops between the central city of Hasakah and the strategic Khabur River Valley, once the gateway to the Islamic State's oil-producing heartland. By Jared Szuba In Washington, DC, reporting on defense, national security, military
Iraq’s Maliki rejects Trump criticism, vows to stay in PM race Maliki refused to withdraw from the race, despite mounting pressure from the US, and expressed a desire for good relations with Iraq’s neighbors and Washington. Iraq
Hezbollah founder dies of coronavirus in Iran Ali Akbar Mohtashamipour died in northern Tehran at the age of 75, local media reported. Iran
UN urges Houthis to permit inspection of aging oil tanker The Houthis, who control access to the FSO Safer, have prevented the UN from sending a technical team to assess the risk of a potential massive oil spill. Yemen
Two Iranian military advisers killed by IS in Syria The Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps members died during an ambush near Deir ez-Zor in eastern Syria, where the Islamic State remains active. News Brief
Hamas renews threats against Israel as Qatari aid to Gaza delayed Hamas said it would renew "pressure" on Israel's border if aid does not come by next week. Palestine
Hayat Tahrir al-Sham cracks down on Assad supporters in Idlib Hayat Tahrir al-Sham carried out a spate of arrests in several areas under its control in Idlib, targeting pro-Syrian government individuals who supported President Bashar al-Assad in the recent presidential elections, as well as members of the Islamic State. Syria
IDF arrests senior Hamas official in West Bank Jamal Taweel sought to reestablish a Hamas office in Ramallah, the IDF said. Palestine
Iraq ramps up border security via tunnels, surveillance Iraq focuses on preventing terrorist organizations from entering its territories, after they have used the border areas to conduct operations and move between Syria and Iraq. By Adnan Abu Zeed
Iraqi armed factions using drones against US-led coalition Iraqi security and coalition forces are increasingly concerned about the use of drones by armed factions against military bases and airports. Iraq
Qatari foreign minister visits Egypt Relations between Qatar and Egypt have continued to improve following the January agreement that ended the Gulf diplomatic rift. Egypt
Libyan LGBTQ+ activists speak out on violence by extremist militias In Libya, amid the ongoing conflict and chaos, the country's first LGBTQ+ platform is fighting for a safe space for lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender and queer individuals. North Africa
Hamas sees possible cease-fire with Israel within days Israel rejected a prior truce offer, though the White House blamed Hamas. News Brief
Little-known groups target Turkish military presence in Syria Two little-known groups in northwest Syria are claiming responsibility for attacks against Turkish troops in the area, which some say may benefit al-Qaeda against Hayat Tahrir al-Sham. Syria
