Turkey eyes offshore energy pact with Syria in 2026 amid East Med isolation Turkish Energy Minister Alparslan Bayraktar has offered up details on a deal with Syria that could unsettle regional rivals in the gas-rich Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
Analysis France seeks to bolster Lebanon's army through UNIFIL coordination, donor conference France believes that the key to stabilizing the region is bolstering the Lebanese military so it can regain control over the south of the country. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Germany makes first deportation to Syria since 2011: What to know There are roughly 1 million Syrians in Germany, most of whom fled there during the country’s civil war. Syria
Italy pledges to maintain troops in southern Lebanon after UNIFIL withdrawal Italy plays a crucial role in the United Nations Interim Force in Lebanon, with an Italian leading its command and the country contributing over 1,000 troops to the mission. Lebanon
Analysis Israel likely to strike Iran in 2026, European diplomats say By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
Analysis 'Cannot take our eyes off the ball:' Israel mulls next move as E3 preps Iran nuclear talks While the Israeli and US strikes on Tehran’s nuclear facilities caused significant damage, they did not fully destroy them. By Ben Caspit In Tel Aviv, reporting on national security, Israeli politics, defense
Turkey's Fidan heads to New York for Cyprus talks as Libya tensions flare The top Turkish diplomat will attend UN-hosted Cyprus talks amid rising tensions in the Eastern Mediterranean. Turkey
As Iran deadline looms, here’s what to know about UN snapback sanctions As the October JCPOA snapback deadline approaches, Western powers are weighing the use of the mechanism, while Iran warns that such a move would undermine progress toward a renewed nuclear deal. Iran
Analysis Israel races to avert EU sanctions by expanding Gaza aid: What to know Facing mounting pressure over Gaza war conduct, Israel expands aid access in bid to sway EU ministers ahead of critical sanctions debate. By Rina Bassist In Paris, reporting on Israeli politics and European affairs
As wildfires ravage Latakia, Syria seeks EU support: What to know Syria has been combating massive wildfires in coastal Latakia province for six days. Syria
French company revives Syria agreement to rebuild bridges: What we know The agreement covers 37 bridges in Syria, where infrastructure was severely damaged during the civil war, but may now be rebuilt following the lifting of Western sanctions. Syria
EU FMs hold talks with Iran's Araghchi as US mulls strike: What to know The meeting in Geneva follows President Donald Trump saying on Thursday that he will decide within two weeks whether to involve the United States directly in the Israel-Iran conflict. Iran
China, India, EU countries evacuate citizens from Iran and Israel Some countries are urging citizens to leave Israel and Iran via land borders as the airports remain closed. Israel
France blocks Israeli weapons display at Paris airshow: What to know After their exclusion from the Eurosatory and Euronaval fairs, Israeli armament companies have now been prevented from participating in the Bourget defense show in Paris. Israel
EU commission removes UAE, adds Lebanon and Algeria to money laundering list: What to know The changes to the list are still pending approval from EU member states and the European Parliament, likely within the next month. United Arab Emirates
Amid Gulf pressure, Abbas tells Macron 'Hamas will no longer rule Gaza' Abbas has increased his anti-Hamas rhetoric in recent weeks as war rages in Gaza and a deal with Israel remains elusive, but the group has refused the call to disarm. Palestine
Iran, Egypt, IAEA hold nuclear talks as Tehran mulls US proposal: What to know Iran is engaging on multiple diplomatic fronts as it weighs a new US proposal and braces for potential censure by the UN’s nuclear watchdog. Iran
