Analysis Despite top-level visits, lingering mistrust overshadows Pakistan-Iran ties Against the backdrop of renewed tensions in South Asia, Iran and Pakistan are navigating a fragile detente shaped by border security concerns, regional rivalries and the prospect of closer economic ties. By Rosaleen Carroll In Washington, DC, US, reporting on the Middle East
Syria-Israel talks reportedly intensify as Trump asks Sharaa to normalize: What to know Following President Donald Trump’s call for Syrian President Ahmed al-Sharaa to join the Abraham Accords, multiple contacts have reportedly taken place between Israeli and Syrian officials. Israel
Iranian, Saudi officials in India as more airlines halt service amid Pakistan row Iranian and Saudi officials headed to New Delhi in separate visits following Indian airstrikes in Pakistan that raised fears of war between the neighboring countries. Iran
Israel intercepts weapons-laden drone from Egypt: What we know The Israeli military said it intercepted a large drone carrying rifles and ammunition from Egypt. Egypt
Analysis Macron’s Palestine gamble: Can recognition plan jump-start peace talks? By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis Israel doubts Syria breakthrough as Sharaa signals openness to Abraham Accords By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Analysis As Israel pummels Syria, can it avoid collision course with Turkey? By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Eritrean president meets Sudan leaders over border dispute Eritrea is seeking to defuse allegations that it has aided Ethiopia in its border dispute with Sudan, Sudan
Libyan prime minister visits Ankara The visit of the prime minister of Libya's Government of National Unity highlights an ongoing, close relationship with Turkey, with implications for the Libyan political process, and a likely signal to Egypt and the United Arab Emirates. Turkey
Ankara in risky geopolitical gamble in Black Sea Fiddling with the delicate balance of power in the Black Sea might leave Turkey in a worse squeeze between Russia and the United States. Turkey
Freedom House: Syria, Western Sahara worst in world for political rights The think tank also downgraded Jordan to "not free" in its 2021 democracy rankings. Jordan
Turkey to purchase fourth drilling ship to expand energy projects Amid maritime boundary disputes in the eastern Mediterranean and after a 2020 gas field discovery the Black Sea, Turkey’s state-owned oil and gas company is finalizing the purchase of a fourth drilling ship to expand its energy development activities. Turkey
Will Sudan-Ethiopia border conflict affect GERD talks? Border tensions have escalated between Sudan and Ethiopia in the past few days, coupled with Ethiopian threats to Sudan if it does not respond to peaceful solutions, which has triggered questions about the impact of such developments on the GERD issue. Egypt
Egypt, Greece conduct naval drills amid EastMed tensions Egypt and Greece carried out military exercises in the Northern Fleet in the Mediterranean to counter potential threats on their maritime borders amid tensions with Turkey. Egypt
Israel reopens liaison office in Morocco The mission's reopening comes a month after Israel and Morocco agreed to establish diplomatic and economic ties. United Arab Emirates
How Egypt is supporting Sudan in border conflict As tensions escalate between Sudan and Ethiopia on the border, a Sudanese delegation headed to Cairo raising questions about Egypt’s role in the conflict. Egypt
Is Egypt behind Sudanese escalation on border with Ethiopia? With the intensifying border conflict between Sudan and Ethiopia and the success of the Sudanese army in controlling the border areas where Ethiopian farmers have been living for decades, Ethiopia has been hurling accusations of a third party planning, funding and executing the recent confrontations on the border between the two countries. Egypt
Germany opposes arms embargo against Turkey Greece has called for European leaders to apply stronger pressure on Ankara over its actions in the eastern Mediterranean, but the appeals have largely fallen on deaf ears. Turkey
Egypt backs Sudan against Ethiopia amid Nile dam impasse Egypt reiterated its support for Sudan following an attack by Ethiopian forces on Sudanese military troops near the border, at a time of deadlock between the three countries over the controversial dam Addis Ababa is building on the Blue Nile. Egypt
